No matter the type of heating system you have in your home, no matter how well you have maintained it, there is always a possibility during a heavy Pennsylvania winter that something could go wrong and leave you with a weakened or even broken system.
We’ll go over some of the potential problems you could face with a malfunctioning heater this winter. If you encounter any of these issues, you need to call for repairs right away. The longer you wait, the more likely the problem will worsen and lead to a very uncomfortable heating breakdown.
Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. is now celebrating our 37th year in business helping people with heating repair in Springfield, PA. Don’t trust amateurs with restoring your heat; look to licensed and experienced professionals like the people on our staff.
Common winter problems with heaters
- Failed pilot light: If you have a gas-powered boiler or furnace, the pilot light is crucial to make sure the gas jets turn on to start the heating cycle. (Some modern systems use an electrical ignition, which is also capable of failing.) If the pilot light goes out, the heat will not come on. Pilot lights can sometimes go out from something as simple as a draft, and you can relight them. However, the reason might be more serious: dirt along the burner unit, low gas pressure, or a break in the gas line. These are potentially a serious problems, and you shouldn’t try to repair them yourself because of the danger of gas leaks. Call on experts to diagnose and fix the trouble.
- Clogged air filter: For furnaces and heat pump that use ductwork, an air filter does the important job of protecting the internal components of the cabinet from dust and debris—both of which can cause motors to wear down and inflict damage on moving parts. You might need to change the air filter as often as once a month during the main heating season, otherwise the filter will become so clogged that it will start to fail at its job of protecting the heater and cut off airflow. Your technician can help you determine what filter schedule will work best for your home.
- Venting troubles: Natural-gas powered heaters need to remove exhaust gases from the system once they have done their job. An exhaust flue removes the fumes up to the roof and releases them. If the flue becomes blocked or congested, it can lead to serious problems—and this is especially common during winter. A repair technician can usually solve this.
Whatever heating you have, don’t try to handle major repairs on your own. Call Wm. Henderson Plumbing & Heating Inc. for quality heating repair in Springfield, PA.