10 Signs You Need to Repair Your Home Heating System

While you want your heating system to run, it should turn off periodically to maintain the ideal conditions in your home. If your heating system continues to run and blow hot air, this could be a symptom of several different problems.

The simplest solution may lie with the thermostat; if you have it set to “On” instead of “Auto,” it will run continuously. If it’s set to “Auto,” it will turn off when it reaches the maximum temperature.

Whether you have a boiler/hydronic heating system or a forced-air furnace, if your pilot light won’t stay lit, this is a sign of trouble. Older boilers and furnaces have constant pilot lights that should always be lit. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it might not be getting gas from the source. It could be that there is a draft blowing the light out or that the gas valve is turned off. In the case of boilers, you could have a faulty thermocouple. Or there may be a deposit of build-up that is interrupting the gas supply.

It’s normal to smell a burning smell when you turn on your furnace for the first time. That smell is dust and dirt that has accumulated since the last time you ran the heat burning off.  However, it should go away in short order. If it doesn’t, check and change your furnace filter. If the problem still persists, turn off and unplug your heating system (if applicable). Take off the cover and vacuum out the dust and dirt that has built up. If that and a new filter don’t solve the problem, it’s time to call in the pros.

Leaky ducts are the leading cause of cold air blowing from the vents in a forced-air heating system. But there are some other things you should consider, too. First, check your thermostat. Again, make sure it’s set to “Auto” rather than just “Fan On.” The fan will blow unconditioned air if the thermostat is not set right. If that is not the problem, next check your air filter to see if it’s dirty or needs to be replaced. A dirty air filter can make your system work harder or not perform as it should. If the air filter is OK, check to make sure the pilot light is lit. If not, there may be an interruption in the gas flow, such as the valve being turned off.

If you have a leaky boiler, it’s pretty obvious that you have an issue that needs correction by a professional. Boiler leaks can be caused by internal components including pressure valves or pump seals. If the problem is with the pressure valve, your boiler will experience elevated pressure. A leaky pump seal usually occurs when the seal has worn out.

Your system’s condensate pipe carries the condensed moisture from your boiler to an outside drain. In colder weather, it’s common for this pipe to freeze, which may cause a blockage – particularly if the pipe is located in an unheated garage or outdoors. If the system is blocked, the condensate can run back to the boiler and may cause a breakdown. If you can defrost the pipe yourself (check online for guides), you may be able to solve the problem on your own.

It’s normal for your system to make some noise, especially when you turn it on for the first time each year. However, it’s important to recognize the difference between normal sounds and ones that indicate a larger problem. The cause might be as simple as air in the system, low pressure, or as serious as a faulty pump or “kettling” – a condition caused by a build-up of limescale. Regardless, unusual or excessive gurgling, banging, or whistling sounds mean it’s time to call someone who can fix it.

Your heating and cooling system needs to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Twice is better – once in the Spring, and once in the Fall. If you haven’t kept up with your furnace or boiler maintenance, your system is likely not in premium working order. And this means you might be on the hook for higher energy bills, expensive, premature repairs, or even replacement. Make sure you schedule your regular system maintenance services to avoid these problems.