With rolling winter storms, right now the most important thing is to maintain the warmth inside your home or office so that we can all stay nice and warm. However, sometimes it may feel like your heating system just isn’t hitting like it’s supposed to. Are you going crazy, or are there some real tell-tale signs that your heater isn’t functioning at full efficiency?
If you’re feeling a little too chilly or if the temperature inside is definitely not 74 like it says, you may be working with an inefficient heater. Luckily, there are some signs that you can look out for to see if your system is truly not working well:
Higher electric bill. Is your electric or utility bill noticeably higher than usual? This could be due to an inefficient heating system as it can use significantly more power to keep it rolling if it’s working against itself. If you notice that this is the case, the best course of action is to call upon an HVAC technician to do an inspection or tune-up of your system to set it straight.
It takes longer to heat up. Is it still cold 45 minutes after you kicked on the heater? This could indicate a malfunctioning system or outdated and broken parts. If you’re experiencing this, this is a clear sign that your heating system is not working properly and needs an inspection done by an HVAC professional.
Inconsistent indoor temperatures. Noticing that the temperature inside is fluctuating a bit too much? Do you have inexplicably cold or hot pockets in your home or office? This would be due to inconsistent heating/cooling, another signal that something just isn’t working correctly, or even a sign that there may be an issue with your ductwork.
Frequent repairing. Is your system subject to a ton of repairs? Of course, any machinery is going to need some TLC and some repairs every now and again to keep its momentum–however, if it’s getting to the point of being too often, this could be a sign that something bigger is wrong or that your heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, which usually will hover around 15 to 20 years. If this is the case, it may be time to start thinking about getting a new heater.
Strange smell. Noticing a burnt rubber or plastic smell when your heater kicks on? This is definitely not something you want to ignore as it could indicate bigger and more dangerous issues with your heating system’s electrical wiring. If this is the case, call up a professional ASAP to get it checked out and power down your heater to prevent further damage or fires.
Weird noises. Today’s heaters will generally work pretty quietly. However, if you’re noticing some noises that you don’t regularly hear, this could be due to loose, broken, or worn-out parts in the system. Power down the heater and call a professional as soon as you can to prevent further damage that may prove to be costly!
The bottom line
Like any big and often-utilized piece of machinery, your heater can go through some wear and tear and will sometimes need some TLC, replacement parts, or tune-ups. Keeping your heating system efficient will not only lengthen your heater’s life but will also prevent costly repairs and expensive replacements. Staying safe and warm is incredibly important this winter!
Call us
Interested in a consultation on your HVAC or heating system in your commercial office? Need an estimate, an installation, or simply a point in the right direction? Get in contact with one of our certified technicians today! Don’t hesitate in giving us a call here at Tri-Point Refrigeration. We’re happy to hear from you and are excited to help you along the way.
For a direct line to any of our employees ready on the line to help you, please call…(512) 651-4565 for our Austin, Texas community (806) 686-0050 for our Lubbock, Texas community. Or check out our website at https://www.tripointrefrigeration.com
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