Last-Minute Heating System Repairs Before The Cold Weather
We haven’t had that first real cold snap yet in southeastern Massachusetts or northern Rhode Island – just some seasonably cool evenings. But as we know all too well here in New England, the cold will eventually come – and when it does, we know to expect a barrage of phone calls from people requesting heating system repairs.
The problem is there are only so many qualified heating experts to go around – which means you may have to wait for service for your furnace or boiler once busy season sets in. That’s OK when it’s 60 degrees during the daytime like it is now, but when it’s 20 degrees? Not so much.
The best way to avoid the need for heating repairs, of course, is to prevent them from happening in the first place by getting professional preventative maintenance every year. If you haven’t scheduled heating service for your propane– or heating oil-fired equipment yet, we strongly recommend that you do it as soon as possible – before you really need heat.
If you’ve past that point and know you need to have your heating equipment professionally repaired, it’s best to take care of it before the first cold snap.
Repairing your heating system: Four heating repair warning signs
How do you know if your heating equipment needs repairs? Look for these warning signs. If you see (or hear) them, contact us for a heating repair as soon as possible so we can take care of the problem before RI and MA temperatures start to plummet.
- Higher bills – While utility companies do occasionally raise their rates, they usually do it slowly; if you notice a sudden rise in your heating bill, it probably means your system has lost efficiency and needs repair.
- Hot and cold spots – If you have a forced-air heating system (one with vents and a furnace rather than radiators or baseboards and a boiler), you may find that that you have hot and cold zones in your home – a sign of an airflow problem that could be caused by a malfunctioning heating system or thermostat.
- Noises – If you hear banging, clanking, or other unusual sounds, something is probably about to go wrong with your heating system – if it hasn’t already.
- Dusty or poor-quality air – Have you noticed worsening allergy symptoms when you spend more time at home – or an unusual layer of dust on your floors and shelves after a recent cleaning? A poorly-functioning furnace or problems in your ductwork could be to blame. If you change your air filter and the problem doesn’t go away, you’ll need to call in a heating pro.
You may be ready for a lovely fall here in New England, but is your heating system? Know for sure: contact us today for expert heating system service and repairs for your heating equipment from the pros at W.H. Riley & Son.