Congratulations, you have survived December, January, and February, the three coldest months in the Ellensburg, Washington area with average low temperatures of 25°F to 27°F. Your heating system has worked hard this winter, but you can still encounter various heating issues in March and even April.
If you have encountered one or more heating issues this winter or your system is 12-15 years old or older, you should start to think about replacing it–especially when facing a large repair bill. Here are nine common heating repairs in Ellensburg, WA you may experience that indicate your older heating system will likely need to be replaced or at least repaired soon.
Common Heater Problems That Signal It’s Time for Action
- Furnace or Heat Pump Failure: Furnaces and heat pumps can fail due to electrical issues, faulty components, or lack of maintenance. This can result in no heat being produced or uneven heating throughout your home.
- Thermostat Problems: Malfunctioning thermostats can lead to inaccurate temperature readings or failure to communicate with the heating system, causing it to turn on or off at all the wrong times.
- Clogged Air Filters: Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, reduce heating efficiency, and even cause the system to overheat. Regularly changing or cleaning air filters is important for maintaining optimal performance.
- Ignition or Pilot Light Issues: Furnaces with ignition or pilot lights fail to ignite, resulting in no heat production. This could be due to dirty components, faulty igniters, or thermocouple issues.
- Blower Motor Malfunction: The blower motor is responsible for circulating heated air throughout your home. If it malfunctions, you may experience reduced airflow or no airflow at all.
- Ductwork Leaks or Blockages: Leaks or blockages in the ductwork can reduce the efficiency of the heating system by allowing heated air to escape or preventing proper airflow to certain rooms of the house.
- Lack of Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping heating systems running efficiently and preventing unexpected breakdowns. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a variety of issues over time.
- Thermocouple Problems: The thermocouple is a safety device in a gas furnace that shuts off the gas supply if it detects a malfunction. If the thermocouple is faulty, it may erroneously shut off the gas supply, preventing the furnace from operating.
- Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring, loose connections, or tripped circuit breakers can all cause heating systems to malfunction or fail to turn on.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Heater This Winter?
There is a rule of thumb known as the “$5,000 rule” to help you decide if it’s better to repair or replace your HVAC system: Multiply the age of your equipment by the estimated cost to repair it. If the number is over $5,000, a new system probably makes more financial sense.
At ThermAll Heating, Cooling & Electric we have staff on-call 24/7 because it is rare that an HVAC repair need happens at a convenient time! We’re family-owned and operated. If your heating system is not performing at maximum efficiency or it is time to replace it, schedule service today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: When should I start thinking about replacing my heating system instead of repairing it?
Answer: If your system is 12 to 15 years old or older, or you’ve encountered multiple issues this winter, it may be time to consider replacement, especially if you’re facing a large repair bill.
Question: What are common heating problems that signal I may need a new system?
Answer: Look out for failures in furnaces or heat pumps, thermostat malfunctions, clogged air filters, ignition or pilot light issues, blower motor failure, ductwork blockages or leaks, thermocouple problems, electrical faults, and lack of maintenance.
Question: What is the “$5,000 rule” for deciding repair vs. replacement?
Answer: Multiply your system’s age by the estimated cost of repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, a new heating system likely makes more financial sense.
Question: Why is regular maintenance so important for my heating system?
Answer: Skipping maintenance leads to wear, inefficiency, and breakdowns. Many of the issues that push homeowners toward replacement start with neglected systems.
Call ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc: We are “Your Home Comfort Hero!”