Heating System Troubleshooting: A Homeowner’s Guide

There are different types of heating systems out there, and each comes with various components and works in a slightly different way.  So when your heating system starts acting up, it can be challenging to figure out the problem and how to fix it.

If you’re having trouble with your heating system, don’t panic! This homeowner’s guide to heating system troubleshooting will help you figure out what’s wrong and how to fix the basic issues with your unit before scheduling heater repair near Longview, TX.

Common Heating Problems & Troubleshooting Tips

Many things can go wrong with the heating system. Below are some of the most common ones and  what you can do about them:

The Heating System Isn’t Turning On

It’s a common issue possibly caused by a tripped circuit breaker, a closed gas valve, a faulty thermostat, or damaged thermostat wiring. So before calling for heater repair near Longview, TX, check the components mentioned above first. 

• Start with your thermostat. Make sure it’s turned on and set to heat. If the device doesn’t work, replace the batteries or call a heating repair technician. If everything’s good, proceed to check the circuit breaker. 
• If the circuit breaker trips, there’s an overload in the system. You can fix it easily by resetting the breaker. But before doing so, make sure to find the source of the energy surplus and do something about it to prevent the problem from reoccurring. 
• Check the gas valve for a gas-powered heating system to ensure it’s open. If it’s not, turn it on and see if the system starts working. If you’re still having trouble, call a heating repair technician.

In addition to the causes mentioned above, a heating system may fail to kick on when the capacitor is faulty, the blower motor is dirty, or the furnace safety switch is triggered. All these issues need to be addressed by a qualified heater repair technician near Longview, TX.

The Heating System Is Blowing Cold Air

Have you ever gone to turn on your heating system on a cold winter day, only to find that it’s blowing cold air instead of hot? If so, you’re not alone. It is a problem that happens to many homeowners every year. 

One of the most common reasons your heating system might be blowing cold air is because the thermostat is set to “cool” instead of “heat.” Believe it or not, it’s easy to mistake the two settings, especially if you have young kids in the house who like to play with the thermostat. So, before you call a technician for heater repair near Longview, TX., double-check to ensure that the thermostat is set to “heat.”

Another possibility is that there’s an issue with the pilot light. If the pilot light goes out, it can cause the furnace to shut down. Fortunately, relighting the pilot light is usually a pretty easy fix. Just follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. If you can’t find your owner’s manual or you’re unsure of how to proceed, you can always give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help. 

The Heating System Makes Weird Sounds

If you have a heating system in your home, chances are you’re familiar with its occasional funny noise. While some noises are normal and nothing to worry about, others can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed by an expert in heater repair near Longview, TX. 

Here are some of the most common sounds your heating system might make and what they could mean.

1. Booming or banging noises. 

Booming or banging noises from your heating system can be due to many different issues. Potential causes could be dirty or clogged burners, a buildup of sediment in the bottom of the water heater, loose parts or connections, and excess pressure in the system.

If you hear these noises, it’s important to shut off your system and contact a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the issue. Operating your system even when it’s making banging noises could cause further damage or pose a safety hazard.

2. Rattling noises. 

Rattling noises from your heating system are almost always due to loose parts. When parts like screws, bolts, or covers become loose, they can rattle around and create all sorts of annoying (and sometimes even scary) noises. The best way to deal with this problem is to tighten loose screws and bolts and check that all covers are securely in place. Again, you can do this yourself or call an expert in heater repair near Longview, TX.

3. Whistling noises. 

Air leaks in the ductwork usually cause whistling noises. These leaks can happen for several reasons, but most often, they’re due to poor installation or damage caused by rodents or other pests. 

If you hear a whistling noise, it’s best to have a professional come and take a look so they can locate and fix the leak (or leaks). Trying to do it yourself is not recommended, as it’s very easy to miss something and make the problem worse.

4. Hissing Noises

Hissing noises coming from your heating system are often caused by low water pressure. It can be easily fixed in most cases by simply adjusting the water pressure regulator on your water heater. 

If adjusting the water pressure doesn’t solve the problem, you may have a more serious issue with one of the valves in your heating system, and you’ll need to call a professional for help.

When unsure about what’s causing the noise or how to fix it, call a professional HVAC technician offering heater repair near Longview, TX. 

Cold and Hot Spots at Home

Do some rooms feel like an oven while others are as cold as a meat locker? If so, you’re not alone. Uneven heating is a common problem in homes across the country.

An inefficient HVAC system is one of the most common causes of uneven heating. If your furnace or air conditioner is over ten years old, it may be time for an upgrade. 

Newer HVAC systems are much more efficient than older models and can help you achieve better temperature control throughout your home. Not sure if your HVAC system needs to be replaced? Contact a local HVAC contractor for an assessment.

Another common cause of uneven heating is dirty air filters. If your furnace or air conditioner filters are clogged with dust and debris, they can impede airflow and make it difficult to heat or cool your home evenly. Be sure to check your air filters monthly and replace them as necessary. Doing so will improve your HVAC system efficiency and reduce the risk of uneven heating.

Finally, drafts can also contribute to uneven heating in your home. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows or doors, heat is likely escaping from your home, which can throw off your whole HVAC system. Caulk or weather-strip around your windows and doors to fix the problem. If this doesn’t work, there are likely other causes of the issue, and it’s best to schedule a heater repair near Longview, TX for a more accurate diagnosis.

Heater Short Cycles

Short cycling is when your heater turns on and off more frequently than normal. Typically, this happens in 3-minute intervals or less. And it’s not just annoying—it’s bad for your heater. 

Constantly starting up and shutting down puts a lot of wear and tear on the system, leading to expensive repairs down the road. Plus, it drives up your energy bills because your heater is working overtime (literally) to try to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. So if you’re a short cycler, it’s time to nip that habit in the bud!

There are a few different reasons why your heater might be short cycling. One possibility is that the furnace’s limit switch is faulty. This switch is designed to shut off the furnace if it gets too hot, but if it’s not working properly, it could cause the furnace to turn on and off more frequently than necessary. 

Another possibility is that something is blocking the airflow from your furnace—like a dirty air filter or closed vents. Something else that can cause short cycling is an oversized furnace for your home—if your furnace is too big for the space, it will cycle on and off more frequently because it will heat your home faster than necessary. 

If your unit short-cycles, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem. First, check your air filter and replace it if necessary. A dirty air filter is one of the most common reasons for poor airflow and short cycling. 

Next, open any closed vents in your home so that air can flow freely through the system. Third, check the thermostat to ensure it’s set correctly—if it’s set too low, your furnace will turn on more frequently to reach the desired temperature. And finally, if you have an oversized furnace, you’ll need to replace it with a smaller model that’s better suited for your home. 

We Offer Heater Repair Near Longview, TX You Can Count On!

When your heating system starts acting up, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. At Napps Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, we’ll make sure to fix the problem fast and right at a price that won’t break the bank.

Call us today at 903-758-6482 to schedule an appointment.