How to Fix Central Heating System Problems

Home heating systems are designed to do just that – heat your home. Surprisingly, these systems are quite complicated and are subject to certain problems. We'll start by checking the most obvious and easiest to fix.

Check the pilot light and breakers if you aren't getting any heat out of the vents.

Start by checking the filters if the problem is reduced heat production. Animal hair, dust and other particles can block the filters over time. Don't waste your time trying to clean the filters. You will probably ruin them, and besides, they are very inexpensive to replace.

The next thing you should do is check to see if something is blocking the vent. Make sure you get a good view of the vent by using a flashlight to see inside. Use a ladder or get down on the floor if you have to.

Go to the attic and check the ducts, if you find that the vents are open and unblocked. When you locate the ducts, check for obvious damage. Run a tissue along the joints to check for air movement while the system is running.

If you live near a field, where rats and mice might be a problem, you may have damage to your ducts. A mouse or rat will gnaw through your ducts in no time at all.

Oddly enough, duct tape is not recommended for repairing ducts. The temperature and humidity changes will cause it to break down. In some areas, it is in violation of local building codes. Use some type of sealing material, such as mastic (a paste, sometimes on tape) to repair small air leaks.

Wrapping insulation around the ducts can also make the system more efficient. Even if no leaks are present, conduction could be causing heat lose. Make sure the material you use is in compliance with local building codes.

Squeaks and rattles could be caused by a number of different things.

If your system is belt driven, temperature changes and general wear from age could cause the belt to stretch. When belts become loose, they will slip on the pulleys, causing them to squeak. Replacing these belts is relatively simple and cheap.

Metal expansion and air movement, or loose screws in the plates and ducts, is usually responsible for rattles. Short of replacing the material or wrapping, not much can be done about the first one.

Tighten any loose screws that you can get to, being careful not to damage wires or insulation. When dealing with the duct material, be cautious of denting and breaking.

The problem may be that your heat pump is not powerful enough to heat a home the size of yours. You can easily find out what size home your pump is rated for by checking the tags or researching online. Contact a professional, if an upgrade is necessary.

A similar problem may be that the air flow required to heat the house may be to large for the size of the ducts. 50-60 liters per second per kilowatt-hour or 400-500 cubic feet per minute per ton is the recommended flow rating. Although it's possible to do replcements yourself, it's advised that you seek the services of a professional.

Always get plenty of estimates. Although going cheap might sound good, try to find someone reputable even if it means spending a few more dollars.

Contact the utility company if you smell gas. Usually, they will have a technician there as soon as possible at no fee. It's a good idea to have them inspect the entire system as well. You may have a dangerous or inefficient system and not know it.