Your heater can’t speak, but if it could, there are a few things it would be dying to let you know. After working on heating systems in Northern Alabama for over 30 years, our technicians tend to see a lot of furnaces and heat pumps with the same “complaints” that their owners just don’t know about.
If you’ve ever wondered what your heater might be trying to tell you, here’s what it would like to say.
1. “Please, please, please, change my air filter.”
Imagine trying to run a marathon while breathing through a dirty gym sock covered in dust, dirt, pollen, dead skin, and hair. That’s what it’s like for your heater when you don’t change the air filter frequently enough.
Even though the packaging on most air filters says they should last for up to 90 days, if you have a large household or multiple pets, your filter could be getting clogged as early as 60 or even 45 days. Also, keep in mind that the more often your system runs, the faster the filter will get dirty, so expect to change it frequently during the coldest months of the year.
2. “I get really dusty inside, and that makes my job a lot harder.”
Just because many of your heater’s components are contained within a metal exterior doesn’t mean they’re shielded from dust. When dust coats your furnace’s burners and flame sensor and creates a grimy substance in the machinery, your system is going to have a harder time burning fuel cleanly and efficiently. This means that your system is going to produce more pollution while also using more energy, which will cost you more money.
The easiest way around this problem is to get your heater serviced by a professional once a year, preferably right before your heating system is going to be put through heavy use. During the appointment, the technician will check for any safety issues, like gas or carbon monoxide leaks, and tune up the equipment so that it can operate efficiently.
3. “Stop blocking my air vents!”
You may have heard the “tip” that you can save money and redirect warm air to other rooms in your home by closing air vents at the wall registers. Unfortunately, that is not the case. You can only redirect air if your system has been installed with zoning.
When you close a wall register, or accidentally block vents with rugs or furniture, it creates an air pressure imbalance inside your air vents because that blocked air gets trapped. This can cause air leaks to form in your ductwork. Additionally, you now have the problem that your heater is pulling in more air than it’s sending out. These issues make your heater perform less efficiently, which makes it perform less effectively and require more energy to make your home comfortable.
Need help with your home’s heater? Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, or another type of heating system, our Decatur technicians at Jackson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are ready to assist you with reliable heater repairs and maintenance: (256) 304-8883.