Heating

Many Americans heat their homes with an electric heater. The two most common types are heat pumps and electric furnaces. As with any heating system, a wide range of issues can manifest over time. You can address some of these problems on your own, but you will need professional assistance to fix others.

1. Rising Electricity Consumption

Modern electric heaters are highly efficient and cost-effective to run. However, even minor issues can reduce their efficiency, raise energy consumption, and increase operating costs. This is often due to grime buildup, loose electrical connections, or general wear and tear. It may be time for a tune-up if it’s been a while since your last maintenance check. You should schedule a maintenance appointment once a year, preferably in the fall so that it’s ready to keep your home comfortable once the weather gets cold.

A maintenance visit typically includes a comprehensive inspection and cleaning of system components. For heat pumps, this means cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, which are essential for heat exchange. When these coils become covered with dust or debris, it reduces their ability to absorb and release heat, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy.

In addition, technicians will tighten electrical connections to ensure safe, efficient operation and lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and prevent wear. Similarly, electric furnaces have heating elements that require cleaning to ensure efficient heat transfer and proper airflow. Regular maintenance not only maintains optimal performance but also prolongs the lifespan of your equipment and lowers your energy bills.

2. Tripped Circuit Breakers

Heating systems typically have a dedicated circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel. Occasionally, a circuit breaker may trip for various reasons. If it’s an isolated incident, it usually isn’t a cause for concern, and you can simply reset the breaker. However, if the breaker trips again, either immediately or within a few days, there may be an underlying issue that needs attention.

One of the most straightforward fixes is to replace a worn-out circuit breaker. However, for heat pumps, frequent tripping could indicate a problem with the compressor or a hard-starting condenser unit that requires servicing. For electric furnaces, it might be due to a malfunctioning fan motor or other component. In both systems, loose electrical connections or faulty wiring can also cause the breaker to trip repeatedly. It’s essential to have a professional diagnose and address these issues to prevent further damage to your heating system.

3. No Heat at All

There are two common scenarios when your heating system fails to produce heat. Either the entire system is unresponsive, or the fan is running but only blowing room-temperature air. If your system doesn’t turn on at all, one of the first things to check is whether a circuit breaker has tripped. If you’ve ruled out the breaker, another possibility is an issue with the HVAC disconnect switch. Most heat pumps are installed with this type of switch so that a technician can cut the power when working on the outdoor condenser unit.

Electric heating systems often have both power and reset switches, so ensure that the system is turned on, and try resetting it once to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it could be due to faulty wiring or a malfunctioning motor, and you will need to contact a professional to address the issue.

If your system is running but there’s no heat, your heater needs immediate attention. Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as a thermostat that requires cleaning, calibration, or replacement. For heat pumps, a lack of heat might indicate a refrigerant leak or problems with the evaporator or condenser coils. In electric furnaces, the issue is often related to a faulty heating element.

4. Short Cycling

Cycles vary between electric heaters, but a typical cycle is 10 or 15 minutes or two to three times an hour. If you notice your heater turning on and off more frequently, it’s short cycling. This is a big concern because it increases wear and tear and can shorten your system’s lifespan. It will also cause your operating costs to rise dramatically.

This may be occurring because you have a clogged filter that you need to replace. Experts recommend changing your filter at least every three months. However, you may need to change yours out more often due to factors like how many people live in your home and if you have pets. Many homeowners inspect their air filters once a month to ensure they know when to change them out.

If your system continues to short cycle after changing the filter, your heat pump or furnace may be overheating. In this scenario, the system runs briefly and gets too hot, which trips the limit switch. A limit switch shuts your system down when it overheats to prevent fire hazards and permanent damage to the system. After a while, your system cools down, tries to run again, and repeats the cycle. A professional can determine why your system is overheating and fix the issue.

5. Uneven Heating

Closed, dirty, or blocked vents can often cause uneven heating. Your heating system relies on a network of vents and ducts to distribute warm air evenly throughout your home. When vents are blocked by household items or closed, optimal airflow through your living spaces is restricted. As a result, some areas may receive little to no warm air, causing cold spots, while other areas closer to the heater may get overheated. Ensure that all the vents in your home have at least 10 to 12 inches of clearance around them and that they are in the fully open position.

Dirty vents can also restrict airflow. To clean them, you can remove the vent covers with a screwdriver. Next, use a stiff bristle brush to scrub them with warm soapy water. While they are drying, you can use a vacuum to clean up dirt and debris inside the vent up to where your ductwork begins. After reinserting the vents, ensure they are in the open position.

6. Blown Fuse

Heat pumps and electric furnaces often have internal fuses that protect the system from electrical surges. Over time, these fuses can blow due to wear or other issues, cutting off power to your heating system.

While replacing a fuse might seem like a simple task, it’s generally not recommended as a DIY fix. The fuse can be difficult to access, and there are safety concerns due to the high voltage involved. A professional can safely replace the fuse and check for any underlying electrical issues that may have caused it to blow in the first place, ensuring your system runs reliably.

Electric Heat Repair Services in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area

At On Time Experts, we have served the residents of Dallas, TX and the surrounding areas since 1981. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Additionally, we can help with all your plumbing and indoor air quality needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.

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