Does Your Home Have One of These 3 Common Heating Issues?

Homeowners don’t always give a lot of thought to their heater until the weather turns cold and something goes wrong. Some of these heating issues can be costly or might even pose a safety hazard if not dealt with promptly. Here are common heating issues you may be experiencing right now and what you can do about them:

• Malfunctioning thermostat – If your home’s temperature fluctuates and your heater doesn’t seem to be working as it once did, it may be the thermostat, not the heater. A malfunctioning thermostat often reads temperature incorrectly and signals the heat to turn on or off at the wrong times. Have your HVAC service technician come out to check the thermostat. In some cases, malfunctioning thermostats can be fixed. If you need to replace it, consider upgrading to a programmable model to increase energy efficiency.
• Air leaks – Breaches in your home’s structure allow heat to escape, resulting in a colder home and higher energy bills. Poor insulation is one culprit, but even small air leaks around your window frames and doors can be enough to make a significant difference. The solutions for this are simple. Make sure your home is properly insulated, especially in the attic where a lot of heat can escape the home during the winter and enter during the summer. And weatherproof doors and windows with weatherstripping and caulk.
• Poorly maintained heaters – Skipping maintenance visits for your furnace can cause heating issues and safety problems. While there are maintenance tasks you can do yourself, such as changing air filters monthly, a licensed heating specialist knows what to check for regarding your heater’s inner and outer components. Remember to have your heating system checked at least annually, preferably in the fall before colder weather sets in.

Many heating problems can be resolved quickly, but don’t delay calling a professional if you sense there’s a problem. For more information about home heating issues, please contact us at Wood Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc.