You should make sure your home heating system is working properly, not only for your comfort but also for your safety. Here's how.
As simple as heating your home seems to be, you'd be surprised at how many complicated parts are involved, all ready to break down at the worst possible time. Let's talk about the obvious ones first.
If there is no heat coming from your heating vents, make sure the circuit breaker is on and the igniter is working. If you are not getting enough heat, make sure your filters are clean. These can easily be blocked with animal hair, dust and other things that blow around the house. They are so cheap that it does not pay to wash them, just install new ones.
Make sure all vents are open and not blocked up. If the vent is near the ceiling, get on a ladder and check. You will not be able to see anything blocking it from below. For low vents, get on your hands and knees and check.
Once you have established that all vents are open and not blocked, you have to check the duct work. IN most systems, you should be able to see them in the attic on top of the ceiling insulation. Look for any breaks, then turn on the heat and, use a tissue to feel for air leaks. If you have had any mice or rat infestation, there may be damage, since they can easily chew through.
Don't use duct tape to repair ducts. It does not hold up well in high temperatures and humidity and will cause further leaks. Some local building codes do not even allow duct tape to be used. Instead, use mastic tape which seals better.
If you wrap your ducts with insulation, you may stem some heat loss; be sure to check the building code for which types of material you are allowed to use.
If there is any noise in the heating system, there are a number of possible causes.
If the system is belt driven, the belt may have stretched over time, and with fluctuating temperatures. A loose belt will squeak as it slips on its pulley. These belts are simple and inexpensive to replace.
A rattle will indicate loose screws in the connecting plates or in the duct work. The metal expands and contracts, causing this. You may be able to dent the material so that it fits tighter and does not rattle, and loose screws can be tightened, but be careful not to screw through the insulation or any wires.
Another reason you are not getting enough heat may be because your heating system is not adequate for your home. You should be able to see the rating on a tag on the pump. If this is the case, however, you will have to have the system professionally upgraded.
Another problem is that the duct work is not large enough for the home. This is measured by flow ratings. Ideally, they should be 50 to 60 liters per second per kilowatt hour. It is possible to replace the duct work, but not an easy job.If you have to have a professional address any of your problems, make sure you get a number of estimates. But don't necessarily go with the cheapest bid. Make sure the contractor is trustworthy and has good references.
One important last note: if you smell gas, report it to the utility company right away. Utility companies also provide service for other heating problems. You can ask them to diagnose your system, and they will be able to judge whether you need to upgrade your system or just have some minor repairs.
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