5 Warning Signs That You Have a Serious Heating Problem

The saying "Prevention is better than cure" doesn't just apply to your health; it applies to your Heating System as well.

It's time to find a way to keep everyone toasty without breaking the bank on heating costs. Check out whether your home's HVAC system is showing any of these warning signs before it breaks down, according to Best Owner Direct HVAC:

• You notice an odd sound: a leaky internal refrigerant valve might cause a trumpeting or hissing sound to come from the compressor motor of your home's heat pump when it is turned off. The most alarming sign of trouble in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is rattling, which can be caused by either a loose piece of hardware in the motor system or a failing motor.

Don't wait if you hear a banging sound; turn off the machine right away. To keep the heating problem from killing the whole system, a professional needs to look at an important part.

• The furnace in your home is the incorrect size: the typical homeowner has no idea whether or not their furnace is adequately sized for their home. Mostly, people use it as is, leading to outstanding heating issues. Humidity removal is hindered by an oversized furnace's frequent on-and-off cycles. Any unit that is too small will be unable to move enough air.

• You suspect a leaky air duct: because of its subtlety, this issue often goes unnoticed, but it might cost you quite a bit if you don't fix it. In the attic, walk around the air ducts and check for gusts of air to determine whether there are any leaks. Sealing air leaks can increase efficiency, make heating more consistent, improve air quality inside, and prevent drafts or "backdrafts."

• HVAC System Tip: light a stick and place it near your HVAC vents. There is a leak if the smoke can move. So that your heating system doesn't break down completely, you should talk to a professional as soon as possible.

• A musty smell is coming your way. If your home's furnace lacks insulation or air ducts, moisture can build up, which is perfect for mold and mildew to grow. These contaminants might cause illness in your household and contribute to excessive utility expenses. If anything doesn't smell right, call in an HVAC technician to inspect the system and clean it if necessary.

• The pilot light isn’t blue: a dirty air intake valve will cause the pilot light of a furnace or gas heater to glow yellow. When there isn't enough oxygen, the fuel doesn't burn completely. This makes the flame turn yellow.

Since yellow flames do not get quite as hot as blue flames, a yellow pilot light often needs to be re-lit. As a result, the pilot light will go out if the yellow flame doesn't sufficiently heat the thermocouple. If the HVAC system is on its last legs, this could be a problem.

Also, the slow flame doesn't get rid of carbon monoxide, so extra gas could get out and make the air quality inside the house very bad. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer because it is a colorless, odorless gas that can devastate your family's health.

To avoid these problems, have a Best Owner Direct HVAC professional clean the air intake valve on your furnace or gas heater. Never try to fix an ignition on your own. If your heating isn't working, hire a professional.