The 4 Major Signs of a Broken Heater

Things are about to get cold in the Oklahoma City area, with average January lows hovering around 25 degrees.

To keep your family warm and your pipes protected, it’s crucial that your heater is in working condition. The problem is that sometimes you don’t realize you’re dealing with a broken heater until it’s too late.

How can you tell if you’re in need of heater repair?

Read on for the four biggest signs that you’ve got a broken heater so that you can get professional heater repair before those freezing temperatures set in.

1. Poor Air Quality

If your heater hasn’t been well-maintained, there may be a build-up of dirt, bacteria, and dust in the system. All of this debris can have a negative impact on your heater, causing it to work overtime in order to keep the air in your home at a steady temperature. It can also lower the quality of your indoor air as it circulates that dirt and bacteria throughout your home.

When your indoor air quality is compromised, you may start to notice unpleasant symptoms. According to the EPA, poor indoor air quality can cause respiratory problems, dizziness, fatigue, and more.

2. Unusual Noises

A functional heating system isn’t going to make a ton of noise. If you notice tons of squeaks, clangs, and bangs every time your heater kicks on, you may have a problem.

For example, high-pitched sounds can indicate that the bearings are loose or that the blower motor belt has deteriorated. Clanging or banging sounds can indicate a loose motor or loose ductwork. Because these noises are symptomatic of a number of issues, it’s best to have them inspected by a professional.

3. Fluctuating Temperatures from Room to Room

Standard heating systems are designed to keep the entire house at a steady temperature. On occasion, you may notice slight differences due to older windows or poor insulation. However, drastic changes from room to room, especially those that aren’t accompanied by a noticeable draft, may indicate an issue with the heater.

4. Higher Heating Bills

Most homeowners become wary of their heating system when they notice a drastic increase in their gas or electric bills. If you’re paying a lot more for central heating this year than you have in the past, your heating system may be losing steam. Older or broken heaters have to work harder to keep your house warm, which wastes a lot of electricity or gas.

The best way to verify an increase in your heating bill is to compare this winter’s bills with bills from the past four winters. Chances are that you’ll notice a steady increase over time–a sure sign that it’s time for heater repair or replacement.

Fix Your Broken Heater Before Winter

Don’t try to get through the Oklahoma winter with a broken heater. For the sake of your comfort, your pipes, and your wallet, look for signs that your heater is broken and address the issue as soon as possible.

Schedule a heating repair appointment online or call our Edmond or Oklahoma City locations and we’ll come out and address your heating needs.