Fortunately, it rarely gets very cold in Costa Mesa, CA. That doesn’t mean, however, that your home doesn’t need a reliable heating system. So, it’s concerning when you turn on the heat, and nothing happens, or your heat won’t stay on. But before you panic, realize that most heating system problems aren’t as bad as they may first appear. Here are five of the most common heating system problems and how to fix them.
1. Poor Airflow
One of the most common heating system problems homeowners encounter is a lack of airflow. Many times, the cause of the problem is a dirty air filter, which will choke off the airflow of your heating system. The air filter’s job is to keep dust and dirt out of the system’s blower fan and heat exchanger. If your air filter is dirty, you must replace it with a clean one. Most systems require new air filters roughly every three months.
2. Blank or Unresponsive Thermostat
Another common issue homeowners sometimes encounter is a blank or unresponsive thermostat. Changing the batteries may solve the problem if yours is a battery-operated thermostat. There are a few other possible solutions if your thermostat is a hard-wired model. First, check your home’s electrical panel to see if there are any tripped circuit breakers. That could be why your thermostat has no power. If that’s not the problem, check out the blower access door on your heating system. Some systems cut power to their thermostats if their access doors aren’t fully secured. If neither of those solutions works, replacing your thermostat might be your next best move.
3. Changing Thermostat Doesn’t Trigger Heat
When you change your thermostat’s temperature setting, your heat should turn on to accommodate the change. If it doesn’t, there are a few things to investigate. First, ensure that your thermostat is in heat mode. If it’s set to cool or off, raising the temperature won’t make your heat turn on. The next thing to check is whether your thermostat follows a preset schedule. If it does, you might need to take it out of automatic mode to alter your temperature settings. Finally, you should look to see that your heating system’s circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. A power interruption would render your system incapable of responding to your thermostat.
4. Hot and Cold Spots
Your home’s HVAC ductwork should carry sufficient conditioned air where needed. So, if you’re noticing hot and cold spots in your home while the heat’s on, something’s wrong. The first thing to check in that situation is your home’s vents. It’s best to keep all your vents open and unobstructed. That allows your heating system to circulate air as intended. If they’re already open, the next thing to do is check the airflow from each vent. If only a handful of vents have poor airflow, a damper in your ductwork may have changed position. If you know where the damper controls are, check their positions to ensure none are fully or partially closed. If you’re unsure where your dampers are, call JW Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning to arrange an air-balancing appointment.
5. Unusual Noises
Finally, you may notice odd noises from your heating system while running. If you hear a bang when your heating system turns on, it may have an ignition problem. You’ll need an HVAC technician to investigate this issue. You may have a ductwork obstruction if you hear a whistling sound when your system runs. That’s another problem best left to a professional. A screeching or scraping sound may indicate a problem with your system’s blower fan. It could be that it’s come loose from its mounts or that its bearings or belt need attention.
By scheduling yearly heating system maintenance, you can avoid any of the above problems. During a maintenance appointment, one of our technicians will inspect your system thoroughly. We’ll tighten electrical connections and housing hardware, lubricate moving parts, and look for unusual signs of wear and tear. By addressing minor problems early, you will avoid bigger ones later.
Your Heating Maintenance Partner
With over 30 years of on-staff experience, JW Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning is your trusted heating maintenance partner in Costa Mesa. We offer complete heating installation, repair, and maintenance. We also provide a full range of AC and indoor air quality services. When you work with us, you can count on fair prices, excellent workmanship, and on-time arrivals. We’ll treat you with the respect that you and your home deserve. So, if you need heating system repair or maintenance in Costa Mesa, call JW Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning today!
