Winter is the worst time to have your heating system stop working, but that’s often exactly when a breakdown occurs. Fortunately, if you pick up on the signs early enough, you won’t need to go without heat for long and your repair technician should be able to resolve the problem before it gets too bad.
Your Boiler Blows Cold Air
Put your hand to the vent and see if you are getting warm or cold air. When the boiler first starts up, it will likely push out cooler air, but it should rapidly warm up. If the cool air continues to blow, there’s something wrong somewhere and you need to have it seen as rapidly as possible. Cold air will do nothing to warm you up.
Your Heating System is Over 10 Years Old
An older system will have more issues than a newer one. You should start to plan for replacement, as you probably won’t wish to keep repairing an older machine that will only continue to deteriorate. It’s important to maintain and check on older boilers before winter begins, so you can determine if the heating system will continue to function correctly through the winter.
You Notice an Odd Smell
Is your boiler making strange odours drift into your living space? This, especially combined with sounds that are not usually part of the boiler running, may indicate a problem. Musty odours may be mildew or moisture that is building up within the system, but if you notice a burning smell, it could be a wiring problem and the boiler should be shut down and a repair technician called immediately. Likewise, if you smell rotten eggs, it could be a gas leak, if you use natural gas. Never ignore these signs, as they could be dangerous.
You Are Paying More for Heat
Is your heating coming at a higher and higher price? While prices for heating oil do rise and fall, the significant thing is to watch how fast you go through the oil. If you find that it simply doesn’t last as long as it used to, that’s probably because your boiler is no longer as efficient as it once was. This may be due to age, or there could be something wrong with one of the components within the system. Either way, a technician should come to see if it’s possible to make the system more efficient.
If you’ve noticed any unusual signs from the boiler and the heating system in your home, it’s usually best to have a pro come out and look. This will cost you a little money, but give you peace of mind. There’s little chance of the boiler stopping completely if you’ve had someone repair it, so you can stay warm throughout the remainder of the cold days.
Notice something off about your heating system? Make an appointment with Mitchell’s to find out what is going on with your heating.