Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating Repair’

No, Your Heater Should Not Make These Noises!

Monday, March 12th, 2018

We may not get as bitterly cold weather in our part of the world as other states do, but we’re still relying on our heating systems for at least a few more weeks. By the time we reach the end of the season, our heaters have been put under a lot of strain, and the more strain your heater receives, the higher likelihood there is for problems to form, which is bad news for your system and your comfort. You don’t want your heater to break down, and you can’t delay repairs until next year if you want to rely on it to work the next time you need it, either.

To keep your heating system in the best shape possible for the rest of winter, you’ll want to stay on top of any Olympia, WA heating repair needs you may have. And sometimes the best way to detect that you have heating repair needs is by listening for any unfamiliar or loud noises coming from the system. We covered some of these sounds below—if you hear them, be sure to give our team a call as soon as you can.

Tags: Heating Maintenance, Heating Repair, Olympia
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Is My Heater Drying Out My Indoor Air Too Much?

Monday, February 26th, 2018

Even though our area doesn’t get as bitterly cold as other parts of the country, our winters are nothing to scoff at. That being said, when you seem to have a problem with your heating system, chances are you want to get scheduled Tacoma, WA heating repair right away. One of the common complaints that Tacoma area homeowners have is about the dry air that results from their heating system being used on a daily, and even hourly, basis.

The assumption that a heater causes dry air is true, but only partially. When the level of moisture outdoors drops, which it does in the winter time, then your indoor relative humidity drops too. Anything below 30% relative humidity is considered too low and will cause discomfort as well as potential illness and even damage to your home. Your heating system, no matter how efficiently it works, only exacerbates this problem.

Tags: Heating Repair, Humidifier Installation, Tacoma
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What’s the Source of Cold Spots in Your Home?

Monday, January 29th, 2018

Our winters may not get as frigid as other parts of the country. However, this is no excuse to overlook that they are cold enough to cause major discomfort. This is especially true if you find yourself in need of heating repair in Olympia, WA right in the middle of it. When your home is chilly, there’s no way you can remain comfortable with a malfunctioning heater. So if you notice something like cold spots cropping up throughout your living space, you’ll want to have the trouble addressed quickly by a professional.

But what causes these cold spots? Well, as is the case with most heating system issues, there are various reasons that you might experience cold spots around your home. Our heating professionals are here to help! We’ll investigate the situation thoroughly so we can give you a proper diagnosis the first time around. From there, we’ll advise you on how to resolve the problem and get back to living comfortably.

Tags: Heating Repair, Olympia, Professional Heating Services
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It’s Never Too Late to Prevent Major Heater Repairs

Monday, January 15th, 2018

Just like any other big appliance or major piece of equipment in your home, your heating system needs a certain amount of service to be able to continue functioning as best it can. An integral part of this is making sure you stay on top of your annual maintenance appointments (or bi-annual, if you have a heat pump).

We may be well into winter, but it really is never too late for this service—in the absence of a complete system breakdown—and scheduling your heating maintenance appointment as soon as you can if you haven’t done so in the last year will help keep your heater in good working order throughout its lifespan.

Tags: Heating Maintenance, Heating Repair, Professional Heating Services, Tacoma
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Signs Your Boiler Needs Repair

Monday, November 20th, 2017

A boiler system can only work as efficiently as it is meant to if it is properly cared for. This means that it needs to be professionally installed, repaired when needed, and maintained by experienced and highly trained technicians for it to perform at its best.

It’s also important to remember that even with the best care, there’s still a chance that something can eventually go wrong with your heater, and you might need to invest in Bellevue, WA heating repair before your boiler wears down to the point that it needs to be replaced. But do you know what indicators to look for when it comes to determining if this is, in fact, the case?

Tags: Bellevue, Heating Repair, Professional Heating Services, Signs You Need Boiler Repair
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Watch for These Furnace Troubles This Season

Monday, September 25th, 2017

As the weather cools down for fall, we’re preparing to use our furnaces on a more regular basis. As such, it’s imperative that they be ready for the work ahead. Hopefully, you’ve already had your fall tune-up completed. Regardless of whether you did or not, it’s important to keep an eye out for any Tacoma, WA furnace repair needs that may arise.

The most serious of these, at least in a gas-powered furnace, is a cracked heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are essential to the operation of your furnace—without them, heat from the gas jets would never reach the air, and you’d feel nothing more than room temperature air coming from the room vents. But a damaged heat exchanger can do a lot more harm than simply not providing you with warm air.

Tags: Furnace Repair, Heating Repair, Professional Heating Services, Tacoma
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Why is there Ice on My Heat Pump?

Wednesday, March 11th, 2015

Finding ice on the outside of your heat pump is not uncommon, especially in cold environments. Most people tend to assume that this indicates a problem with the heat pump. This isn’t necessarily true, though there is a way to tell whether you need to call for heating repair for this. First, let’s take a look at why ice forms on a heat pump in the first place. Then, we’ll tell you how to identify if you need to call a professional or not.

The Cause of Heat Pump Ice

A heat pump works by evaporating refrigerant to absorb thermal energy from the surrounding outside air. It then sends that thermal energy inside to heat the home. There are two effects to evaporating refrigerant in this way. First, the temperature in the surrounding area drops as the thermal energy is siphoned out of the air. Second, condensation begins to form on the heat pump coil and the surrounding casing. The combination of those two effects causes ice to form on the heat pump.

When is Ice on My Heat Pump a Problem?

So, the question remains about when ice on the heat pump is a problem. Well, if left unchecked, the ice will continue to build up until it completely encases the heat pump. This is a problem because it cuts off the supply of thermal energy from the surrounding air, essentially preventing the heat pump from heating the home. Now, the heat pump is designed to address this problem by using a defrost cycle. Basically, the heat pump will periodically reverse the refrigerant flow in the system to melt the ice off the outside unit.

The problem you should be aware of is that the defrost cycle can sometimes malfunction. If this happens, there is nothing to prevent the ice from eventually covering the entire heat pump. So, the best way to tell if you should call a professional for this is to note the amount of ice on the pump. If there’s only a little ice, there’s no reason to worry. If there is a large amount of ice, or the ice is slowly growing over time, you should call a technician to check your defrost cycle.

If your heat pump needs repairs, call Sound Heating. We provide quality heating repair services in Tacoma, WA.

Tags: Heating Repair, Tacoma
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Common Heating System Repairs to Look Out for

Friday, November 14th, 2014

Any type of heating system may have its advantages and drawbacks. A furnace, the most popular choice for home heating in the United States, is a reliable heating system that works in any home with a set of ducts. Though older models were rather inefficient, today’s units use far less energy to heat the air than they once did. Many people choose a heat pump for heating instead, which is an extremely efficient type of system that also allows for air conditioning. These can have a very long lifespan, but you may need an additional source of heating for nights when the temperature drops too low. Finally, the boiler is one of the most durable systems available, requiring fewer repairs because of how little energy is utilized to heat and circulate water.

However, you can buy the best heating system available on the market today, and it will still encounter repairs at some point in its life. And any time you run into a repair need, you should schedule immediate service to make sure the problem doesn’t worsen and hamper efficiency or that you suddenly lose heating in the middle of the night. Be on the lookout for any of the following common repair needs for any type of heating system.

Strange Noises: Unusual noises from your heating system usually indicate that something is wrong. In a heat pump, it could signal compressor damage. In any type of forced-air heating system, loud noises can indicate trouble with the motor. And with a boiler, an unusual noise could indicate kittling, pump damage, or a number of other issues.
Reduced Heating: Of course, you probably know to call a plumber when your heating system delivers no heat at all. But what if there is simply not enough heat? If it’s tolerable, the repairs can wait, right? Waiting to schedule repairs will only cause parts to become worn down, and your unit may break down in the middle of the night without warning.
Short Cycling: Short cycling is when your unit starts up and runs for a short while, only to turn off before the heating cycle is completed. Some of the most important components of a heat pump, furnace, or boiler may be responsible for this problem although it could simply indicate a faulty thermostat.

Don’t wait to schedule heating repairs in Tacoma with a trained professional. Call Sound Heating for friendly, professional service today!

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Ways You Can Save on Heating This Season

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

Heating season usually brings with it higher heating bills, as home owners run their furnaces more often and monthly costs rise as a result. Here in Tacoma, heating repair services see increased breakdowns and service calls during this time, reflecting increased seasonal use. Prudent homeowners can find ways to cut heating costs, and reduce the risk of more extensive repairs in the bargain. Here’s a few ways you can save on heating this season.

Get your heater maintained. Heaters collect dust and dirt over time, especially during the summer when they don’t see much use. In addition, they may develop problems that aren’t readily noticeable, but which can turn around and bite you at the worst possible time. A maintenance session can address all of that: cleaning off the dust (which reduces friction and general stress), tightening loose bolts or fittings (which improves efficiency) and spotting any potential issues for larger repairs. All of that improves your heater’s efficiency, which cuts down on bills.
Seal leaks in your home. If you have a crack under your front door, a window pane that leaks air or an uninsulated portion of the attic, they could be costing you warm air. Seal any leaks with weather stripping and see if you can add more insulation to your house.
Look into zone controls. A zone control system for your heater lets you tailor the temperature in individual portions of your home. You can thus turn off the heat in areas you aren’t using, while leaving it on in those rooms you’re occupying at the moment.

All of that comes on top of common-sense ways you can save on heating this season, such as wearing warm sweaters in the home and setting your thermostat a few degrees below what you’re used to. Heating repair services in Tacoma don’t get any more reliable than Sound Heating. We can perform maintenance and repair on your existing heater, as well as installing a new heater if you feel that the time is right. Call us today to set up an appointment. You’ll be glad that you did!

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Common Heating Repair Needs in Tacoma, WA

Tuesday, October 1st, 2013

In Tacoma, WA heating units are a vital part of keeping your home cozy and comfortable during our omnipresent rain. When problems develop, you need to address them promptly lest they leave you without reliable heating just when you need it the most. A professional Tacoma heating service company like Sound Heating & Air Conditioning can deal with common heating repair needs, but it helps if you the homeowner understand what those needs are. A few of the more common ones can be found below:

Thermostat issues. A malfunctioning thermostat can wreak all kinds of havoc with your heater. Misreading the temperature results in your house being too cold or too hot, while an inability to engage the fan can leave the hot air just sitting in the central unit. In some cases, a faulty thermostat means that the heater won’t turn on at all.
Pilot light or ignition control problems. If you turn the heat on and yet the air moving through your house isn’t particularly warm, it could indicate a problem with the pilot light and/or ignition control. Without the light, the furnace can’t generate any heat, even if every other aspect of the system is functioning the way it should.
Air flow issues. Problems with air flow can stem from a number of issues. There may be blockage in your ducts, a leak or a fissure may have developed, the fan belt may be frayed or broken, or the fan motor may have overheated. Regardless of the cause, the issue drops your air flow to nothing, slowing the speed at which your home is heated and costing you in higher energy bills as a result.

When common heating repairs arise, it pays to call upon a heating company with the experience and know-how to do the job right. The Tacoma heating repair specialists at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to handle any problem you may have, from the smallest to the largest. In Tacoma, WA, heating issues need to be addressed promptly, but with an eye on quality service. We’re completely dedicated to your satisfaction in all aspects of the operation. Contact us today to make an appointment.

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