Many homeowners know the stress of having their heating unit break down during the colder months, especially if it occurs during a family gathering. While heaters are durable, they can break down if not properly maintained. However, paying attention can allow you to repair issues before they worsen or occur during a busy time like the holiday season.

There are several warning signs that you need heater repair. Unfortunately, some of these may be hard to spot and require careful attention. A little thought can go a long way to preventing unwanted disruptions to your winter festivities. Read on to learn the common signs that your heater is on the verge of a meltdown.

High Energy Bills

One of the clearest indicators of a malfunctioning heater is higher-than-normal energy or gas bills. If those numbers skyrocket, it’s a sign that your heating unit is less efficient than it could be, requiring more time (and energy) to heat your home properly. 

While it’s normal for companies to increase their rates slightly, a sudden price jump indicates an issue. If this happens, it’s time to get out your phone and search for “heating repair near me.” Professional HVAC contractors can identify the problem and get your heating unit working optimally with heater maintenance or repair. The holidays are expensive enough, so there’s no need to waste more money because of an inefficient heater.

A Yellow Pilot Light

When you think of a burner light, it probably looks blue. That’s because it should be. If your pilot light is yellow, it could indicate a problem with your heating system — potentially a deadly one. A yellow flame indicates carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that poses severe health risks if not addressed immediately.

If you notice a yellow pilot light or experience flu-like symptoms and dizziness inexplicably, leave your home immediately and call for emergency heater repair services. HVAC professionals can restore your heating unit with reliable repairs that prevent future health risks.

Strange Noises from the Furnace

While some noises are to be expected, if you start hearing strange sounds coming from your furnace, it may indicate an issue that requires professional attention. Loud rattling during start-up and high-pitched squealing are common signs that something is going wrong with your heater. It can also be disruptive to your home’s comfort — especially if you’re entertaining guests!

Since rattling and other strange noises can lead to worse issues, it’s essential to call an HVAC maintenance professional immediately. While it’s easy to ignore these sounds, doing so could lead to costlier heater repairs in the future.

An Old Heating System

Unfortunately, nothing escapes age, not even your heating system. A typical heater lifespan is between 15 and 25 years. The older your system, the more likely it is to break down and the more inefficient it will be, resulting in those unnecessarily high bills. If your system is pushing into its golden years, maybe it’s time to find heater replacement services.

If you’re unsure just how old your system is, one way to tell is by checking whether your heater has a pilot light. Most modern heating units don’t have pilot lights, so if yours does, it indicates that you have an older model on your hands. Investing in new heater installation will save you more money in the long run than trying to maintain your old unit.

Constant Thermostat Adjustments

If you’re constantly getting up to adjust your thermostat without ever achieving the desired temperature in certain rooms, it may indicate an issue with your thermostat. This could be anything from a poorly calibrated thermostat to costlier electrical problems.

If the problem isn’t with the thermostat, it could be that your furnace isn’t evenly distributing heat to all the rooms in your home. This would explain why the kitchen is cozy, and your bedroom is frigid. Whatever the cause of the issue, expert heater maintenance can set your home right.

Decrease in Air Quality

Your air quality can deteriorate significantly before you notice it. This isn’t an issue you can see, but once it gets bad enough, you’ll definitely feel it. You might find that your home feels stuffy or a bit hazy, which could be caused by your furnace dumping dust, allergens, and even mildew spores into it.

The first step is to change the filter. If it’s too dirty, your heater will blow the excess particles into your home. You should be able to replace this yourself, or you can hire an HVAC maintenance company to handle it. They can also inspect your system for other potential problems to help you avoid heater repair ahead of the holidays.

Expert Heater Repair from ProFlo Professionals

ProFlo keeps your home comfortable year-round with expert heater installation and HVAC maintenance services. We’ll find the perfect unit for your home or complete thorough repairs that keep your existing heating system working optimally. As a locally-owned business, we pride ourselves on providing superior customer service and exceptional repairs, keeping you warm during the cold months. Call ProFlo today at 951-694-1300 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.