No matter how expensive or highly rated a particular heating system is, it will eventually need maintenance and repairs from time to time. This is normal and happens when equipment goes through enough wear and tear to need deep cleaning, additional lubrication, or replacement parts.
Here are our top 10 most common home heating repairs, what we do to fix them, and when you should reach out to a qualified HVAC professional for services.
10 Home Heating Repairs
1. Replacing the Fan Belt
Fan belts are made of reinforced rubber material that can become damaged with sustained wear and tear. As the rubber dries out and cracks, it weakens and can start to make loud noises when your heater runs. This is a common repair that may need to be done one or more times during the life of your equipment.
2. Replacing a Cracked Heat Exchanger
If you have a furnace that overheats and shuts off due to lack of airflow, this could eventually cause your heat exchanger to crack or break. This happens most often around areas that have been welded and aren’t as strong as others. A cracked heat exchanger can leak deadly carbon monoxide, so it’s crucial to replace it before turning your system on again.
3. Cleaning or Replacing Clogged Air Filters
For homeowners with ductless heat pumps, cleaning dirty air filters is probably the most common service we perform. If you have a different type of heating system with disposable filters, these should be replaced every 30 days or so.
4. Repairing Damaged Electrical Connections
Most of the electrical connections in Massachusetts’ charming old homes have seen better days, and heating appliances can put even more strain on them. Sometimes, these connections become damaged as a result and need to be repaired or replaced to prevent fires and other safety hazards.
5. Repairing the Pilot Assembly
The pilot assembly on a furnace is a collection of parts that work together to keep the pilot light safely lit. If any of these components are broken, your pilot light may go out or burn yellow. Because the flow of gas goes directly to your pilot assembly, keeping these parts in good working condition is crucial for your safety.
6. Cleaning Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Heat pumps have evaporator and condenser coils that work together to move heat from the outside of your home to the inside. Over time, these collect dirt and debris that needs to be cleaned away to maintain efficiency and keep your energy bills low.
7. Cleaning Condensate Drains
Heat pumps and high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate as they operate that needs to be drained away. Minerals and contaminants in the water cause these drains to become dirty and can eventually block them entirely if not regularly cleaned.
8. Sealing Duct Leaks
Central HVAC systems use ducts to transport warm air from your furnace to different rooms throughout your home, but these can develop small cracks and openings over time that allow heat to escape. Identifying and sealing leaks can improve airflow, lower your electric expenses, and reduce extra wear and tear on your system components.
9. Lubricate Moving Parts
All heating equipment has parts that move together to make your system work. Like a car, these need to be well lubricated in order to function properly. If your parts get dry, the metal may start to rub together and create loud sounds or damage your system.
10. Calibrating or Replacing the Thermostat
Your thermostat is how you control your heat settings and is an essential part of your overall system. This device should be regularly calibrated and may need to be replaced if it can’t accurately sense the ambient temp in your home or turn your system on at the right time to keep your space comfortable.
When to Contact Our Home Heating Experts
At McClaren Heating & Air Conditioning, we go the extra mile to troubleshoot heating problems and make reliable repairs that improve your home comfort and air quality. When you need heating repairs you can count on, you can trust our expert HVAC professionals to do the job right every time.
Contact us today to schedule your personalized repair quote by dialing 781-447-0136, or complete our short contact form here, and we’ll reach out to you right away. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies no matter the weather, so you never have to go without heating.
