Oh no! Is your heater malfunctioning right now ahead of the coming winter season? If so, you definitely want to prioritize service now instead of putting it off for a later time. Otherwise, you may be faced with a total breakdown in the middle of the winter season – a headache that is easy to avoid. Repair or replace your heater wisely by knowing when it’s no longer worth fixing.
What are the key signs your heater needs maintenance?
- No hot air from vents can indicate a failed pilot light or heating element
- Unusual heating cycles may result from thermostat or safety sensor malfunctions
- Strange sounds like clicking, humming, or rumbling suggest airflow issues or worn parts
- Odd smells such as burning, musty, or rotten-egg odors can point to electrical faults, mold, or gas leaks
Keep reading to learn more about the signs that are red flags of something going wrong inside of your heater. Then give our team a call to schedule your appointment for heating repair in Ellensburg, WA. We are always here to help, even if it’s just answering your questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need us.
No Heat Coming From Vents
If your heater is struggling to produce specifically hot air, that will become more and more evident as temperatures outside dip lower. Earlier in the fall season, heating problems may not be as obvious since temperatures outside are still mild. However, if your heater is not keeping up with warming your home as we head into winter, you need to schedule service sooner rather than later.
To determine whether or not your heater is producing enough heat, just hold your hand up to an air vent in any room of your home. The air flowing out should be specifically hot. If it isn’t, You may have a problem with the pilot light or heating element that needs to be checked out by our team of professionals. Uneven heating can signal major issues and shouldn’t be ignored.
Irregular Heating Cycles or Short Cycling
You also want to pay attention to any changes in how your heater is cycling on and off throughout the day. Typically your heater will run for about 10-15 minutes at a time before turning back off and resting until the next cycle. If your heater stays on for significantly longer than ten minutes, it may be struggling to heat your home.
If your heater only turns on and stays on for a couple of minutes at a time before cycling back off again, there may be a safety sensor inside the system signing for the unit to turn off. It’s also possible that your thermostat is malfunctioning and causing your heater to turn on and off at incorrect times.
Strange Noises Like Banging or Whining
You should also be familiar with the types of sounds that your heater makes as a part of regular everyday operation. Sounds that stray outside of what is normal are an indication that something is wrong. For example, a high-pitched whistling can mean the airflow is blocked somewhere in your heater, creating high pressure. Booming or rumbling sounds can indicate problems in a gas furnace. Persistent clicking or humming can mean that your heater is struggling to turn on or stay on for a cycle.
Burning or Musty Odors from Vents
The air coming from your heater should never have any particular outer. A burning smell can indicate that your furnace is overheating where a component is burning up. There may also be electrical issues. An odor that could be described as rotten eggs may point to a gas leak. Mold and mildew growth can smell damp or musty.
The bottom line is that any odor is a red flag. If you have any doubts or questions about odors coming from your heater, give us a call and describe what you are smelling. We may be able to offer you tips for troubleshooting or getting to the bottom of the problem. We can also schedule a service appointment to visit your home and check out the problem ourselves. Carbon monoxide testing is also essential when odd smells or safety concerns arise.
Contact ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc: We are “Your Home Comfort Hero!”