When winter arrives in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, you’ll need a reliable heating system to stay warm and comfortable. Unfortunately, like any appliance in your home, your heater can malfunction. There are several reasons why it might be running but not keeping your home comfortable.
Poor Airflow
One of the most common culprits robbing your home of warmth is poor airflow. For your heater to work, your ductwork must circulate hot air throughout your rooms. Whatever restricts airflow inside your ducting can prevent some rooms from getting warm.
A common cause of airflow restriction is a dirty or clogged air filter. When your air filter is full of debris, it restricts airflow through your system. This can cause your rooms to heat unevenly. Your system will run longer, which will increase your energy bills. Fortunately, solving this issue is as simple as putting in a new air filter.
It’s important to check your air filter every month. Whenever you can’t see through your filter, you need to replace it with a new one. You should always have a new filter ready to go, so you can do a replacement whenever necessary.
Closed Vents
For heat to distribute hot air throughout your ductwork, all your air vents must be completely open. If you have closed off any of your vents, that could be preventing heat from reaching those rooms. It’s always a good idea to check all your air vents to ensure that they’re open.
You also need to confirm that there’s no obstruction in front of the vent. Items like curtains, rugs, and furniture can cover your supply vents. This can prevent heat from getting into the room to warm it. When you close or block your vents, it can increase the pressure inside your ducts, reducing airflow.
Blower Motor Malfunction
An important aspect of your heating system is your blower motor. It circulates air throughout your ducts to warm your home. Unfortunately, if your blower motor malfunctions, it can restrict air circulation. A weak blower motor is a common problem for homeowners.
A blower motor can weaken when it nears the end of its lifespan and struggles to meet your heating demands. It’s typical to hear unusual rattling or humming noises coming from your system when you have a blower motor problem. Sometimes the issue is not with your blower motor itself, but with the components that run it.
Each blower motor has a fan with a pulley and a fan belt. Over time, the fan belt can wear out and tear off the pulley. Even though the blower motor is running, the fan won’t spin to circulate your air because there’s no fan belt. If you suspect an issue with your blower compartment, ask for a professional evaluation.
Ductwork Issues
Leaky or poorly designed ductwork can be another reason for a cold home when your heating system is running. If your ducts leak or need more insulation, they can easily lose warmth. By the time your heated air reaches the rooms in your home, it may feel lukewarm.
Ducts can develop cracks or loose joints over time. This can allow hot air to escape into your wall and floor crevices instead of reaching the rooms in your home. Improperly sized ducts or excessively long duct runs can impact the ability of your heating system to deliver hot air.
Thermostat Malfunction
A thermostat malfunction can also cause problems. If you have a new thermostat, and this is your first year using it, it may be in the wrong place. A thermostat that sits in direct sunlight or right next to a heat-generating appliance could display a temperature that’s too high. This will prevent your heating system from reaching the temperature you set because your thermostat thinks it has already done so.
Over time, your thermostat can lose its calibration accuracy. It might be displaying an indoor temperature of 72 degrees when it’s actually 66. You need to have a professional recalibrate your thermostat if you think that it’s reading incorrectly. Some older thermostats lack precise temperature control. This can lead to inconsistent temperatures. Upgrading to a new programmable or smart thermostat can remedy this problem.
Heat Pump Limitations
Heat pumps can be a great option for homeowners looking for an energy-efficient heating and cooling solution for year-round comfort. Unfortunately, outdoor temperatures limit the ability of standard heat pumps to do their job. Whenever the outdoor temperature dips below freezing, standard heat pumps struggle to adequately heat a house.
Many heat pumps switch to an auxiliary heating mode that uses an electrically powered internal heating element. You may notice that the heat output feels less intense than that of a traditional furnace. In many cases, your home isn’t colder; your heater is just taking longer to reach your desired temperature.
Air Leaks
One frustrating cause of your cold indoor temperature may be air leaks. Anywhere that cold air is able to draft inside your home can cause your interior temperature to decrease. Your heating system will constantly run to try to compensate for that air loss. Unfortunately, this can leave you with an uncomfortable indoor temperature. Air leaks are most common on your exterior walls. They tend to develop around door and window frames.
You may also notice temperature differences at your light switches and electrical outlets. Anywhere that you notice a difference in temperature, there’s a leak you need to seal. You can use different materials to eliminate air leaks, including caulking, weather stripping, and foam insert pads. The less air infiltration you have in winter, the more effective your heating system will be.
Malfunctioning Burner
Gas furnaces are a popular heating choice for many Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners. Unfortunately, they’re susceptible to experiencing burner issues from time to time. A dirty burner or ignition problem can reduce the heating output of your system. Some key indicators that you’re likely experiencing a burner issue include strange smells, a yellow burner flame, and frequent system cycling. It’s important to have a professional promptly evaluate your system to restore full functionality to your furnace and keep your household safe.
The Importance of Routine Heater Inspections
One of the best ways to avoid experiencing many of the issues above is to schedule a heater inspection. We recommend having one of our professionals come out every fall to service your heating system for the upcoming winter. Our technician will be able to alert you if there’s an issue with your system’s operation, such as a worn-out or malfunctioning component. By replacing these failing components during an inspection, we can greatly minimize your risk of experiencing a major system malfunction.
Call Us for Reliable Heater Repair Service
Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air offers reliable heating repair services for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We can also assist with your heating maintenance, installation, and replacement needs.
Contact Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air today to learn more about the services we offer.
