Three Heating System Problems That Inhibit Peak Performance

peakperformance

There are plenty of different heating systems out there to choose from, but one trait that all heating systems share is that eventually they wear down. In fact, every machine ultimately does, including the human body. That is why we need the best doctors to diagnose our illnesses and prescribe a treatment.

As is often the case with the human body, the difficulty about figuring out what is not working properly in a heater is that it usually cannot be seen on surface level. Oftentimes, it’s the problems hidden behind walls and ceilings that can do the most damage, which is why it’s wise to bring in an expert heating contractor to diagnose the defect and apply a working solution.

When a heat pump or furnace fails to function at its peak performance, it is only a symptom of a larger problem, and upon inspection a heating technician looks for the deeper underlying issue. Here are first three places they start searching:

1. Dirty or Leaky Ducts

Your ductwork system runs throughout your entire home, delivering heated air to each room. However, ducts also tend to pick up high levels of dust, debris and hair from these spots, which accumulate inside the vents. Not only is this harmful to the air quality of your home, but dust also obstructs heat flow by creating air resistance.

Another ductwork problem that affects a heater’s performance is leaks, gaps, or breaks. Air pressure plays a pivotal role in transferring air throughout a home. If ducts begin to develop cracks, leaks, or damage from corrosion, then the loss in air pressure forces your system to work harder to compensate. Pretty soon, you will notice your heater losing its effectiveness, and the system will wear out faster in the long run, requiring more frequent and costly repairs.

2. Low Refrigerant Levels

There are many ways your heat pump can lose refrigerant. For example, there may be a small, barely visible leak that considerably lowers the system’s refrigerant level over time. Or even if your system is new, the charge level may be off. For a heat system to run at peak performance, the charge level must be within a few ounces of the manufacturer’s specifications. If it’s too high or low, the performance declines.

3. Faulty Air Flow

Most heating units in America have a forced air system, which means that a calibrated amount of air moves through a blower in order to operate efficiently. The blower is designed to distribute 400 to 500 cubic feet of air per minute.

However, in time airborne particles and dust accumulate on the air filter, which stops the blower from achieving the best airflow. To fix this, filters should be check monthly, and if the air flow is still insufficient, then you should have an HVAC technician come take a look.

For these common heating issues, and many other not-so-common ones, let a Gagne heating contractor come out and restore the maximum efficiency of your system. Our professional, metro-Atlanta emergency heating technicians provide personalized service to homes and businesses in Norcross, Sandy Springs, Buford and other communities around northern Georgia.

Get started today and schedule your free consultation by calling (678) 221-4328.