There are many potential issues that your home's heating system could experience. If you want to make sure that you are prepared to handle these situations, it will be necessary for you to learn as much as possible about this powerful and sophisticated system that keeps your home warm.

What Could Cause Your Energy Bills to Suddenly Increase?

If you find that your home's energy or heating bill has experienced a major increase, it could likely indicate that the heating system is suffering from a severe performance decrease. As the performance of the unit falls, it will have to expend more energy to keep the home comfortable and warm. Regular maintenance can minimize the risk of performance decreases, but you will also want to monitor your energy bill. In instances where there is a sudden increase, it could indicate that a mechanical component of the system is starting to fail. Prompt attention will be needed to repair or replace this part before it completely fails.

Can an Improperly Maintained Heater Pose Safety Risks?

In addition to presenting the risk of suffering an overall deterioration in performance, failing to maintain the heating system may also present some noticeable safety risks. For example, a poorly maintained heating unit will be at a much greater risk of starting a fire. Once the heater starts a fire, it will be able to rapidly spread throughout the home. As a result of this risk, you should always make sure that you are adhering to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for your heating system.

Should You Treat Your Heater for Pests?

It is common for pests to target heating units. This occurs because these systems may not be used for long periods of time during the spring and summer. Unfortunately, these pests can be extremely damaging to a heating system because they will be able to build nests that can prevent airflow and compromise the wiring. Furthermore, their nests can also be highly flammable, which can lead to a fire starting soon after the system is activated. Treating the system for pests at least once every couple of months will prevent these pests from successfully targeting your system. Also, prior to using the system for the first time during the fall or winter, you should check the system for signs of a pest infestation. If you notice this problem, you should avoid turning it on until all of the pests' nesting materials and droppings have been removed.

If you are in need of heater repair, don't hesitate to talk to an HVAC contractor near you today.