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Emergency Heater Repair Guide for AZ Home Owners
In Arizona’s winter months, temperature lows can easily fall below 50° Fahrenheit.
While hardly life-threatening, these low temperatures will make your home uncomfortable if your heater stops working unexpectedly.
When you have heater issues during a particularly cold time of the year, it’s essential to know where you can find emergency heater repair.
HVAC repair outside of business hours also generally falls under emergency service.
Unfortunately, heating system emergencies don’t wait for you to be ready for repair.
To prepare for unexpected heater problems, you can find out where to find emergency HVAC services before something goes wrong.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about repairing your heater during a sudden system failure.
Read on for the complete guide to emergency heater repair!
What You Can Check Yourself
Although you should leave any HVAC repairs to a professional, there are some easy checks you can perform yourself.
If you check all of these and still have issues with your heater, it’s likely time to call your local contractor.
Thermostat
When your heater isn’t working properly, the first place you should look is the thermostat.
If this is the problem, it’s usually also the easiest fix.
If the display doesn’t come on at all, it may be as simple as a dead battery.
For older thermostats without a screen, try adjusting the dial or slider to see if the heat still won’t come on.
Should changing the battery have no effect, there may be an issue with the thermostat’s wiring.
You may be able to perform the repair yourself if any wires are obviously disconnected.
However, electrical repairs of any kind can be dangerous if you don’t have electrical experience, so be prepared to call a professional.
You might also consider replacing your thermostat altogether.
An HVAC technician will be able to advise you on what is best for your home.
Air Filters
Another easy inspection to make is your air filters.
A clogged air filter is easy to spot, as it will have a layer of dust and debris covering it.
Try cleaning any dust off of the air filter to see if this improves your heater’s performance.
A clogged air filter can prevent airflow into your air ducts and reduce your system’s efficiency.
Additionally, leaving your air filter clogged for too long can cause dirt or dust to get into your system and cause damage.
Over time, this damage can lead to costly repairs and even the need to install a new system.
Power Supply
There are a few reasons your system may not be getting power.
In the event of an electrical surge, your breakers may “trip” in order to prevent fires or damage to your power grid.
Find your home’s electrical panel (usually located in the basement, utility closet, or garage), and check to see if any breakers are switched off.
If your electrical system is working properly, your system may be switched off.
Near your indoor unit, there is typically a switch resembling a light switch that controls power to your heater.
This power switch may be off for a few different reasons.
It’s possible someone flipped the switch by accident, but most HVAC systems have a sensor that turns it off in the event of a leak.
If you notice any kind of leak, call an HVAC company immediately for heater repair services.
Outdoor Unit
You should also check to see if your outdoor unit (usually a heat pump in Arizona) has any kind of obstruction around it.
This might be dirt, dust, or even tree branches and leaves.
Another issue you should look for with your outdoor unit is a buildup of ice on the coils.
A layer of ice usually indicates a refrigerant leak or some other problem with the coolant.
Any kind of refrigeration issue warrants a call to your local HVAC contractor.
You should never attempt any kind of refrigeration repair yourself unless you have the appropriate licensure and certification.
Signs You Should Call a Professional
If you’ve performed a basic inspection of your system and can’t find an obvious issue, it’s time to call a technician.
You can usually get a quick estimate of the heater repair cost with an inspection.
There are a few different indicators that you need professional heater repair.
Heater Not Coming On
The most obvious sign of a problem with your heater is that it won’t come on at all.
If you notice that your heat pump isn’t starting even when you switch it on using the thermostat, get an inspection done right away.
Your heater may not switch on for a variety of reasons.
The cause could be electrical, mechanical, or a lack of maintenance.
Because there are so many potential causes for the heat not coming on at all, you shouldn’t try to diagnose it yourself.
A trained technician will be able to conclusively determine the problem.
Insufficient Heating
Sometimes, your heat may turn on, but your home still won’t get warm enough.
This is most likely an issue with your heat pump itself.
This is another kind of problem that an HVAC amateur shouldn’t attempt to fix on their own.
Strange Sounds or Smells
If your heating unit is located where you don’t see it often, like an attic or basement, you may not notice sounds or smells immediately.
Although your heat may be working, don’t ignore any odd noises or odors coming from your heater.
Strange smells can indicate a refrigerant or gas leak, which can be extremely hazardous.
You might notice a burnt smell, which could indicate a buildup of dust in the system.
Mechanical issues can also cause knocking or grinding sounds, so be sure to have a technician investigate.
Unusually High Electric Bill
If your heater is running at low efficiency, you might notice your electric bill is suddenly much higher.
Excessive power usage is a sign that your heater is working harder to force the warm air into your home.
This could be a sign that your system will need to be replaced soon, or simply that you need your air ducts cleaned.
Emergency Heater Repair: What to Expect
When your heater stops working suddenly, you most likely need a company that provides emergency service.
Although it can be stressful, these contractors are trained to diagnose a problem quickly.
When you call the company, the person taking your call will ask you to describe the issue in detail.
They will then relay this information to a trained professional who will know what to look for.
A reputable technician won’t begin repairs right away.
Rather, they will inspect the system and make a diagnosis to give you an estimate of the cost.
Before beginning repairs, the technician will present you with a few pricing options.
Only after you agree to one of these options will the technician begin the process of repairing your system.
How to Find Good Emergency HVAC Service
Finding the best HVAC company for your heater repair services can be overwhelming.
There are a few ways to ensure you get the right contractor.
First, ask friends and family for referrals.
HVAC companies that get an endorsement from people you trust will likely provide good service.
If you can’t get a referral from someone you know, the next best thing is to look at online reviews and ratings.
Try to find reviews from people who had similar repair needs to yours.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few different companies, give each one a call.
Make a note of your experience on this phone call, as the quality of the call will usually reflect the company’s service overall.
Finally, make sure your contractor has the appropriate licensure and certification.
In Arizona, technicians aren’t required to have certification unless they’re handling refrigerants, so ask the company if all their technicians are certified.
Routine Maintenance Tips
There are several kinds of maintenance you can perform yourself to keep your system running for longer.
Be sure to regularly change your air filter, at least every three months.
A clean air filter not only extends the life of your system but can improve the indoor air quality in your home.
Indoor air pollutants can cause a wide range of health issues if your filter doesn’t catch them.
You can also keep your system in good working order by keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris and dirt.
However, the most important part of routine maintenance is having your system inspected regularly.
Emergency Repair When You Need It
When your heater suddenly stops working during the winter, you need a company that provides emergency heater repair.
Finding HVAC repair after hours can be a challenge.
Luckily, Mark Daniels Air Conditioning and Heating offers 24/7 emergency HVAC services.
With over 20 years of experience, we guarantee your satisfaction with our HVAC service.
Contact us today for 5-star HVAC services!
If your heater isn’t working and you’ve tried the troubleshooting tips above, it’s time to call in a professional! We provide no-obligation estimates and 24/7 emergency heater repair experienced HVAC expert services. We have been helping property owners in Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ, with AC and heater repairs, maintenance, and replacements since 1996. Call (480) 571-7219 or request service online today!
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