Freezing winter temperatures in the Raleigh and Fayetteville regions of North Carolina make a reliable heating system essential for indoor comfort. Whether you own a heat pump or furnace, identifying potential problems early on can help you avoid the discomfort of a sudden heating system breakdown.
Common Heating System Malfunctions
When it comes to keeping everyone warm indoors, furnaces and heat pumps share some common characteristics. Both work by generating heat and distributing it to indoor living spaces. Whatever type of heater you own, the following signs indicate it’s time to schedule heating repair services.
Short Cycling
Heating systems are engineered to turn on when indoor temperatures fall below the thermostat setting, then turn off again after 10 to 15 minutes. A heater that short cycles frequently indicates something is amiss. A faulty thermostat can cause this problem, as can a dirty filter restricting airflow.
If short cycling is a continuing problem, an oversized system might be to blame. Too-powerful furnaces and heat pumps tend to turn on and heat nearby spaces, then switch off again before the heat gets evenly distributed throughout your home. It takes the expertise of an experienced HVAC technician to verify if oversizing is the underlying problem.
Uneven Airflow
Central heating systems rely on a network of air ducts to circulate warm air through your home or business. Blockages, leaks or loose connections can cause some rooms to heat quickly and others significantly more slowly. An inspection of your ductwork by a qualified technician can determine if duct sealing could resolve the problem. Fixing leaky ductwork improves heating system performance. It can also save you money. Sealing and insulating ducts can lower your heating costs by improving efficiency by as much as 20 percent.
Loud or Unusual Noises
A heater that operates normally is relatively quiet, and it’s easy to be accustomed to the sounds it generates. If your heating system starts making unusual noises, it’s time to take action and schedule a furnace repair or heat pump repair.
- Squealing or screeching noises can indicate a bad motor bearing or belt. If the sound emanates from a heat pump’s outdoor unit, the compressor might be failing.
- Refrigerant leaks are often the culprit if you hear gurgling or hissing noises coming from a heat pump.
- Furnaces that emit banging sounds when they cycle on can indicate a problem with the ignition while rumbling noises might be due to fuel remaining in the combustion chamber.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Fuel-burning heating systems such as furnaces feature combustion chambers designed to expel dangerous byproducts like carbon monoxide safely outdoors. Corroded parts can allow this deadly gas to backdraft into your living spaces. For your safety, it’s critical to have furnaces cleaned and calibrated with preventive HVAC maintenance performed by a qualified service technician.
Iced-Over Outdoor Coils
All-season heat pumps work by reversing the flow of refrigerant during the winter, transforming the coils in the outdoor unit into an evaporator. This allows the system to use a defrost cycle to melt any ice that might accumulate on the coils. It’s natural for the equipment to stop heating during this relatively brief period. An outdoor unit covered in ice for several hours, however, is another problem, one that calls for prompt attention from an HVAC professional.
Whether you rely on a fuel-burning furnace for warmth or an all-season heat pump, our certified experts are on standby, ready to resolve any problem. Trust our team to identify underlying issues quickly and efficiently. Before you know it, you’ll be basking in the warmth of a smooth-running and safely operating heater. For more information, check out our heat pump repairs and furnace repairs section or call Cape Fear Air, Electric, & Plumbing today.
