As summer winds down and temperatures begin to cool off, we begin preparation for cooler temperatures. Soon you’ll be turning on your home’s heating system to keep everything warm and cozy inside while it’s windy and cold outside.
But what if your heater doesn’t turn on when you need it to? The last thing you want to run into is a broken or malfunctioning heating system when things start to cool down. Now is the perfect time for testing your heaters.
Making sure everything is running right before the season changes can keep you out of an uncomfortable situation. Below, we’ll review some common problems that can occur with your heating system and some steps you can take to correct issues.
How to Know You Are Experiencing Thermostat Problems
When your heater isn’t properly regulating the temperature in your home and keeping things warm, there’s a possibility it could be your thermostat. At the first sign of a problem, your initial step should always be to check your thermostat.Your thermostat acts as the “brain” of your home’s heating and air conditioning. When something is wrong with it, you’ll notice effects throughout your home in the regularity and evenness of your heating.
Before checking for repairs that may need to be conducted on your heater, double-check that your thermostat is set correctly and not encountering any problems. Some wireless thermostats require a simple battery change to get back on track.
Checking Your Circuit Breaker For Problems
Consider your circuit breaker your back up for when there’s a problem with your heater. When your home incurs an electrical problem or surge, your circuit breaker has the important job of “tripping”, or stopping the flow of current.This is important because it can prevent electrical fires and damage to your home. Because your home’s electrical system relies heavily on your circuit breaker’s assistance, it’s important to make sure it’s in good working condition.
Circuit breakers are known culprits that stop heating systems from working properly. Below are some signs your breaker may be having some problems:
- You notice a burning smell.
- Scorch marks or other physical damage can be seen.
- Once you’ve reset your breaker, it won’t stay reset.
- Your breaker is older than 10 years old.
- You notice your breaker is tripping regularly.
If you notice any of these signs, be sure to contact an electrician right away for inspection and service.
How to Tell You Have a Blown Fuse
Your home’s fuses are responsible for conducting electrical flow, and can definitely impact your heating system working. When the flow being conducted is too high or too much for the fuse to handle, it will overheat and melt. This is called a “blown fuse.”But how can you tell that you have a blown fuse that requires replacement? Here is what to look for:
- Burning smell.
- Melted wires.
- Noticeable burns on the panel or window.
- Off-colored glass.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important that you call for an experienced technician right away. They can assess and replace any blown fuses.
Paying attention to these signs and problems can help you address and repair heating problems quickly. The next time your heater isn’t working correctly, your Reliability Home Services technician can diagnose and repair the problem right away. Give us a call to set up your appointment today at (443) 399-8663.
