Does Your Furnace Need Repairs?
It may be considered the ‘Deep South’, but even in Cajun Country, otherwise known as Louisiana, the winters can get cold. And since winter is knocking on the front door now, it is time to have your heating system inspected and cleaned. And while the technician is there, they can make any type of heating repairs needed.
What is the most common problem with heating systems?
Heating repair technicians find the following to be the most common cause of heating problems:
- Maintenance: No matter how your heating system is powered, electric or gas, routine maintenance is a must to give your heater the longest lifespan. That maintenance is easy: Simply change or clean the air filter every 30 days and check the drain pan if it needs cleaning.
- Ignition or Pilot Light: A heating system will either have an ignition or pilot light and most heating repair service calls will find that the ignitor has gone out or the pilot light isn’t getting gas.
- Airflow and Circulation: The airflow and circulation can be compromised by bearings, belts, or fan motors that are aged or failing. Air ducts that are torn or disconnected can keep the air from circulating and flowing throughout your home.
- The Thermostat: Many heating repair service calls find that even a digital, programmable thermostat is causing problems with the heating system. As a homeowner, you can check the batteries and while replacing the batteries, use a hairdryer on cool setting or canned air and blow out the inside of the thermostat.
- Mildew and Mold: Heating repair technicians find that complaints of unpleasant odors are caused by a buildup of mildew or mold. This happens when there is poor insulation or inadequate attic ventilation.
All of these issues that have resulted in heating repair service calls can cause an increase in energy bills. They each can impact the heating system’s operation by making it work harder. In the long run, without proper, routine heating repair and inspections, it can shorten the lifespan of the heating system.
What are some indicators that heating repairs are needed?
In addition to an increase in your energy bills, if you’re noticing any of the following, it is time to call a professional heating repair service:
- Weird Noises and Sounds:
The following noises and sounds could be happening for many reasons and could indicate a minor issue or a big problem. Things like a deteriorating belt or loose bearing need professional heating repair service, or a rattling sound, which is usually from a loose or missing screw.
- Banging
- Rattling
- Rumbling
- Squeaking
- Thumping
- Whistling
- Excessive Dust:
If you’ve noticed your home has become dusty more often or heavier it could be a problem with the air ducts or a problem with the blower motor. This happens when dust has accumulated in the air ducts or on the grates and vents. You need to schedule a professional heating repair service soon to get the problem fixed before it causes the heating system to crash.
- Beeping Carbon Monoxide Detector:
The carbon monoxide detector is as important to your home as the smoke detector. If it is beeping, you need to call for a professional heating repair system now. This can be caused by a cracked heat exchanger inside the furnace releasing the colorless, odorless gas called carbon monoxide. This is an extremely dangerous situation and should be corrected immediately.
- Foul Odors:
You should not smell anything when your heating system is running. If you smell any distinct, strange odor, it can be something malfunctioning and should be checked by a professional heating repair service company.
How much does it cost to fix a heating problem?
The cost of heating repairs can depend on the year, make, and model of the heating system as well as the problem and the power source. Each heating repair company has its rates, some are by the hour and some may charge by the job. An electric heating repair can cost around $300 to $500 and a gas heater repair cost can start around $400 and go upward to $1,500 or more.
How often do heating units need to be replaced?
A quality heating unit that has been professionally installed and well-maintained can last up to 30 years. The maintenance includes changing or cleaning the filter every 30 days and having it professionally inspected, cleaned, and tuned by a heating repair service company once a year.
At The End of the Day
It’s all about taking care of your heating system. You’ll need less heating repair services by keeping your maintenance up as we’ve discussed. And taking a maintenance contract out with the company that installed the system is important. They’ll be familiar with the system and will keep common parts on hand should it need heating repairs. Call us now at 985-764-8191 to get started on your heating repair in Norco and New Orleans, LA today!