Know the Sign of a Malfunctioning Heater This Halloween
The thermostat says 75––but the home feels like an ice box. Sound familiar? Heat loss is just one of the many signs of a broken heater. There are many symptoms of a broken heater, some of which are more obvious than others. This Halloween, one can get chills from a scary movie instead of chills from a cold front. They just have to watch out for these signs:
The Home Never Heats Up
Carmel, Indiana, has amazing autumn weather. It’s brisk during the day, perfect for long walks and kite-flying. At night, however, temperatures can get into the forties. This means the heater has to work to maintain the home’s indoor air quality.
Yet, if the home isn’t heating up, the problem may not lie with the heater. It could rest with:
- Poor power source. Sometimes, power surges can interrupt how the heater operates. If the home experiences a power surge and the heater stops working, one should try resetting the appliance.
- The thermostat. If the thermostat needs batteries (or isn’t giving the right reading), it could prevent the heater from working properly. Qualified professionals note that homeowners should change their thermostats’ batteries at least once a year. They generally take AA or AAA batteries.
A service maintenance professional can evaluate one’s heater and determine why it’s not working properly.
Unusual Sounds Come from the Heater
It’s not unusual for the heater to make a noise when it clicks on. However, if one hears any of these sounds, they should consult a professional: - Shrieking. Many heaters rely on belts to work; worn belts can cause unpleasant shrieking sounds.
- Banging. No, that’s not a ghost trapped in the wall; it’s likely a problem with the heater’s ignition. The banging comes from small explosions inside the appliance, requiring professional attention.
- Whistling. EnergyStar notes that HVAC systems require new air filters once every three months. Whistling from the heater could mean air isn’t passing through the filter efficiently.
- Rattling. Something could be loose inside the heater, like a bolt or nut.
These sounds will not go away with time. They require a professional to find the problem’s source and address it.
Higher-Than-Usual Energy Bills
Everyone should know how much their energy bills are each month. When they notice an increase and the heater isn’t working properly, this could mean: - The heater is short-cycling. A functioning heater will heat the home for about 15 minutes, stop for a certain period, then turn back on again. If the heater short-cycles, it constantly turns on and off, wasting energy.
- The heater’s working harder than usual. If the heater struggles to maintain the home’s temperature, it could constantly stay on, requiring energy.
- The thermostat isn’t communicating with the heater. If the thermostat gives incorrect readings, it could send wrong information to the heater. This could make it work “overtime.”
A homeowner can look for changes in their energy bill by checking their online energy account and transaction history.
About Bedell Home Services
Bedell Home Services offers 24-hour help to those living in Carmel, Indiana. Since 1988, they’ve offered plumbing, heating, and other home improvement services to those in the area. Call today for HVAC services. One can even make an appointment (and get coupons) online.
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