The importance of the heating system in a home cannot be overstated. This is because, alongside the plumbing, electrical and cooling systems of the house, it is fundamental to the survival of people living therein.

As the seasons roll by and it is time for winter, you will begin to feel the biting effect of the cold. This is when your home heating system comes to the rescue. It helps to regulate the temperature around the house as well as cater to all your heating needs.

There is a variety of heating systems but most homes still use furnaces to power their heaters. Other forms of heating include heat pumps, boilers, and fireplaces. You can find the different types available here.

What is A Furnace?

A furnace is a household heating device. It can be gas-powered, electricity-powered, or powered through fuels such as diesel. There are several types of furnaces. The type you choose to install can depend on different factors. This can include things such as the cost, its efficiency, how it is powered, how easy to maintain, durability, and so on.

No matter the type of furnace you choose to install or have in your home, what is most important is that it is efficient and it serves the purpose of keeping your home warm and comfortable.

A furnace is not something that you need to change often as it can last for several years. To ensure its efficiency as well as its longevity, it is crucial to give it proper attention often. You do this by maintaining and servicing it. Regular maintenance will not only lengthen its lifespan, it will also help to avoid a breakdown as well as constant repairs.

Additionally, this helps to lower your energy bill and helps to keep your home safe and secure. An expert will be able to detect any safety issues in time before it becomes full-blown.

However, when your furnace malfunctions or does not work to its maximum efficiency, it most likely needs repair. You must attend to this immediately to avoid getting caught in the cold. You can read more about furnaces here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furnace.

Why Your Furnace May Require Repair

Asides from getting warm and cozy during cold weather, you need your heater to heat water for bathing, cooking and for the dishwater, and so on. A malfunctioning heating system is not in any way palatable therefore a functioning system is of immense benefit to you and your household. Here are some ways your furnace may malfunction. When you experience any of these, you should reach out to a heating contractor immediately.

Lack of or Not Enough Hot Air

The main purpose of a furnace is to release warm air to counter the effects of cold in your home. When you experience the contrary, then something is wrong. This may be due to factors such as:

• Blockage of Airflow: Dirt, debris, or a pest may be blocking air from passing through the ducts as well as out of the vents.
• Dirty Air Filter: A filter is meant for filtering dirt and prevent it from getting through. It is normal that over time, it has accumulated enough dirt to prevent a passage of airflow. This will result in a cooler instead of a warm house.
• An issue with Blower: An important part of a furnace is the blower. This can develop an issue and when it does, it won’t supply hot air.

Unusual Noises

Every appliance makes sounds and so does a furnace. While some sounds are normal, when you begin to hear strange sounds, it means that there is an issue.

These types of unusual noises can include banging noises. If this occurs when starting up the device or when turning it off, it may be that the ductwork is contracting and expanding therefore producing the noise. However, if it happens during normal operation either continuously or sporadically, it is an indicator of an issue.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat is an important part of your furnace and heating system. It is what controls the temperature and keeps it at a reasonable as well as suitable level.

When the thermostat is faulty, you will experience discomfort as the furnace will not heat your home as it should. It can also lead to your device cycling between on and off.

Furnace Does Not Turn Off

When the thermostat is set to a particular temperature, it would normally switch off when the home has reached that temperature. If however, it continues to run instead of switching off, you should confirm that the thermostat is set to AUTO rather than just ON.

While ON indicates that the thermostat should continue to blow and circulate air, AUTO lets it control the temperature to a suitable level.

If the thermostat is on the right setting but the heater refuses to shut off, then there may be a problem with the fan limit switch.

If you experience any of the issues above or any other, your furnace requires a repair and it is time to call in an HVAC contractor. If you are a resident of Wayne in New Jersey you can check out Ultimate Aire systems to learn more.

Conclusion

The heating system in your home is a fundamental part of the home and should not be taken lightly. Ensure to regularly service and maintain it. It is advisable to do this at least twice a year and before winter sets in.

However, when you experience any issue with the system, do not hesitate to call a Wayne HVAC contractor immediately.