Broken Heaters Shouldn’t Ruin Your Scary Movie Marathon
Don’t let a broken heater ruin all the Halloween fun. Every homeowner should know the common signs that the home’s heater may be broken or, at the very least, not functioning as well as it used to. If a small heater problem can be identified before it becomes a larger problem, it can not only save the homeowner money but also make for a warmer, spookier season.
Why Isn’t the House Heating Up?
There are a variety of different reasons that the heater in the home may not be working efficiently to heat the home this time of year.
One of the most common is a broken or malfunctioning thermostat. The little box on the wall has a whole lot of power when it comes to controlling the heater. Even dead batteries can mean the heater doesn’t turn on and the house can get pretty cold pretty quickly. Check the thermostat regularly, and replace the batteries on a schedule. Consider replacing an older thermostat with a smart thermostat as well, to help not only save money but also keep the home warm while being energy efficient.
Older furnaces can also have a difficult time keeping up with the same demands they handled easily just a few years ago. Furnaces, like every other appliance in the home, have a limited lifespan. While maintenance can help extend it, ultimately every heater will need to be replaced. Contact a local HVAC technician for additional information and recommendations.
What Are Those Weird Noises?
Homeowners should never be aware of their heater. When it’s working properly, it shouldn’t draw any attention with loud, unusual noises. These noises always indicate some kind of problem, even if they are easily fixable.
For instance, squealing. Squealing coming from the heater often indicates some kind of problem with the blower belt, fan, or bearings. In many cases, this is simply a case of needing additional lubrication or a belt replacement, but it should always be taken seriously.
Another common heater noise is banging or booming. This is likely the result of having a dirty burner inside the furnace. If the burner is dirty, the ignition of the heater will be delayed. That also leads to a build-up of gas, and a tiny explosion when it finally is ignited. Obviously, this can be a big problem. It should always be addressed by an HVAC technician as soon as possible.
Why Is the Electricity Bill So High?
One final sign that the heater in the home may not be working as well as it should be is that the home’s electricity bill suddenly skyrockets.
In many cases, this is directly related to a reduction in the efficiency of the heater. If the heater is older and not working as efficiently, it takes much more energy to heat the home up. That increase translates directly into more money spent monthly on the electricity bill. Homeowners who notice a sudden, unexplained rise in their electricity bill should contact an HVAC technician and schedule a maintenance appointment to evaluate the source of the problem and their options.
About John Henry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has been open for over 20 years, serving the Milwaukee area. Living up to their motto “Quality at a Reasonable Cost,” the company has won multiple service awards since 1996. They are licensed and insured and available for heater repair in Milwaukee, WI today!
