Why Your Home's Heating System Keeps Breaking Down

Everyone knows that running a home is costly. But by far the most expensive single maintenance item in most homes is the heating system. It’s complex, relies on numerous moving parts, and snakes its way through the whole home, upstairs and downstairs.

This post takes a look at some of the reasons your heating system keeps breaking down so you can keep yours healthy for as long as possible. Here’s everything you need to know:

You Have A Fuel Issue

If your heating system relies on a boiler or furnace, you might have a fuel issue. It’s unlikely you are using the wrong fuel since most units connect to the mains and burn this supply as standard. However, you could have the wrong pressure or clogged fuel lines.

As such, it is a good idea to talk to specialist heating engineers. Fixing these problems makes your system more reliable and also eliminates the risk of dangerous gases leaking into your environment.

You Have Electrical Woes

Another problem with your heating system could be electrical woes. Bad wiring or problems with your main board can prevent your heating system from functioning properly and damage its operation.

Again, though, getting to the bottom of these problems is challenging. It’s not always easy to identify the culprit component. Therefore, you’ll want to call in an electrician used to dealing with faults in heating systems. (Conventional electricians may not have the skills you need).

You Have Problems With Ductwork

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Problems with your ductwork can be more severe than you might think. Small gaps can release hot and cold air, making the system less efficient, but that isn’t your only concern. Lack of air-tightness in your flue lets carbon monoxide into the home, potentially making you feel sick and giving you a headache.

Fixing ductwork usually requires pumping a sealant into it. These substances find all the gaps and plug them, giving you less to do.

If that doesn’t work because the gaps are too big, you can also get a professional to fix them and bring them closer together.

Your Thermostat Is Broken

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The thermostat is another part of the system prone to failure. This temperature-setting device can get out of whack, placing more strain on the system as a whole and forcing you to replace it sooner than you’d like.

Faulty thermostats can make all sorts of mistakes, such as switching off your system too rapidly, or continually firing it up because they are underestimating the temperature. This action can wear out the components and make your home uncomfortably hot or cold, depending on the specific fault you have.

Your Heating System Is Just Old

Finally, your heating system could be continually breaking down because it’s just old. Most manufacturers only make solutions that last 10 to 15 years. Much beyond that, the basic elements start wearing out and replacing them is no longer economical.

As such, the point may come when you have no choice but to invest in a new heating system.

*Collaborative post.