Tags: Ellenton AC Company, Ellenton AC Installation, Ellenton AC Maintenance, Ellenton AC Repair, Ellenton AC Replacement

As soon as the temperatures start to dip and winter sets in, your heater becomes the most valuable appliance in your home. If yours isn’t working correctly, it can make life pretty uncomfortable.

Thankfully, most systems will let you know when they’re conking out before they actually kick the dust. Today, we’re sharing a few of the most common signs that a new heating system is in order.

High Electric Bills

Has your electric bill seemed high lately? While it’s normal for it to spike a little during the cold-weather months, it shouldn’t be abnormally elevated.

This could be a sign that your heater is having to work extra hard to keep your home warm. Review your monthly usage, check your energy provider’s most recent rates, and compare your latest bill to the one you got last month. If the numbers still seem off, you may need a new heater.

Adjusting Thermostat

Wait, you just changed the thermostat in the bedroom. Why does it feel cool in there again? If you find yourself constantly returning to adjust the heat, this could mean its components aren’t working effectively.

You may need to schedule heater maintenance services to see if your system simply needs a tune-up or if a replacement is best.

Excess Dust

The humidifier in your heating system helps moisturize and clean the air as it’s distributed throughout your house. If you’ve noticed an excessive amount of dust on your surfaces, this could mean that it’s become less efficient.

This is a common problem in older-model systems. It could also suggest that your air ducts are dirty. A repair technician can address both concerns and advise you on the best next steps to take.

Frequent Repairs

When it’s functioning properly, your heating system shouldn’t require anything above routine preventative maintenance. If you’ve had it repaired more than once in the last two years, this could be a red flag.

Even if your machine has been working fine, take note of its age. If it’s more than 15 years old, a breakdown could be on the horizon. If you take action now, you can avoid costly repairs down the road.

Strange Noises

You might hear your heater as it turns on, but it should run quietly. If you’ve started to hear strange noises coming from it, it may be time to take action.

Occasional banging and popping noises aren’t too out of the ordinary and usually occur when the air ducts expand and contract. However, if they’re unusually loud and frequent, this could be a sign of a problem. It’s also wise to call a technician if you hear any scraping or screeching noises.

Scraping sounds typically occur when there’s an issue with the furnace’s blower wheel while screeching indicates that something may be wrong with the motor bearing.

Do You Need a New Heating System?

Sometimes, your heater only needs a small repair. Other times, the issue is much bigger. You may even need a new heating system altogether!

Either way, it’s best to let a trained professional take a look at the issue before diagnosing it yourself. If you need HVAC services, our team at Schwartz Air Conditioning and Heating is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your service!