Centralised heating systems are a common choice found in several homes which offer non-obtrusive and uniform heat to the whole home. Nevertheless, much like any machine they may break down as time passes. This way you know what kind of problems can arise in your system so that it works efficiently and for the longest time period. We take a closer look at some of the common centralised heating problems and how they can be fixed with the help of this blog.
Uneven Heating Across Rooms
Problem:
Uneven heating in the rooms or zones in a home is perhaps quite a common problem with centralised heating and cooling systems. At the same time, some corners of your home may be too sunny while others are probably cold. Having a heater that works properly is extremely necessary, especially in the harsher months of cold weather.
Causes:
Blocked or leaky ducts: Blockages in the ductwork as well as leaks can restrict airflow (warm air never makes it to where you need it)
Uninsulated Ducts: Unassigned ducts that are not appropriately covered can shed heat as air journeys through them triggering unequal warmth.
Bad Dampers: Each damper adjusts the amount of airflow your system is allowing to enter different zones. Additionally, if they are not functioning properly or misaligned then it may result in warm spots.
Fixes:
Check and clean ducts – Make sure to inspect your ductwork for any blockages, like dirt, debris or even the presence of pests.
Fix Leaks: If you find any leaks within your ductwork, either seal them with some simple duct tape or hire a professional to make the necessary repairs.
Insulate Ducts: Make sure your ductwork is properly insulated with an attic or basement space.
Inspect and Fine-Tune Dampers: Confirm that your dampers are operational. Or you can twist them to level the flow and heat the home uniformly.
Thermostat Issues
Problem:
The thermostat can misread temperature and either deliver too much heat or not enough. This leads to discomfort and increased energy bills.
Causes:
Dead Batteries: Most thermostats run on batteries, and if the batteries are discharged, your thermostat could be working improperly.
Faulty Location: If the thermostat is put too close to an area that differs from what your home really feels like (e.g. near a draughty window or in direct sunlight), it could make components operate incorrectly.
Broken Thermostat: The thermostat could go bad after a while which will make additional complications including false readings.
Fixes:
Change with New Batteries: Examine your thermostat’s batteries and change them out when they appear weak to keep it operational.
Move the Thermostat: If your thermostat is in a terrible location, relocate it to somewhere more central that can read the temperature of your home properly.
Thermostat calibration, or replacement –If your current model of thermostat is old or out of whack, swapping it out for one that’s “smart” and programmable could help significantly.
No Airflow or Weak Airflow
Problem:
If your centralised heating system is experiencing issues with its airflow, either no air or inadequate levels of it coming from the air vents, then this can point to a problem impeding this necessary process.
Causes:
Clogged Air Filters: Over time, air filters can become clogged with dust and debris choking off airflow.
Blower motor issues: The blower motor is used to push air through the ducts. When it’s not working right, air flow can be poor or missing completely.
Ductwork Issues: Crimped air ducts can sometimes result in the airflow being cut off.
Fixes:
Change Air Filters: Inspect and replace air filters every 3-6 months to avoid blocking airflow.
Check the Blower Motor: If your blower motor is messed up, you might need to clean and lubricate it or replace it entirely. You can call a professional to make it done for better efficiency.
Inspect Your Ductwork: It is important to check your ducts for damage or separation. This may also involve repairing or replacing sections that have been damaged to return adequate air flow.
System Not Turning On
Problem:
At times the centralised heating system might fail to turn on at all, leaving your house freezing and uncomfortable.
Causes:
Electrical Problems: Electrical failure like a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse may further prevent your air conditioning from working.
Defective Thermostat: If a thermostat is broken, your heating system will not be able to start either.
Blower Motor Failure: If the blower motor does not work, it will be impossible for hot air to circulate through the system.
Fixes:
Test Power Supply: First, make sure the system is plugged in and powered on. Make sure the issue is not your circuit breakers or fuses.
Test the Thermostat: Check that the thermostat is set to heat and at desired temperature. If it is not working, replace the batteries of the thermostat or the whole part if required.
Check the Blower Motor: A defective blower motor requires an expert repair or replacement.
Unexpected Noise from the System
Problem:
Bang, rattle or whistle: These are not sounds you should hear coming from your centralised heating system.
Causes:
Loose Components: Parts of the system can come loose over time, making banging or crashing sounds; this typically happens with parts such as a blower fan or motor.
The Metal Ductwork is Expanding or Contracting: With some heaters, when the system heats up and cools down once again, it can typically make a popping sound.
Blocked Ducts: If anything has blocked a portion of the ductwork, air may begin whistling and make other odd noises as it tries to find space through the barrier.
Fixes:
Check for any loose screws, bolts or other parts on different components of the system and tighten them to get rid of rattle/bang sounds.
Insulate the Ducts: Insulating your ductwork can help lower or practically eliminate noise created by expansion and contraction of ducts.
Remove Blockages: In cases in which a blockage is suspected of being the cause, it may be worthwhile to locate and get rid of any obstruction that might unblock airflow by clearing whatever debris there may be as this too could very well remove or minimise the noise.
Odour of burning, with the discharge system running
Problem:
The last issue that we are going to detail here is definitely one of the most serious issues, and it demands your immediate attention upon detection of the burning smell from the system.
Causes:
Dust Accumulation: Dust can collect in ducts or on the heating elements, which results in a hot smell when you first turn your furnace back onto action after many months of nonuse.
Burn smell: It may also be a sign of an electrical issue, such as faulty wiring or motors that are running too hot.
Overheating Elements: If components such as the blower motor have gone bad, they can generate a burning scent from overheating.
Fixes:
Run the system (whether it is a centrifuge or an evaporator) for 3-5 minutes to make sure that any dust particles producing the smell have come out. If you clean and maintain it, dust will not accumulate.
Check for Electrical Problems: Finally, in case the smell lingers or is combined with other indications of electrical problems, turn off your system and have a professional inspect it right away to avoid issues like fires.
Look for Overheating: If overheating is the suspect, then a professional for ducted heating repairs in Melbourne should come to check and fix.
High Energy Bills
Problem:
A skyrocketing energy bill may be a sign that your centralised heating system is not working at its best.
Causes:
Failure to maintain: When a system is not properly maintained – such as cleaning filters and ducts, the efficiency of that system decreases, which in turn causes more energy to be consumed.
Air Duct Leverage: Medium leaks in the ductwork can make a system labour more to maintain temperature, leading to higher energy consumption.
Ageing System: Just like everything in your home or commercial building, as the system ages it may not operate at peak efficiency meaning more energy is required to produce heat.
Fixes:
Seal Leaky Ducts- Look for and seal any holes in the ductwork to keep energy from escaping.
Step Up to Something Better: If you have an older, less efficient system; invest in a more modern and energy-efficient model which will eventually pay for itself with reduced heating costs.
Conclusion
Of course, a centralised heating system is one of the most dependable and efficient ways to ensure that you can keep your home nice and warm, but it does not mean they are free from problems. Avoiding these common issues may only require a base understanding by knowing what to do in case the problems occurred. Keeping up with maintenance and addressing issues quickly will ensure that your system, including the initial ducted heating installation, is always heating your home to keep you warm throughout winter. If you are not confident in handling any of these problems yourself, it is always a good idea to consult with one held by an expert who will ensure that your system remains secure and effective without causing additional damage.
