Florida may be known for its bright days and scorching summers, but it gets surprisingly cold here in the winter. Our average lows may not dip far below the 40s most years, but the all-time record for chilly temperatures is a freezing -2 degrees Fahrenheit over a century back!
When you’re unlucky enough to lose heat during the winter, however, it might feel like those subzero temperatures are happening right there in your home. There’s nothing worse than needing emergency heating repair services when you least expect it, even during a “mild” winter.
If you’re not sure your heater issues warrant a quick fix, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at the most common red flags that signal a need for emergency heater repair.
High Power Bills
One of the most obvious signs that you need heating repair is a sudden spike in your power bills.
It’s not unusual to see higher electricity bills during the summer and winter. As you draw on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable, you should always expect to pay more. In addition, your system will start to lose its energy efficiency as it ages, causing your bills to climb over the years.
However, if the cost is much higher than usual or your gas bill has spiked around the same time, you may be looking at a heater malfunction.
Unusual Heating Noises
It’s always a red flag when your heater starts making sounds that fall outside its usual pattern of noises. Banging, thumping, rattling, squeaking, or whistling noises should never be on the menu.
These sounds can occur for a variety of reasons. If you’re lucky, you’re dealing with a loose part that needs a simple fix or a worn component that needs a quick replacement. If not, you may be looking at more extensive repair issues.
Never ignore heating noises you can’t explain! Allowing your system to continue as usual may cause more severe (and expensive) damage.
Little or No Warm Air
If your heater isn’t doing its job, it’s an obvious sign that repairs are in order. This may happen in several different ways.
You may notice uneven temperatures that vary from room to room in your home. You might have to crank your thermostat up to high temperatures or even triple digits just to get your home comfortable. You might notice short cycling, which is when your system turns on and off without running a full cycle to heat your home.
In some cases, you may have to jump up to adjust your thermostat all the time, with your system refusing to put out consistent heat. In the worst-case scenario, your heater may blow cold air or not turn on at all!
Whatever the case may be, you don’t have to struggle with cold spots and thermostat issues alone. Reaching out for furnace repair services can pinpoint the problem and get your system back up and running.
Water Leaks
Your heater moves a surprisingly large volume of water throughout your home. As it works to keep your home at consistent temperatures, your system must remove condensation to keep water from pooling. If something within the heater breaks, however, this removal process might not happen as it should.
Clogged tubing, a broken condensation line, pump issues, and other frustrating problems can cause water to leak in your home. Not only is this a red flag that your furnace needs servicing, but it can also destroy your belongings. Get service right away to minimize the damage.
Gas or Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Far more hazardous than a water leak is a gas leak. This may come as a hissing sound from around your furnace. You may also notice a sulfuric, rotten egg smell in the area.
If you’ve noticed your carbon monoxide detector going off, treat it like an emergency every time by making sure you and your family members get out of the house. Turn off your furnace and gas valve on the way out, if possible, and call 911. Never assume it’s a false alarm!
If either type of leak is present, you and your household might notice health issues like dizziness, fatigue, or headaches. Be sure to seek emergency medical care.
Strange Smells
Your furnace shouldn’t produce any particular smells during its normal operation. If you notice any unusual smells coming from the area around your unit or inside your clogged vents, you could be dealing with a range of issues.
As mentioned above, sulfuric smells may be related to a potential gas leak. Otherwise, you may notice moldy or musty smells, which can indicate that allergens are starting to clog your system. A burning smell that lingers may indicate that a component in the furnace is burning, which is a sign that you should turn the furnace off and call for immediate repairs.
Yellow Pilot Light
A healthy pilot light burns a bright blue. If your pilot light has turned yellow, it may mean that your system is no longer in good working condition. More rare shades may include orange, red, or green flames.
Your pilot light changes color in the presence of different contaminants or a lack of oxygen. Rust, oil, tar, dust, and dirt can discolor the flame. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it affects your system’s performance. If a quick cleaning of the area doesn’t work, contact a pro for help right away.
Call the Pensacola Heating Repair Experts
Diagnosing issues with your heat pump or furnace can be a major headache, but you don’t have to struggle on your own. If you’re dealing with one or more of the issues above and you’re having problems troubleshooting, our team at All Seasons Service Network is here to help.
Our trained technicians have the expertise to diagnose and repair a huge range of furnace issues. No matter your heating system, we’ll work to get your Florida home comfortable again, and we even offer 24/7 emergency heating repair services when you need help fast. To reach out with questions or schedule your repairs, contact us today.