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. 

Considerations for Heater Replacements

Fewer things are more annoying and inconveniencing than finding out your heating system needs replacement on a freezing winter evening. It can be hard for the average person to tell when their system has started to break down completely hence needs to be replaced. The good news is there are certain signs that homeowners can use to know when it's the right time to make heater replacements. Read on to learn more.

Current System Age

Furnaces have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. After this period, they start failing more often. If your furnace is 12 years or older and has required numerous repairs, you should consider replacing it.

Energy Efficiency

Have your energy bills gotten higher than usual? Your heating system may be to blame. Its efficiency may have significantly reduced. Therefore, it may need replacement. Newer furnace models come with higher AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings than older models, meaning they'll operate more efficiently.

Comfort

If some rooms feel warm whereas others are chilly, your heating system may be failing to distribute air correctly. A home that heats up unevenly can't be comfortable. It may be time to upgrade your heating system. Newer furnaces have variable speed motors that produce more even, comfortable heat and use less operating energy.

Costly Repairs

Are you faced with an expensive repair? It may be better to upgrade the system and get a new warranty on parts.

Financial Incentives

Are there any financial incentives for purchasing a new system? You should definitely take advantage of that. Summer is the best time to make good use of preseason upgrade specials. But that's not all. You may also qualify for manufacturer, company, and statewide rebates for choosing to install a new heating system in the summer. Installing a new heater in the summer will also prevent you from worrying about having a malfunctioning system in the winter.

By understanding the signs of needing heater replacements, homeowners can prevent harrowing total system breakdowns. If you need the best possible comfort in the Broken Arrow area, contact the HVAC experts at Air Assurance. 

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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.