Identifying the Common Problems Plaguing Your Heating System

Your heating system keeps you warm during cold nights. You usually don’t give it much thought when you turn up the thermostat. You only really notice it when they break down and you’re shivering under your blanket.

Before you call the repairman, see if you can find out what’s wrong with it first. Here are several common problems that crop up with a residential heating system:

• Complete loss of heat. This essentially means that your furnace or heater doesn’t turn on at all. Check if the pilot light is on or if it is receiving power. Usually if a heating system won’t activate, the problem may have to do with the gas or electricity.
• Reduced heat. It may be working, but it’s not as warm as it used to be. Check for leaks or blockages in your air ducts as they can impede the flow of hot air.
• A faulty thermostat. This can be detected by wild temperature swings inside the home. A thermostat measures the house’s temperature and adjusts the system, accordingly. If it is faulty, it may misinterpret the current level of heat, and thus make mistaken adjustments.
• The pilot light is out – A boiler or furnace needs a pilot light to function properly. If it has blown out or is weak, your system won’t activate, and it’s time to call an HVAC expert.

A furnace or a boiler is an expensive piece of equipment. Having a professional heating contractor deal with the problems is always a good idea. Contact one immediately, whether or not you have identified the problem.