Heating Repair in Redlands, California
Moderate temperatures during the day in the winter make San Bernardino an excellent place to live, but that doesn’t mean a heater is unneeded. Nighttime temperatures can drop to the 40s, occasionally going lower. For those used to the warm summer days of California, this is chilly, and heating the home is necessary to keep everyone comfortable. Even though the heater doesn’t get a workout like the ones in colder areas, it can still break down from time to time. When this happens, call a San Bernardino HVAC company fast to get it up and running again. Some of the signs help is needed include the following.
Power Bills Keep Going Up
Even if the heater is working properly and the home is cozy, if the power bills keep increasing during the winter, it’s time to have a professional do an inspection. There may be components that require repair to allow the unit to work more efficiently. Plus, heating repair may be needed to help prevent future issues that could cause the unit to stop working completely. A professional will be able to determine what is not working properly and make the necessary repairs to lower the power bills once again. If the unit is older, this can help until a new one that is more energy efficient is purchased.
Home is Colder Than Expected
During the night, 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature for the heater. If the heater is set to 68, but it’s not reaching this temperature or doesn’t feel like it’s warm in the home, it’s time to have a professional take a look. There is likely something wrong that is preventing the heater from detecting the temperature in the home or from reaching the set temperature to keep the home warm. A full inspection allows a professional to find out exactly what is wrong and what needs to be repaired so the home will be comfortable throughout the winter.
Unit is Cycling On and Off
Short cycles are a sign there is damage to the heater that will need to be repaired. If the system turns off and then back on again, it’s not able to accurately determine the temperature inside the home and control the heat to keep it at the set temperature. This could happen because of numerous different components going bad, including the thermostat. It may be worth trying to set the temperature a little lower to see if the heater works properly when it doesn’t have to heat the home as much. Even if this works, though, it’s a good idea to have it inspected so it can be fixed before anything else goes wrong, and so it’s possible to keep the home warm.
The Pilot Light is Yellow or Orange
The pilot light for the heater, if there is one, should always be blue. If it is not blue but yellow or orange, the heater is not receiving sufficient oxygen to operate correctly. This is a serious issue that requires assistance from a dependable heating professional right away. The yellow or orange color could be an indication that the heater is producing carbon monoxide, which is odorless and can cause serious health concerns or death. Check the pilot light periodically to make sure it is the correct color, and if it shuts off or it is yellow or orange, call for help right away.
The Unit Makes Unexplained Noises
Heating units aren’t silent, but they should make the same sounds whenever they’re on. Homeowners who hear a popping noise, loud sounds when the unit turns on or off, or any other unusual sounds should contact a professional for help as soon as possible. If the components in the heater break, small pieces can get in the way of other components, which can cause the noises. Even if the unit seems to be working right now, those pieces that have broken off will get in the way and cause even larger issues. By having it inspected now, it’s possible to get to the root of the issue and fix the unit before the heater stops working completely.
The Unit Doesn’t Come On
When the temperatures first start to dip, it’s time to turn on the heater. What if it doesn’t turn on? This can be a sign that something is wrong, though it is possible to repair it in many instances instead of having to purchase a new one. The heater will need to be inspected to find out why it isn’t turning on. From there, the professional can make the necessary repairs so the unit is operational again and will work throughout the winter. It’s a good idea to start having maintenance done yearly before the start of winter to prevent this from happening in the future.
Repair or Replace?
The biggest concern many people have when something is wrong with their heater is whether they’ll need to buy a new one. Many heaters, with proper care, can last longer than the average lifespan. If the unit stops working properly, fast repairs can prevent the issue from getting worse and requiring a replacement. For older units, even if repairs are possible, it may be time to start saving for a new unit. Eventually, repairs will be needed more frequently, so it’s possible to save money by buying a new one that works properly and is far more energy efficient compared to the older unit. A professional can help homeowners decide if repair or replacement is better for their situation.
Heaters are not relied on as heavily in San Bernardino as in colder parts of the country, but no one wants to try to sleep when it’s freezing cold inside the house. Having an operational heater is important, and it’s a good idea to make sure it’s repaired fast at any sign of an issue to prevent it from breaking down further. If your heating system doesn’t seem to be working properly, or you notice any of the above signs of an issue, contact Year Round Heating & Air for prompt and reliable help.