Maintaining your heating system is crucial to a safe functioning unit. There are many signs your HVAC system, specifically your heater, may be experiencing a malfunction. Some of these errors might not be visible to you immediately, but the underlying conditions your unit might be experiencing could put your home in jeopardy.
With October being Fire Prevention Month, here are some red flags from your heater that could warn you of potential electrical fires.
Faulty Wiring
When taking precautions for electrical fires, the first thing to look at is outdated or faulty wiring. Correct wiring is essential for several reasons and is vital in various scenarios.
Asking your technician about your wiring can help you identify underlying problems. In general, your heater's wiring must be insulated and covered from beginning to end. For example, small uncovered patches of your wiring must be protected with electrical tape for precaution. Using multiple wires and extension cords may increase the risk of electrical sparks, leading to electrical fires in your home.
Bad Odors
A regularly functioning heating system should not emit strange odors into your house. Unusual odors that give off an oily or electrical burning smell call for immediate attention. This can signal that your system is working through burning wires, which is a leading cause of electrical fires.
Regardless of your unit's health, overheating wires can occur. To prevent further damage, it is recommended to switch off your unit and call a professional right away. The faster you can diagnose and resolve the issue, the safer it is for you and your loved ones.
Overheating
With the higher usage of your system throughout the colder months, the load on your system will be heavier, which may cause the unit to overheat. Overheating may be the result of fluctuating electricity in your system, which can be a cause of an electrical fire.
Running your system periodically and getting professional tune-ups can help you identify underlying conditions before using your heater consistently.
Higher Energy Bills
A spike in your monthly electricity bills may be related to an issue with your heating system. Your HVAC system may require maintenance, or your airflow might be blocked due to a clogged filter. A malfunctioning heater may also result in your heating system not operating correctly.
Poor Airflow
Is your heating system not generating enough heat and providing you with poor airflow? The reason this might be happening is due to the result of an underlying cause of your motor needing an adjustment.
The accumulation of dirt, overheating of your bearings, and voltage problems are all causes of your motor overheating, which can lead your engine to catch fire.
Delayed Maintenance
The importance of your HVAC maintenance is crucial to a healthy working unit. Getting your service in before and after the summer season is mainly recommended. Over time, dirt accumulates in your vents and coils, obstructing airflow. This may lead to the risk of your unit choking, which can lead to a fire hazard.
The good news is that our technicians are highly trained to handle any issue that may appear. Be alert for any unusual problems with your heater so that you can get in touch immediately.
Professional Heater Maintenance in Kodak, Sevier & Knox Counties
With our dedicated team backing our work, our customers recognize that they are a priority. Our Morristown heating service technicians at Quality Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical inform you about your options and any available solutions and offer upfront, flat-rate pricing. Contact us today at (865) 622-7785 and let us help take care of your home.