How Healthy Is Your Home Heating System? Look for These Signs

September 19, 2022

Keeping an eye and an ear out for any damage to your heating system is a tough ask. Oftentimes, issues with a furnace, heat pump, or boiler blend into the humdrum of everyday operation in your home, and small issues may go unnoticed or just ignored until the overall health of your heating system is compromised beyond repair.

An inefficient or damaged heating system can affect many aspects of your home life, including your wallet, your comfort, and even your health. Here are the signs to look out for that indicate it's time to schedule professional HVAC service for your California home heating system.

Signs Your Heating System Is Damaged

There are multiple ways a furnace might alert you to issues like deteriorating parts or simple wear and tear. Some of these signs may be things you are used to dealing with over time, and have become a part of the "quirks" of your home — like a door that you have to lift up a little in order to close it correctly or a garbage disposal that just "sounds funny". If you have noticed any of these signs, the answer to "How often should my HVAC system get serviced?" is: ASAP!

A Heater That Is Always On

If you turn the temperature on your thermostat up on a chilly fall or winter day, it won't be long before you start feeling warm air coming out of the vents. However, if your heating system remains on constantly for hours on end, even if you feel comfortable, it's a sign that your heating system is likely struggling to keep up with your thermostat settings. This can either indicate:

Your heating system is undersized for your home, or
Wear and tear is affecting its ability to efficiently provide heat

Both of these scenarios require a professional assessment to determine the right course of action.

Loud Banging or Clanging Noises

If you are hearing a loud bang or clang noise each time your heating system turns on, or a consistent clicking or buzzing while it is in operation, something is broken inside your furnace or boiler. Even if you have been hearing those noises for a while now, it is very possible something has been wrong for quite some time!

Cold Rooms Even with the Heater On

Have you noticed a lower air flow coming from your vents, or rooms in your home that remain frigid and cold even with the heater on? This is another sign wear and tear have gotten the best of your heating system, and it will require maintenance or even repair.

Rising Energy Bills

In some cases, a heating system may not show any physical or audible signs of deterioration — you may just see it on your energy bill! As a furnace works harder to keep up with your comfort needs, it will use more energy. Keep an eye on your energy usage and related costs.

Dust Buildup

Your heating system handles all of the air in your home when it is in use, which means whatever is in your ductwork will end up in the air you breathe and on the surfaces in your home. Central ductwork is notorious for developing leaks which invite outside dust and other air contaminants into your living spaces. Plus, if your air filter has not been replaced in a while, or has become particularly clogged, it will have lost its ability to clean the air you breathe. You may notice excessive dust on your vents, or on the surfaces throughout your home.

Schedule Furnace Maintenance and Feel the Difference

Spending the time, energy, and money to maintain your furnace, heat pump, or boiler will save you and your family in the long term, in multiple ways. With regular heating maintenance, you can expect:

Consistent winter comfort
Improved indoor air quality
Reduced risk of heating emergencies
Extended lifespan of your heating equipment

If you are in need of a professional HVAC technician to assess and repair your frustrating furnace or your helpless heating system, schedule maintenance with Hassler Heating and AC before the winter temperatures arrive!