Preventing and Resolving Unexpected Heater Breakdowns
That’s right, the season of giving is upon us! Of course, one might not think a new heater should be on their wishlist. However, it’s this time of year that heater breakdowns are so common. One might think it would be during the summer, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Heaters typically go all spring, summer, and sometimes even fall without being used. When the homeowner starts using the heater again after so many months, problems can begin to arise (especially if it hasn't been maintenanced in over a year). For more information on signs of heater breakdown and how to prevent it, continue reading below.
The Top Signs of Heater Breakdown
Heaters break down all the time. Whether the homeowner is up-to-date on maintenance or has never had their heater maintained in its life. Granted, those that are up-to-date on maintenance deal with far, far fewer breakdowns, but it still happens. And most of the time, these breakdowns occur during the holiday season.
Because of this, it is crucial that the problem is handled as quickly as possible so the family can have a safe and happy holiday season. There are a few signs that homeowners can pay attention to. These signs point to heater breakdown and require professional assistance.
The signs are listed below:
- Inconsistent heating within the home
- The heater is always on
- The heater turns on and off often
- The ductwork makes loud noises
- The unit itself makes loud noises
- There’s discoloring on the walls surrounding the unit
It can be easy to forget about the heater of a home when there are so many other things to worry about during the holidays. However, if homeowners can remember to check for these signs, it could potentially save them in the event of a surprising breakdown.
Keep an Eye on the Thermostat
Before homeowners rush and call in a professional at the first sight of a breakdown symptom, there is something else they should be aware of. A lot of the time, the thermostat is the answer to the problem.
If the heater seems to be always running or never running, this could be a thermostat problem. The thermostat runs on batteries, and if the batteries need to be replaced, it can mess with the temperature in the home.
If the unit or ductwork is making loud noises, it is still advised that homeowners call in a professional right away as this is not a symptom of thermostat problems.
Things Every Homeowner Should Do Before the Tech Arrives
After homeowners get off the phone with the technician, there are a few things that need to be done. The tech might ask the homeowner to do a few things as well, but there is a standard checklist of things that every homeowner should know. These things help smooth the process along so the home can be enjoyed efficiently and safely once again.
A few things to do before the tech arrives are:
- Prepare all pets - Some pets do not like strangers. These pets need to be put away or taken out of the home
- The area around all vents in the home need to be cleaned
- The unit and surrounding area needs to be cleared of any dust and debris
Swick Home Services Knows How to Help
A broken heater doesn’t have to ruin the holiday dinner. When homeowners call Swick Home Services, they can trust that their heater will be up and running efficiently again in no time. Call today to schedule furnace repair in Marquette, MI!
