How to Tell If Your Heater Needs Repair
If your heater is acting up, you should immediately contact a professional HVAC technician. Many problems with heaters go unnoticed until it causes irreversible damage to your home. A trained HVAC technician can catch the problems early and make the necessary repairs before the situation becomes worse. The longer you leave the problem unattended, the more damage it can cause, and the greater the risk of the entire system breaking down. Here are some tips for contacting a professional HVAC technician:
Problems that can occur with a heater
There are several problems that can occur with a heater, including improper ignition, faulty pilot light, and faulty gas valve. Proper lubrication is essential for heaters to run smoothly. If you notice any of these issues, you may want to contact a professional HVAC technician for repair. If the problems still persist, you may need to replace the heating unit entirely. Some other problems may include clogged or dirty heating components, or faulty ignition.
In some cases, the thermostat itself may be at fault. If you have changed the thermostat recently, a loose connection or corroded wire could be preventing the unit from communicating with the thermostat. If you suspect that the thermostat is to blame, consider calling a professional to repair it. If you suspect that a heating unit is overheating, the technician will check the system for these problems. The heater may be plugged in but has no power. Check the wiring and the thermostat to make sure that the heater is not overheating.
learn more Cost of repairs
The average cost for heater repairs is around $1,045. That’s not including fees or taxes, and it doesn’t take into account the type of vehicle you have. A heater’s core provides heat to the blower motor to warm the cabin. The hot coolant from the engine circulates through the heater core and forces air across it to warm the cabin. If this part fails, the heater will not work. A professional plumber can repair your heater for around $150.
Major water heater repairs are more expensive than minor problems. The labor and parts used for these repairs vary wildly. A pressure valve replacement will cost far less than a heating element repair. Lastly, if your water heater is difficult to access, the cost of repairs can skyrocket. A complete replacement may cost as much as $600 or more. You can often save money on water heater repairs by buying a warranty from the manufacturer.
Signs of a problem
When the temperature of your home begins to fluctuate, it may be time to call in a professional to diagnose the issue. This problem could be as subtle as an air filter needing to be replaced or as serious as a blown fan belt. Check the air filter for any clogged debris and replace it if necessary. Change the filter at least once a season, and have a professional check it as soon as possible.
If the pilot light is not lit, the pilot light is likely not operating properly. A broken pilot light means the heater is leaking carbon monoxide, which is deadly if not detected early. You should turn the heater off immediately to make sure that the contaminated air is not lingering. You should open windows and doors to let out any trapped carbon monoxide. Wait until the problem clears before trying to fix it yourself.
Contacting a professional
If you’ve noticed a flickering or yellow flame in your home’s furnace, it’s time to contact a professional for heater repair in Charlottesville. While this could simply be dust burning, a dirty heater can mean several different problems. Whether it’s short-cycling or the burning of a component, a Charlottesville heating specialist can help you determine which component is causing the problem.
If you’re still not able to turn on the heater, check the thermostat. The shut-off valve should be located near the bottom of the furnace. A faulty pilot light or high-limit switch can also prevent your heater from working properly. To save energy and money, set the thermostat to 68 degrees F during winter and turn it back seven to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. This will help you save money on energy bills.