How to Troubleshoot Common Heating System Problems

Residential heating systems may be complicated, but many of their problems can be solved with a little  troubleshooting and, in some cases, a visit from your trusted HVAC technician. Anderson Air Corps shares a look at some of these common problems.

Problem: Heater Is Blowing Cold Air

As with most HVAC system problems, the first thing you should do if your heating system starts blowing cold air is check your thermostat to make sure the settings are where you want them to be. Then try performing a reset. If there’s no change, set the thermostat a few degrees higher and wait a few minutes to see if there’s any change. Next, move it back to the original setting and see if it keeps blowing cold air. You may need to have your thermostat serviced or replaced if this is a persistent problem.

The following may also cause the heater to blow insufficient heat:

• Dirty Air Filter — Filters need to be cleaned (or replaced, if disposable) at least twice a year, or as often as once a month during seasons of heavy use (or if you’re a pet owner). Otherwise accumulated dirt, dust and pet hair can block the registers and reduce airflow.

• Leaking Ducts — Ducts can have cracks or punctures from which your hot air could be leaking. Inspect the ductwork around your home and keep an eye out for damaged areas, as well as holes in the insulation. Leaking ducts need to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further energy loss.

• Low Fuel — If your heating system is a furnace, check your fuel levels. Follow proper refueling procedures if it’s running low.

Problem: Heater Continuously Blows Hot Air

This often happens when switching from heating to cooling. Check your thermostat and make sure it’s set to automatically turn off the heater when you switch to the air conditioner. Reset and replace the batteries as needed. This problem is commonly rooted with the thermostat panel or caused by a blower malfunction, both of which should be addressed by a certified HVAC technician.

Problem: Furnace Is Short Cycling

A furnace is said to be short cycling if it turns on and off every few minutes. If troubleshooting the thermostat doesn’t work, you may have an oversized furnace. This usually means you either have a heating system that’s designed for a bigger home, or you’ve recently completed a remodeling project that significantly changed your indoor space. Either way, the furnace may be heating your home too fast, resulting in short cycles.

Call Anderson Air Corps

Anderson Air Corps is your leading furnace service specialist who can help you address these and other HVAC-related problems. Give us a call at (505) 855-9028 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Albuquerque and surrounding areas.