Heater damage and service repairs
Heaters in our homes are often taken for granted till they show signs of failure. When the cold gets really unbearable, do we really appreciate the blessing of a central heating unit?
A heater is a powerful machine. It can raise the temperature of the room or building so it becomes comfortable for us, humans, in a matter of minutes. Heaters are categorized as one of the equipment under HVAC certification. If you are facing problems with your heater, call a professional.
Common mistakes by homeowners
Technical issues in machinery can occur for a variety of reasons. Some can be your fault, others just happen because of age and depreciation. Let’s take a look at some of the common mistakes when it comes to dealing with heaters and how you can avoid them.
Extra load
Overworking the heating system will cause it to break down faster and eventually crash. Heating systems are usually installed with respect to the size of your home and can only take a certain amount of load. When the outside temperature and the desired inside temperature vary, the heater has to work on the double to make up for that difference. This causes an increase in the energy expenditures. Also, the heater does not have time to rest between intervals and starts to wear out much faster. A few degrees difference is good enough to make a home comfortable. You do not need to make your home a sauna in the winters. If you still feel cold while indoors, wear a jacket or a sweatshirt to keep warm.
Lack of maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspections are the easiest way to stop costly repairs from piling up. Problems can literally grow over time, which could have been avoided if you acted when you first noticed them. Common problems include the air filters being unable to do their job. This results in polluted and contaminated air full of bacteria and germs because the filter has been overused.
It also chokes the heating system, causing it to put in extra effort to give the same performance. This can lead to early wear and tear, icing on the evaporator coils, sticky motors and other damage. The overall performance is compromised. The pressure meter and gauges need to be reset. The heating system is not safe as it uses multiple power sources and runs through the entirety of your home. Safety features need to be in place and ensured that they are functioning. Calling in a technician from time to time helps prevent all this. Furnace maintenance is a job for experts. The visiting technician will bring the proper tools to restore the efficiency, safety, cleanliness and health of your furnace.
Procrastinating with repairs
Heating appliances and equipment are quick to damage, which means they are a fire safety hazard. You should not forego repairs in a heating system ever. If something is making a knocking sound or a part is moving when it’s not supposed to, have it looked at and fixed immediately.
With minor adjustments, heating can be made more efficient and you can cut down costs substantially. HVAC specialists follow a to-do list to cover all aspects including:
Clean dry air filters
Change the pressure settings
Tighten loose screws and bolts
Replace burnt motors or repair them
Clean full drain pans and pipes
Untangle wires
Ensure safety switches work
Additional features
You don’t necessarily have to rely on your furnace heater for all your heating needs. That’s too much pressure. You can have additional features built into the foundation of your home to provide you with extra comfort, and to ease the load off of the furnace heater.
Extra services include:
Roof and wall insulation – basically insulation sheets create a gap between the wall and the room to trap cold air and prevent it from reaching inside. This keeps the room warm and cozy in the winters and cool in the summer. Insulation is very effective but still many people question its abilities.
Central dehumidifier – can suck the moisture out of the air. With less humidity you are less likely to sweat. Sweaty pits and stain marks will not be your problem. Sweat can also cause rashes and stickiness when going to bed. A central dehumidifier makes the air dry and helps keep the atmosphere cool. It can also function in reverse to keep temperatures warm in the winters.
Smart thermostat systems – technology has progressed and you can have a smart thermostat added to your furnace and heating system. A smart thermostat controls the temperature of the building when it is needed. Imagine you leave the house but the furnace is working full time, when it doesn’t really have to. Smart thermostat systems can lower performance levels when heating is not required.
Easy repairs that you can do yourself
While most repairs require the assistance of a professional HVAC certified personnel, there are some easy repairs and replacements that you can conduct yourself.
Thermostats – all modern AC and heater systems come with a thermostat, however, it is very easy to overlook its functionality. If a thermostat is malfunctioning it is likely that debris has built up inside. Often the thermostat cannot be repaired, but it can be quite inexpensive to replace. Just note the make and model of your unit and get a replacement from the service provider or office depot.
Air ducts – these vents run across the entire building providing heated air to each room. If these air ducts are damaged with punctures and holes in them, you are looking at potential energy losses. If you are really committed to doing it yourself you can find the leak and apply duct tape to prevent more damages. An additional layer of insulation around the air ducts also protects you from tears in the future.
Final word
Heater contractors are skilled technicians. They restore central air systems day and night. Their experience and expertise has provided a wealth of special tips, tricks and wisdom. Homeowners are often slow to contact their heater contractors, afraid to spend money on unnecessary repairs and heating services.
