How Can I Tell If I Need Heating System Repairs?

We see it every fall: The first October cold snap hits, and our phone rings off the hook with calls requesting heating repairs, after months of the equipment sitting quietly, unattended in the basement.

The problem is there are only so many expert oil-fired heating system technicians available – which means someone will have to wait for their heating system fix.

It’s a pretty common problem: most people don’t give their furnace or boiler much thought until the weather turns in earnest. But by waiting until the last minute, you may run into a situation where you find your equipment needs major repairs—or even replacement – in a very tight time frame.

Of course the best way to avoid this problem is to prevent heating repairs in the first place by getting professional annual heating maintenance every year. If you haven’t scheduled heating service yet, we strongly recommend that you do it before you really need your furnace or boiler.

In the meantime, if you know you need a heating repair, it’s best to take care of it before the first cold snap – and that time is now. If you spot any of these heating system warning signs, contact us as soon as possible so we can take care of the problem before temperatures take their annual plunge here in Rhode Island:

• Higher heating bills – Utility companies raise their rates from time to time, but typically do it slowly. If you notice a sharp rise in your heating bill, it’s generally a sign that your heating 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 cool spots in your home; this uneven heating is usually the result of airflow problems in the ductwork. A heating expert will be able to help you assess where the problem is so you can fix it.
• Unusual noises – Most modern furnaces and boilers run relatively quietly. If you hear banging, clanking, or moaning-type sounds, something is probably about to go wrong – if it hasn’t already.
• Stale or hazy indoor air – Notice more dust around the house than you usually see, or worsening asthma or allergies? A furnace that isn’t working properly could be circulating dust, mildew, and other contaminants throughout your home. 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 RI fall, but is your heating system? Know for sure: contact us today for expert heating system service and repairs for your oil-fired heating equipment from the pros at Vaughn Oil.