Brad Chapman of Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County Covers Signs That Your Home Heater May Need To Be Replaced

Check out these tips for monitoring your HVAC system, provided by Brad Chapman of Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County.

Dread it, run from it, winter has arrived. HVAC expert Brad Chapman of Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County argues that it’s vital you make sure your home heater is in good repair as the temperatures drop. If not, you may find yourself struggling through cold, uncomfortable nights.

“Ideally, you want to start up your heating system a few weeks before it gets freezing. Depending on the part of the country you live in, that may mean October or November,” Brad Chapman of Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County notes. “This way, you can make sure that your heating is working, and if not, you can still enjoy warm weather while your system is fixed.”

Some people rely on space heaters and other heating solutions when their home heating system is down. However, it’s essential to understand that space heaters and other temporary heating solutions may create fire hazards. Often, a properly functioning HVAC system is safer.

“Whenever there’s a heat source involved, you want to be very careful,” Brad Chapman of Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County points out. “If you have to use a space heater for a few days, keep a close eye on it and get your HVAC system fixed ASAP.”

Red Flags Something is Wrong With Your HVAC System

So how can you tell that your HVAC system needs to be repaired? First, if you’re not getting heat from your heater (or cool air from your AC unit), that’s a tell-tale sign that there’s a problem. That’s why you should turn on your system before it gets cold so you can test it.

“The most obvious sign something’s wrong is that there’s simply no heat coming out,” Brad Chapman of Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County says. “If your heating system is proving hard to startup, it may be due to a problem.”

Besides heat, you should also watch for smells. Your HVAC system provides air throughout your home. Bad smells could not only indicate a problem but, in some cases, may be associated with a health risk.

“Even if heat is coming out, however, you’ll want to pay attention to smells. If something smells off and doesn’t clear up quickly, there might be a problem,” Brad Chapman of Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County. “Even if the smell clears up, if it was noxious or particularly pungent, it’s wise to schedule an inspection.”

Persistent noises and knocks are also a sign that something is wrong. Brad Chapman recommends that you spend some time in the furnace room, listening for problems. It’s wise to stop by and listen every few weeks.

“Another sign many people miss are rising heating bills,” Brad Chapman of Alliance Building Solutions in San Bernardino County says. “Rising rates may hint at a leak or another problem. Or your system might be outdated.”