Factors Affecting Your Heater’s Performance & What To Do About Them

Heating systems support warm and cozy homes all winter long, but only if you keep the equipment running smoothly. How could you minimize the risk of an inconvenient breakdown or heating inefficiencies?

Read on as Barber Heating & Air outlines factors affecting your heater’s performance and what to do about them.

Unit Age

Age is one of the top heater performance factors affecting your system’s productivity. The older a heating system gets, the less efficiently it will heat due to mechanical wear and tear. This loss of efficiency will impact everything from your monthly utility expenses to your indoor comfort.

There’s a very simple way to address an outdated heating system’s problems – replace it with a newer, energy-efficient model! Professional repair may temporarily improve poor heating performance. However, you’ll find a full replacement is a better long-term solution once the heater hits the ten-year mark. 

Heater Type 

When you’re weighing the factors affecting your heater’s performance and what to do about them, you can’t overlook the type of system. Specific heater types require specific tasks for proper maintenance.

For example, gas heaters need a lot of checks that involve repairing components to prevent dangerous gas leaks. Electric heating systems tend to have sensitive heating elements. These units require extra care to optimize system performance.

Thermostat Calibrations

Your thermostat is the heart of your heater’s controls. That means even if your heater is in excellent condition, it won’t work when something goes wrong with the thermostat. 

Periodic thermostat calibrations ensure these devices can accurately read temperatures and trigger the HVAC system to regulate indoor temperatures. As this setting shifts out of alignment, you may notice uneven or inconsistent heating. An HVAC technician can recalibrate your thermostat to ensure reliable readings.

Heater Size and Placement

Your heater’s size and location can seriously impact the HVAC system’s energy efficiency and performance. Oversized heating systems cycle too frequently, causing temperature fluctuations. The short cycling also wastes energy, which skyrockets your heating bills. 

Undersized equipment isn’t any better because it still struggles to reach and maintain your desired temperatures. An experienced HVAC contractor should accurately size your heater and place it in a central location to ensure even heating.

Airflow Problems

A lack of airflow can cause major problems for your heater, as the system will overwork itself. Excessive energy consumption and premature wear and tear are common airflow issues. Regular heater maintenance fixes the problem, so do the following:

• Schedule ductwork inspections to remove blockages.
• Handle furnace filter replacements once a season.
• Remove debris from your heater’s internal and external components between services.

And if in doubt, contact a heating professional!

Count on Barber Heating & Air for Reliable Heating Efficiency Solutions

Knowing the factors affecting your heater’s performance and what to do about them makes it clear when to contact a top-rated HVAC company for help. Barber Heating & Air has served Burlington and all of Central North Carolina, delivering more than 30 years of commitment to excellence in comprehensive heating repair, maintenance, and installation services! 

Call (336) 226-6959 for an appointment with Barber Heating & Air or 24/7 emergency HVAC services.