Homeowners Guide to Heater Repair 

Temps have dropped in the Central Texas and we can expect them to be cool until the middle of March or so. When the North wind blows with a bite, Texans hurry inside to the comfort of a warm, cozy home; anything less is unacceptable. Furnaces are mechanical systems and need maintenance, occasional repairs, and eventual replacement. But here are some of the most common problems that reduce heating comfort with properly functioning HVAC systems.

Heater Repair: Electric Furnaces

Most electric HVAC systems use dual methods for heating a home—heat pump technology and electric elements. You probably notice two settings on your thermostat for heat; one setting may say Heat/Aux or EmHeat.

• Heat pump technology uses the exact same system as your air conditioner, but it reverses the process. You think of your air conditioner adding cool air, but the technology is removing the hot air from your house as well. During the heating season, the technology reverses and pulls what heat it can find from the outside and brings it inside. This is a very efficient method of heating until the temperature drops below 30⁰ F outside because there is not enough heat available. If the thermostat is on the regular heat setting and the house is still cold, turn the setting to an auxiliary or emergency heat setting.
• Electric elements are thick metal coils contained within a heat exchange chamber. The coils are designed to resist the flow of electricity and this causes them to glow red hot. A flow of air passes over the hot coils and transfers the heat to your home. This is a simple, efficient heating system, backs up the heat pump system. If an emergency or auxiliary heat is not functioning, a repair technician is required.

Heater Repair: Natural Gas/Propane Furnaces

Furnaces that use a fuel, such as natural gas or propane, must maintain three constants: a flame source, a fuel supply, and oxygen. Old systems might still use a pilot light and new systems have an electric spark ignition. The flame heats the air in one chamber and transfers the heat to another chamber before being exhausted to the outdoors.

• When a pilot light is extinguished, a sensor, called a thermocouple, shuts off the gas supply to prevent the gas from leaking into your home.
• Suet/corrosion buildup on the burner can also interfere with the proper burning of fuel and reduce the heat it produces.

Knowing the source of the problem helps you to call a repair technician as soon as possible. The risks to home and family are too great for do-it-yourself experimentation.

Heater Repair: Cycle Problems

Your furnace is designed to cycle—run for a period of time, shut off, and then cycle on again. That is the normal operation expectation for the most efficient use of utilities. Two problems might arise: running short cycles too often or running cycles that are too long. Both might result in comfort problems, either too cold or too hot. There are a number of causes for this; here are a few.

• If the system is sized too big for your home, it will run in short cycles that occur too often. It achieves the thermostat setting temperature very quickly and cycles off before the whole space is warmed.
• If the system is sized too small for your home, it struggles to produce sufficient heat to warm the space.
• The thermostat or other sensors might malfunction and produce cycling problems.

A sensor malfunction will require a repair technician. A sizing problem will require a new, properly sized HVAC system. This should be corrected when the system is next replaced. However, if you experience cycling problems, it helps to know why.

Cool Spaces

If the air coming out of the vent is warm but the space is not, it may indicate one or more problems that you might be able to fix.

• Drafts or uneven heating might indicate heat loss. Explore caulking, weather stripping, and insulation needs.
• Inspect your home for restricted airflow. Perhaps furniture or accessories have migrated oversupply vents or cold air returns.
• Make sure to use solar gain in cold spaces. Open drapes/blinds for south-facing windows during the day and close them after the sun sets.

Ready to Schedule Your Heater Repair Appointment?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and Heater Repair, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Duct Cleaning information page.