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.
Heating Issues to Be on the Lookout For
- 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.
Repair or Replace?
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.
Call ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc: We are “Your Home Comfort Hero!”