Winter’s coming and your home is starting to feel chilly. No problem, just switch on the heating, right? But what if it’s not working properly? There are many reasons for this. So before you accept your frosty fate, see if one of these problems is what’s causing your heating to be broken.
Certain issues are unique to the type of heater you have, such as a gas or reverse cycle air conditioning or central heating, but here are a few general problems which could explain why your heating isn’t working properly.
If your heater’s decided to start blowing cold air, rather than warm air, this could signal a clogged air filter. If filters aren’t cleaned regularly, this prevents the air from flowing properly and can put unnecessary strain on the heater or furnace. Either the heater won’t work as effectively, or it will simply give up the ghost one day. Clean or replace the filter to see if that fixes the problem.
You should never ignore any weird noises coming out of your heater. Rattling, squealing, clicking, etc. can signal a whole host of problems that need to be sorted ASAP. If you can’t figure out where the sound’s coming from, it’s best to call in a professional.
Newer models rely on electricity, but some older units may rely on a gas starter – the pilot light – to ignite the fuel. This can easily be blown out by strong drafts or moisture. Turn off the gas valve for a few minutes to give the excess gas a chance to dissipate, then turn it back on again. Light a match and hold it near the opening while pressing the reset button on the control panel and it should hopefully relight.
If your heater is definitely on, but you notice it’s not producing as much heat as it should, check that it’s on the correct setting. If this isn’t the problem, it could be that something is blocking the airflow so make sure to check that out.
If your broken heater’s got a mind of its own and is constantly switching between being on and off, this could be due to thermostat malfunctions, dirty air filters, or sensors that have become rusted. This problem needs fixing quickly as this erratic behaviour will cause your energy costs to increase.
If the temperature seems off or the unit is unresponsive, it may be due to a broken thermostat. If nothing is showing on the thermostat’s display, this is a definite sign that something’s wrong. If the temperature keeps fluctuating because the thermostat isn’t regulating it properly, this could be due to a bad sensor or faulty wiring. If there’s not much heat coming out and you’re sure it’s not the heater’s fault, maybe the thermostat isn’t communicating properly with the heater.
If, despite trying to rectify the problem, your heating is still broken, it may be time to accept the fact that you need a new heater. There comes a time – usually after around 15 years – when a heating unit has simply experienced too much wear and tear and no amount of fixing is going to work and you’d just be wasting your money on it. Old or outdated units are also less efficient and could make your bills skyrocket. Say goodbye to your old unit and look forward to a new reliable heating system.
We hope that this article on broken heating has been useful for you. Feel free to read our other articles on everything to do with the topic of heating such as what to do when your radiator is hot at the top and cold at the bottom. Sign up to Ask Team Clean for a whole host of interesting articles.