With Fall on the Way, Here Are the Top Heater Issues to Double-Check

Broken Arrow's winters can be chilly and windy, so it's always a good idea to have your heating equipment in top form before the cold weather arrives. Maybe you're wondering what are the top heater issues that homeowners in this area have to deal with. Read on to learn about the heating problems you should be aware of as you schedule fall maintenance on your HVAC system.

Issues with the Pilot Light or Ignition Control

Most heating systems have either a pilot light or a hot-surface ignition control. The failure of either may cause intermittent heat or a lack of heat. Maintenance is key to keeping them working. Newer furnaces usually have electronic ignition systems rather than pilot lights.

A Dirty Air Filter

This is one of the most common causes of heating systems not heating adequately. When the filter is too dirty, the system runs sluggishly and struggles to heat properly. Change the filter whenever it's dirty. You may need to change filters more often if you have pets, burn candles, or you have a dusty house.

Air Leaks

Air leaks will make your heating system work harder, costing you money on energy and repairs. Although it's one of the top heater issues afflicting most homeowners, it's easily solved by checking your home's most vulnerable areas for leaks: window and door frames, baseboards, corners where walls meet the ceiling or floor, and holes in exterior walls that are used for cables, pipes, or wires. Seal all these leaks with insulation, caulk, or weatherstripping. Also, have your HVAC tech check ducts for air leaks. 

A Malfunctioning Heat Exchanger

This is one of the most important parts of your furnace, and it can be among the top heater issues homeowners must deal with. Over time, a heat exchanger can develop minute cracks as the metal expands and contracts with continuous heating and cooling. Have the heat exchanger checked regularly as part of your furnace inspection. 

A Faulty Thermostat

This is one of the top heater issues a homeowner may experience, but fixing or replacing a faulty thermostat isn't difficult.

For more about top heater issues, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. 

Winterizing Your HVAC System

Your furnace gets quite a workout in Broken Arrow during the winter, so it pays to schedule annual preventative maintenance to ensure it works reliably through the worst of winter. Here's what winterizing your HVAC system, particularly your furnace, should look like:

Air Conditioner

Before you schedule preventative maintenance, you should square things away with the air conditioner. First, clean up around the outdoor condenser, removing leaves, weeds and other debris. Trim overhanging limbs and shrubs away so that nothing falls on the unit during a storm.If you're concerned about freezing rain dripping inside the unit -- moisture that freezes, melts and refreezes can cause damage -- then place a square of plywood over the top and secure it to the ground. You can cover the unit up with a commercial cover, but be aware that sometimes covers provide a cozy habitat for rodents and other creatures through the winter.

Change the Air Filter

The change of seasons is a good time to change the air filter. Starting the heating season with a clean filter will help ensure that the inner workings of the system are free of dust so that the furnace runs more efficiently.Follow manufacturer's instructions to change the filter. If you don't know where your filter is located, ask your HVAC technician to show you, and to show you how to change it.

Preventative Maintenance

When you schedule your preventative maintenance on your HVAC system you can expect the technician to perform a number of tasks. Among them are these:

• Check thermostat to ensure the system attains the right temperature set points.

• Inspect and tighten electrical connections.

• Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction, which decreases efficiency.

• Test controls. Make sure they are operating properly.

• Inspect condensate drain. This drain can get stopped up over time, resulting in flooding.

• Inspect furnace parts, including gas connections, burners and heat exchanger. A crack in a heat exchanger can cause unsafe operation, including the leaking of carbon monoxide.

For more on winterizing your HVAC system, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about winterizing and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “kmicican/Pixabay”