Even in the warmer months, heating systems in British Columbia homes deserve attention. Whether it’s a chilly summer night or early prep for fall, keeping your heating system in good shape helps avoid breakdowns when you need it most.
Many homeowners wait until the cold hits to think about their furnace or boiler, but a proactive approach keeps energy bills low and extends the lifespan of your system. Below are the most common heating issues B.C. homeowners face, and how to solve them.
1. Uneven Heating Throughout the House
If one room feels warm while another stays cold, your heating system may be struggling to distribute heat evenly. This is often caused by:
- Blocked or closed vents
- Dirty or clogged air filters
- Poor insulation in certain parts of the home
- Ductwork leaks or imbalances
Start by checking all vents to ensure they’re open and unobstructed. Replacing dirty filters can also make a big difference. If the issue continues, consider having your ductwork inspected for air leaks or improper balancing.
2. Noisy Heating Equipment
A heater should never sound like it’s falling apart. Rattling, banging, squealing, or humming noises usually mean something’s off. Possible culprits include:
- Loose or damaged components
- Debris in ducts or vents
- Worn-out fan belts or motor bearings
- Air trapped in radiators (for hot water systems)
It’s best not to ignore strange sounds. Contacting a professional from Cohesive Mechanical can prevent a small repair from becoming a major breakdown.
3. Furnace or Boiler Isn’t Producing Heat
If your furnace or boiler is running but not producing heat, the issue could stem from a few common causes:
- A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse
- Thermostat issues or incorrect settings
- Pilot light problems or ignition failure
- Dirty burners or clogged filters
Before calling for help, check your thermostat settings and circuit breaker. If everything looks right and there’s still no heat, it’s time to have the system inspected.
4. Short Cycling
Short cycling means your heating system turns on and off frequently, often before reaching the desired temperature. It’s a sign of inefficiency and often results in higher energy bills.
Common causes include:
- An oversized system
- A dirty flame sensor
- Blocked air filters
- Thermostat issues
Short cycling not only drives up costs but also wears down equipment faster. Having a technician inspect the system can pinpoint the exact cause and recommend solutions.
5. Unusual Odours
Smelling something odd when your heat kicks on? It’s not always cause for alarm, but persistent or strong odours shouldn’t be ignored.
- A burning smell could indicate dust buildup or overheating parts
- Musty odours often point to mould in ducts or filters
- A gas smell is serious, evacuate immediately and call your utility provider
Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent most minor odours, but anything unusual should be checked right away.
6. High Energy Bills Without Explanation
A sudden spike in your heating bill usually means your system is working harder than it should. This can happen if:
- Filters are clogged
- The system is aging and losing efficiency
- Ducts are leaking warm air
- The thermostat isn’t calibrated properly
Energy loss might not be visible, but small inefficiencies add up. At Cohesive Mechanical, we provide thorough system checks to help homeowners keep monthly bills in check.
7. Thermostat Not Responding
Your thermostat controls when your system turns on and off, if it’s malfunctioning, the entire heating system suffers. Signs of trouble include:
- No response when you change the settings
- Inaccurate temperature readings
- Constant cycling or failure to start
Sometimes, the fix is as simple as changing batteries or updating settings. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to replace or upgrade your thermostat, possibly to a smart model for better control and energy savings.
8. Radiator or Baseboard Heater Problems
For homes using hot water radiators or baseboard heating, common issues include:
- Cold spots or entire units not warming up
- Air trapped in the system
- Water pressure imbalances in the boiler
Bleeding radiators or adjusting valves can solve basic issues, but persistent problems often need professional attention to avoid long-term system damage.
9. Lack of Maintenance
The most common issue? Lack of maintenance. Annual inspections and tune-ups keep your system running efficiently, prevent surprise breakdowns, and help you plan for eventual replacement when needed.
Summer is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance visit, before the seasonal demand picks up. Our team can check all key components, clean out buildup, test safety controls, and identify areas that may need repair soon.
What You Can Do at Home
Here’s a simple summer checklist for homeowners looking to keep their heating systems in good condition:
- Replace or clean filters
- Test your thermostat
- Clear vents and radiators of dust or debris
- Inspect exposed ducts for signs of leaks
- Schedule a professional system tune-up
These small tasks go a long way in improving comfort and lowering energy use.
Stay Ahead of Heating Problems
Whether your system runs on forced air, hot water, or radiant heat, keeping it in top shape is key, even in the summer. Regular maintenance and early detection are the best ways to avoid expensive repairs when you need heat most.
Cohesive Mechanical serves homeowners throughout Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, and Vancouver. We’ll help you maintain a safe, reliable heating system all year long.