Heating Repair

Your heating system may need professional attention if it exhibits any number of significant symptoms. Odd sounds such as banging, rattling, or even squeaking may mean that your heating system is having a mechanical meltdown. If your house is heated unevenly or if your energy bills climb steadily upward, your heating system might be on the verge of some serious malfunctions. Cold spots in your house, new and unpleasant odors, or a system that frequently cycles on and off should have you reaching for the phone to call a heating repair service.

It is advised by professionals to get your heating system serviced at a minimum of once a year and, if possible, right before the system is called upon to work in the cold season. The reasons behind this recommendation are many, but mainly they have to do with maintaining system performance and avoiding the kind of unexpected malfunctions that can leave a household in the lurch in the middle of winter. Annual service by a competent technician can, in many cases, also extend system lifespan.

How long a heating system lasts is very much tied to its type and the quality of upkeep it receives. We can count on furnaces to last 15 to 20 years; heat pumps, not as long, probably 10 to 15 years. Both types of equipment can come close to the numbers we cite for them in reasonable expectation of service life, mainly if they enjoy a good environment (neither damp nor dry) and an attentive service regimen that affords them a decent number of opportunities to show off the tricks they can do, in the way that any system operating under conditions close to its design limits should be expected to do.

Enhancing the efficiency of a heating system can be accomplished in several ways. One main method is regular maintenance, which the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recommends for all heating systems. NREL connects said maintenance with opportunities for improved system operation and energy efficiency, which cited an "optimal ignition" as essential for combustion heating systems. Of combustion systems, "the heat should be evenly distributed, and ... the ideal flame should be stable and should not 'ramp up' or 'ramp down' when conditions change in the house."

When your heating system ceases to work, the first step is to check the batteries in your thermostat and ensure that it is set to heat. Next, verify that the circuit breaker has not tripped and that the power switch on the furnace is turned on. Make sure the air filter is not dirty or clogged; if it is, it should be replaced. If the aforementioned steps do not resolve the issue, your last resort is to call a professional heating repair technician to troubleshoot the problem and tell you the safest way to fix it.

The expenses associated with fixing heating systems can fluctuate a great deal; it all depends on the particular malfunction and the kind of system under consideration. They're not too common, but if your system requires some minor repairs, it could reasonably set you back anywhere from $100 to $500. However, if the repairs required are anything but minor, heating systems can get quite pricey. A more serious problem could cost you anywhere from $500 to $1,500, and some sources suggest that's on the low side. On the high end, you're looking at serious cash for serious problems—something like $2,000 or more for a serious component replacement, like a heat exchanger.

Heating systems that burn fossil fuels can pose a serious risk of producing carbon monoxide. The first line of defense against a potential CO issue is to recognize the warning signs. A furnace that is operating normally will have a steady flame that is blue, not yellow or flickering. If you see visible rust on the flue pipes, it is a very bad sign. And if you are having unexplained headaches or flu-like symptoms, the CO could be part of the problem. If you suspect a problem, vent the area, shut off the system, and call in a pro.

Most repairs to heating systems demand specialized knowledge and skills. Some minor maintenance might be within the capabilities of the average homeowner, but most tasks require an expert touch. While some people might think it's a good idea to try to save money by doing their own repairs, the expertise of a trained professional is usually worth the cost. That is especially true when safety is at stake and when doing the wrong thing could easily cause more harm than good.

The typical residential heating system is one of several types of forced-air furnaces, which operate on gases like natural gas, propane, or electricity. Heat pumps are also increasingly common, especially in moderate climates, where their ability to both heat and cool is appreciated. In older homes, particularly in the Northeast, you might find a boiler system that uses hot water or steam to do the same job. Some newer homes have it even better with either radiant floor heating or geothermal systems that double as Earth-energized air conditioners during the summer months.

To stop problems from developing in the heating system, you must have it regularly and professionally maintained, and you must take care of it too. Regularly change the air filters. Clean and unobstructed spaces around the heating system, where it draws in air, are a must. And at least once a year, have a qualified technician inspect the heating system.