How Often Should I Have My Heating System Serviced?
This is one of the most common questions residential heating service providers get asked by homeowners. And while there’s no definite answer to this question, experts suggest getting the heating system serviced once or twice yearly. The actual frequency of heating system servicing would depend on various factors, such as how harsh the weather is in the area where you live, the age of your heating system, and the duration of your usage.
Besides ensuring regular servicing of your heating system, you must also have it serviced through a licensed and certified technician. And in between two heating system services, you must take care of the air filters and the areas around the external unit to ensure no dust, debris, or other buildups leading to reduced airflow.
Here are some common signs that your heating system needs immediate servicing. If you are experiencing the following, call a trusted residential heating repair provider in El Dorado Hills, like South Placer Heating and Air.
- Sudden Spike in Electricity Bills
As you will know, heating systems consume a lot of energy. However, assuming the energy cost remains unchanged, the heating costs should also remain unchanged yearly. But if you notice a sudden spike in your energy bills with a change in your energy consumption pattern, this could signify that your heating system needs servicing.
First, check your thermostat and make sure the settings are okay. If there’s no issue with that, then chances are that there’s an issue with the internal components. Whatever the case, have your heating system inspected by a professional as soon as possible. - Frequent Turning on and off the Heating System
If your heating system is repeatedly turning on and off, or in other words, short cycling, then this could also indicate that it needs servicing. Usually, the issue occurs when the system is too dirty, or the thermostat has a problem. Ignoring your heating system’s service, in this case, can even lead to its reduced lifespan. Similarly, ignoring heating system servicing can lead to costly residential heating repairs in El Dorado Hills. - Unusual Noises
Though heating systems make some sounds, they don’t make any unexpectedly loud sounds. So, if you hear any unusual sounds coming from your heating system, chances are that there’s some mechanical issue. For instance, if you hear a grinding or whirring noise, there’s a chance that something’s wrong with your heating system’s fan motor. Similarly, if your heating system is making a clicking or clunking noise, it could indicate an electrical issue. - Ice Buildup on Evaporator Coils
Sometimes you might notice ice buildup on your heating system’s evaporator coils. This can be caused due to different reasons. One of the most common reasons for ice buildup on evaporator coils is dirty air filters that reduce airflow to the coils. However, the issue might also be caused because of low refrigerant levels. If you don’t want to face a similar problem during the middle of a harsh winter month, then you must get your heating system inspected regularly. This will help you ensure that your heating is running fine. - Inadequate Heating or Poor Temperature Control
If your heating system cannot maintain the required temperature, then there’s a high probability that your heating system needs servicing. The issue may also occur in some cases because the heating system is too old. But the possibility of that is rare, and usually, the problem is caused because of a lack of servicing of the heating system. In some cases, the issue might also be caused because of a faulty thermostat. Whatever the case, an El Dorado Hills residential heating repair expert must inspect your heating system. - Poor Airflow
Reduced or poor airflow is another common sign that indicates a heating system needs servicing. Poor airflow issues typically arise because of leaky ducts, dust, debris, and other buildups inside the ducts. Regular heating system servicing can help tackle these issues well before they become too big to handle. Some other reasons for reduced airflow include – a dirty air filter, dirty coils, debris buildup on the outside unit, faulty internal components, and more. And while you can clean/replace the air filters on your own, you must hire a professional to take care of the other issues mentioned above. - Weird Smells
If your heating system gives out any strange smell, it’s time to have it serviced/inspected by an HVAC expert. For instance, if you experience a musty or rotten egg the smell indicates mold growth inside the ducts or the heating system. Similarly, if you share a burning smell, there could be a problem with the electrical system. In such cases, you must immediately schedule a heating inspection. And if you want to nip the situation in the bud, you must go for regular heating servicing.
The Importance of Regular Heating System Maintenance
As a reputable residential heating repair company in El Dorado Hills, South Placer Heating and Air recommends scheduling at least one heating servicing appointment yearly. Lack of servicing would not just lead to increased power consumption and reduced heating efficiency, it can also lead to poor indoor air quality that can be detrimental to you and your family’s health.
If you are facing an issue with your heating system and are looking for a reputable residential heating repair company in El Dorado Hills and nearby areas, we at South Placer Heating and Air would love to help. We are among the most trusted names for all air conditioning and heating-related services in El Dorado Hills and nearby areas. To schedule an appointment, call (916) 246-2089.
