Have you noticed anything strange about your heating system? An unexplained noise or more dust around your house than usual? These could be the warning signs letting you know there may be trouble ahead with your heating system.
The middle of winter is probably the worst time for heating problems. After all, even one night without heating can feel like a very long time during these months. To help you prevent a heating repair in Algonquin, IL this winter, we’ve compiled some of the most common warning signs to look out for.
1. Banging and Unfamiliar Noises
Does it sound like your heating system has developed a mind of its own? If you’re hearing banging or clunking noises from your heating cabinet, don’t brush them off. They may be the first signs of a system breakdown and they can also be dangerous for your home and your family.
Anything other than the muffled sound of air moving through your ventilation system should give you cause for concern. Banging noises can precede problems with your burners, while screeching noises indicate a worn-out fan belt. Perhaps the most concerning are buzzing noises because they can indicate an issue with electrical connections and pose a potential fire hazard.
2. Short-Cycling
For many homeowners, short-cycling is more noticeable than noises at first. Short-cycling refers to your heater coming to life, staying on for a very short time – often just a few minutes – before it stops again.
Before long, the heater starts up again, and the cycle continues. Apart from being disruptive, short-cycling has more serious consequences. It is wasteful as your furnace never reaches its ideal temperature but is also wears down the components of your heating system faster than normal.
To avoid costly heating repairs in Algonquin, IL, call a professional as soon as you notice short-cycling.
3. Dry Hair and Brittle Nails
This may sound like an odd problem to do with heating but hear us out. Dry hair, dry skin, and brittle nails can indicate that the air in your home is too dry. Combine that with an excess of static electricity around your house, and you may be looking at a faulty furnace. Older furnaces can cause similar problems.
4. Dust Everywhere
If you can’t seem to get on top of the dust around your home, it’s not because your cleaning skills are lacking. Faulty heating systems recirculate an endless amount of dust through the heater’s ventilation system.
If that’s what’s happening in your home, it’s time to call a professional to take a look at your ductwork. It may just be a case of resealing the existing system, but sometimes bigger repairs are needed.
5. Strange-Looking Pilot Light
Your heating system’s pilot light should look blue. Any other color could be dangerous. A yellow light, for example, can be a sign of rust build-up around the burners. As the rust is being burnt off it not only interferes with your system’s efficient operation but can also cause safety issues. Call a professional now!
Contact Althoff Industries, Inc. for your heating repair. We’ve been Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!