We’re in for a run of colder days here at the start of the year. We’re much better off than many places up North, but this is the time when we’ll need to have our heating systems running to keep our homes warm.
You may discover during this time of year that your furnace or heat pump is not doing its job as well as you expect. Rooms are cold, and no matter how you adjust the thermostat, the house just won’t warm up how you want it. What’s going on?
That’s what we’re here to help you find out. When you need professional heating repair in Katy, TX, you can rely on us—your comfort is our business.
The air filter is clogged
One of the first things you should check if you’ve got a heater that’s losing heating power is the air filter. This filter is usually located on the HVAC cabinet at the point where the return duct connects with it. This filter isn’t for air quality, but to protect the inside of the cabinet from dust and lint coming through the return ducts. If the filter is allowed to become clogged, the drop in airflow will cut into comfort around the house. Make sure you regularly change the filter every 1 to 3 months.
Worn down blower motor
The blower is the part of the HVAC system that sends air through the heater to be heated and then into the rest of the house. Its motor will wear down over time (especially if the heater doesn’t have annual maintenance) and lose its power to push air through the ductwork. And if the motor burns out, there won’t be any heat at all. An HVAC technician can replace the motor to fix this problem.
Miscalibrated thermostat
When you aren’t getting enough heat, you may be tempted to keep pushing up the thermostat setting. Don’t do this—it’ll waste power and won’t solve the problem. In fact, the thermostat itself may be the problem. A miscalibrated thermostat will sense incorrect temperatures in your house and shut off the heater before it’s delivered the warmth levels you want. A technician can easily readjust the thermostat.
Dirty ductwork
The same way a clogged air filter creates trouble with airflow, ducts clogged up with dust and lint will start to strangle the flow of air to the rooms. We recommend having professional duct cleaning done every 3 to 5 years. If it’s been ages since you last had them cleaned, it may be the culprit behind an uncomfortably cool house.
A dying heater
If your heating system is more than 15 years old, a loss of comfort is often an indication the system is at the end of its service life. Have an HVAC professional inspect the heater and give you an estimate on the cost of repairing it vs. the cost of replacing it. The pro can tell you if replacement is the better long-term option.