Our heater is one of the most critical aspects of our home during the winter. While many of us would like to believe it could never happen to us, our essential systems can fail us.
And there’s nothing worse than it breaking down on a cool, crisp Texas night. It can be an inconvenient and frustrating endeavor, leaving most of us confused about what went wrong.
Luckily, with a little repair work, you can solve heating problems right at home. The experts at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric discuss the most common furnace issues, at-home fixes, and when you need to call the professionals for backup. Stay comfortable all winter long with these tips!
Your Furnace Blows Cool Air
If your furnace is blowing cold air, you may be able to fix it at home. First, we advise you to check your air filters. Air filters can stop grime, dust, debris, and pet dander from entering your air, but if they aren’t cleaned or replaced every few months, they can restrict airflow. Next, check your thermostat to make sure it’s set to heat and has fresh batteries. Once you’ve ruled out air filter and thermostat issues, you can look for other causes.
If you’re still without warm air, try removing any obstructing furniture or debris around all your registers and vents. A closed or blocked register or vent can disrupt warm air distribution and leave your home cooler than you would like.
Your heating system may also blow cool air if you have leaky ductwork, reducing airflow and your system’s efficiency. Leaky air ducts can sometimes be tricky to check at home, but if you check spots where your ductwork is visible, you can get a good idea about the security of your ductwork.
If you place your hand against the metal and feel the air against your hand, you probably have leaky ductwork. If you suspect duct problems or your heater is blowing cold air continually, don’t hesitate to reach out to to a Bacon HVAC professional.
Your Furnace Isn’t Running at All
If your furnace isn’t running at all, you may have a tripped breaker. You can find your breaker box inside your home, and you should be able to notice the tripped breaker. It may look different on various models, but a tripped breaker will be “off” when other breakers are “on.”
We recommend caution while fixing your breakers, and standing to the side while switching your breakers. If your air filters are clean, and there’s no tripped breaker, you should contact a Bacon technician for backup.
Your Furnace Is Noisy While Running
If your furnace is noisy while running, it could be for various reasons. Squeaking noises often occur because of a slipped or damaged heater belt, which you can replace at home with some repair work if you’re especially handy. If the heater belt looks worn, you can pick a new one at a home improvement store and follow the manufacturing instructions. Or, you can call the professionals to quickly and easily take care of the problems.
However, if the belt doesn’t look damaged, you may be able to solve the noise problem by tightening the belt with the two screws at the base of the motor. If you’re not feeling repair savvy, a Bacon technician can fix your system right up.
If you notice a grinding, scraping, or screeching sound while your furnace is running, we recommend turning off your system and contacting a Bacon expert. Your system may have a problem with the grind ball, which calls for professional heater repair.
Your Furnace Turns On & Off Frequently
Your furnace operates by cycling on and off to reach the desired temperature set on your thermostat. It’s normal for your heater to turn on and off a few times during the hour, like your air conditioning. But, if it’s turning on and off frequently yet not producing the desired temperature, you have a problem.
We hate to sound like a broken record, but, if you’re noticing an overactive heater, we advise changing your air filters. If the filters are dirty, your system may be overcompensating, and this can cause your system to overheat. As a safety feature, your furnace automatically shuts off when it’s in danger of overheating, which could be why your system turns on and off too often. Contact your local Bacon heating and cooling expert if you’ve changed your filters and the problem still persists.
Stay Warm All Winter Long in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Don’t be left out in the cold this winter in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX! At Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric, we can tackle all of your HVAC system needs. With years of experience, our technicians are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and dedicated to your satisfaction.
Whether you need a heater installation or just a quick tune-up of your heating elements, the Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric team can help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Everyone Loves Bacon: Schedule Heating Maintenance Today!
Enjoy your winter season with the help of Bacon! Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric provides 24/7 emergency service for all your heating needs—from water heater installation to gas furnace repair. If you schedule regular heating maintenance, you may be able to avoid unexpected repair costs. Contact us online or call us at (469) 922-2859 to stay cozy this winter.
