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What to Do When You Have a Broken Heating System This Winter
We’re not even a month into the official winter season, and suddenly your Phoenix home isn’t feeling as comfortable as you’d like.
In fact, it’s downright cold.
You do a bit of home heating troubleshooting and come to the conclusion that you’re dealing with a broken heating system.
What can you do to not only get your home to a more comfortable temperature but also repair your heating system and avoid future problems?
We’re here to tell you.
Read on for our complete guide to navigating heating system repairs in the middle of winter and staying toasty in the process.
Assessing the Source of Your Broken Heating System
It can be useful to figure out the source of your broken heating system, especially when it could lead to quick and simple repairs.
Here are the top problems that could have caused your heat pump to stop working this winter.
Thermostat Issues
First, find your thermostat and take a closer look.
Make sure your heat pump is set to pull heat in, not push heat out.
Some newer models will display error messages that can tell you if there are any issues with the connection to your heat pump.
If you’ve just had your heat pump or thermostat installed, it’s possible that either the two aren’t compatible or you have a wiring issue.
Electrical Hiccups
Heat pumps are a popular choice in Arizona because they use less energy and produce enough heat for our mild winters.
Just because they’re more efficient than a furnace, however, doesn’t mean they can’t put a strain on your home’s grid.
Check to see if your heat pump has caused a circuit breaker failure.
If this problem happens often, you may need an electrical upgrade to support your heat pump.
Mechanical Failures
Your broken heating system may have to do with a more complicated problem.
For example, your starter capacitor may be incapable of sending the proper electrical signal to the motor.
The reversing valve may not be able to switch your heating pump from the cooling setting to the heating setting.
Mechanical failures aren’t easy to identify without a bit of expertise.
Don’t hesitate to call in a professional to inspect your system and identify the problem part.
DIY Repair or Professional Repair?
Unless fixing your heating woes is as simple as flipping a tripped circuit breaker, you’re better off leaving repairs to the pros.
Not convinced?
Here are the reasons to invest in professional HVAC services over DIY solutions.
Maintaining Your Warranty
Most Phoenix and Mesa heat pumps are on the newer side, with homeowners retrofitting their homes to make them more comfortable.
If your system is new, you probably have at least one active warranty.
House Digest writes about all the different ways you can accidentally void a warranty.
One of the biggest is performing DIY repairs or using parts that aren’t manufacturer-approved.
Avoiding Danger
When was the last time you repaired a complex appliance? If the answer is anything other than, “I do it all the time,” now is not the time to give it a shot.
There’s a reason why HVAC professionals have licensing and insurance.
We have the expertise to replace and repair individual components and full systems and if we do sustain any injuries, we have the insurance to cover it.
The same doesn’t apply to the average homeowner, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Securing Long-Term Heating Solutions
The last thing you want is to spend an afternoon repairing your heating system only to have it break again in a week.
Professionals can accurately diagnose problems to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Professionals will also tell you if the repairs aren’t worth the effort and expense.
Sometimes, home heating maintenance requires full system replacements.
Keeping Your Home Warm With a Broken Heating System
Oftentimes, Mark Daniels AC can come out and address emergency heating system problems quickly.
What if you have after-hours problems or we’re booked for the day?
Here are a few tips to keep your home warm until we can provide long-term repairs.
Use Window Coverings Strategically
It’s useful to know how to use the world’s oldest heater: the sun.
We’re lucky, here in Arizona, to have plenty of warm temperatures and bright sunlight in the winter.
During the heat of the day, uncover your south-facing windows and enjoy the natural warming effect.
As the sun goes down (or hides behind clouds), close your blinds and curtains.
According to the Department of Energy, window coverings can reduce heat loss by at least 40%.
Run Space Heaters
If you don’t have time to wait for the sun to return, grab a couple of portable space heaters and run them for a few hours.
When using space heaters, take heed of the following safety tips:
- Only plug space heaters directly into the wall, not a power strip
- Don’t leave space heaters running when you’re sleeping or away from home
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable items
Space heaters may do a great job of warming your home, but Green Builder Media does a great job of explaining how much more efficient heat pumps are.
Use space heaters as a temporary solution.
Close Off Your Coldest Rooms
To make the most of both of these tips, close off your coldest rooms.
This tends to include rooms with exterior walls or limited insulation.
You may have heard that heat rises.
At the very least, close off your basement and any first-floor rooms you don’t need to use.
Call Mark Daniels AC for Phoenix HVAC Repair
A broken heating system isn’t exactly ideal when we’re only a few weeks into the winter season.
If your heating pump isn’t keeping your home warm, use this guide to find the right fix.
Mark Daniels AC is considered the ethical heating and cooling company of Mesa and surrounding areas because of our commitment to integrity.
Our five-star ratings reflect our hard work and transparency.
Contact us today and let us solve your heating problems.
Looking for Heating and Cooling Contractors in Gilbert?
Choose Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating for expert HVAC installations and maintenance. We’re committed to providing top-notch service for all your heating and cooling needs.
Call (480) 571-7219 or request service online now!