The last thing you want to deal with in winter is a failing heating system. But signs of failure aren’t always so obvious. If you’ve been experiencing uneven heat distribution, where there are hot and cold spots in different areas of your home, you could be in need of heater repair.
A Closer Look at Uneven Heat Distribution
As said above, uneven distribution of heat signals a faulty system. So if different rooms in your home are varying greatly in temperature, you may need a repair or replacement of the heating system for more consistent function. Sure, you could add another layer of insulation around all doors and windows, but it’s better to fix the problem at its source.
There are many things that could be causing uneven heat in your home:
Poor Ductwork Design or Leaks
Poorly designed or leaky ductwork is the top culprit of uneven heating. Improperly sized or sealed ductwork prevents heated air from getting to certain areas of your home. This often results in cold spots in rooms located further away from the furnace or heater.
Blocked or Closed Vents
Blocked or closed vents are another cause of uneven heat. When rugs, furniture, or other objects obstruct vents in certain rooms, this can restrict airflow and prevent even distribution of heat. This is why it’s important to regularly check your vents to ensure they are open and clear.
Inadequate Insulation
Poorly-insulated homes, especially in attics or basements, allow heat to escape. This in turn leaves certain rooms colder than others. When you add insulation to these key areas, you are helping to maintain an even temperature.
Faulty Thermostat
When your thermostat can’t accurately read the temperature, it tells your system to prioritize heating certain areas over others. Have your thermostat calibrated or replaced as needed to solve this problem.
Inefficient Furnace or Heater
Old, inefficient, or malfunctioning heating systems don’t distribute heat evenly. In this case, you may want to upgrade to a more efficient furnace or heat pump to improve system performance.
Improper Air Flow
When your system doesn’t have the proper balancing, it directs more airflow to some rooms and not others. This is especially prevalent in larger homes where long stretches of ductwork connect multiple rooms.
Other Signs of Heater Failure
From burning odors to strange noises, check out these other common signs that you may need heater repair in Warren MI.
1. Burning Odors
If you smell a foul burning odor after turning on your system, a damaged component or burning plastic or rubber part could be somewhere in the system. Troubleshoot by changing the filter. Call a technician if this doesn’t fix the issue.
2. Strange Noises
Heating systems should be quiet on the whole. If you start hearing unusual, sudden or loud noises such as screeching, grinding or banging, you may need to replace a loose, broken, or detached internal component.
3. Higher Than Normal Energy Bills
If you have noticed your energy bills steadily creeping up, you may have to replace your older model with a newer, more efficient one. Installing an eco-friendly model makes all the difference in terms of comfort as well as lower monthly energy bills.
4. Constantly Running Compressor
There could be a serious underlying issue if your compressor runs constantly or short cycles a lot. Short cycling happens when the system gets over heated and suddenly stops. If the compressor runs constantly without taking a break, a repair or replacement could be in order. If you ignore this, your energy bills will increase and your heating system could get damaged.
5. Dirty Filter
The filter in your heating system is responsible for trapping dust and allergens that are circulating throughout the house. Good air quality is directly related to your family’s health so regularly change clogged filters for optimal health.
Contact Warm or Breezy Heating and Air Conditioning
Whether you have uneven heating spots in your home or you are experiencing any other signs of heater malfunction, contact us for an inspection and quote on heater repair in Eastpointe MI and surrounding areas.