Fall is tricky for your home’s heating and plumbing systems since temperatures can swing from sticky to seasonal to downright chilly. Here are some common fall plumbing and heating emergencies.
Fall Heating Emergencies
At some point in the fall, the temperatures dip enough to make us want our heating system to kick in. But after months of waiting in the wings, your system might not be ready for the job.
Your Thermostat Isn’t Working
The problem with your heating system could be the thermostat. If the thermostat battery is bad or the unit has lost its setting, your system won’t know to turn on. Replacing a manual thermostat with a programmable one is an easy fix and will save you money in the long run.
Your System Won’t Turn On
Your system might not turn on if your circuit breaker has been tripped. Resetting your breaker should restore power to the unit. If your pilot light is out on your furnace, that would cause the system not to fire up. Dirty or faulty pilot lights or sensors can be relit, but you might feel most comfortable having it done by a professional. If you have a gas furnace, check that the gas supply valve is in the “on” position.
Your HVAC System is Making Noise
A heating system with low refrigerant might make hissing or bubbling noises. This issue requires professional attention. If you’re enrolled in an annual maintenance plan, your technician can check these issues before firing up your heating system for the first time.
There’s a Burning Smell When the Heating Comes On
A burning smell from your heater can be worrisome, but a few issues could cause it.
There could be dust built up from the summer, which will burn away after a short time. You can avoid this dusty burn-off by scheduling a preventative maintenance appointment with your HVAC professional to do a seasonal readiness check on your system, which will include cleaning off the dust.
The smell could also be built-up dust and debris in dirty air filters. It’s a good idea to swap out dirty air filters at the start of fall to remove pollen and other dust accumulated over the summer months.
An electrical smell is cause for concern and could be an issue with the heater’s blower motor or other electrical issues. The system should be shut down, and a professional should be called immediately.
Fall Plumbing Emergencies
Your Sump Pump Is Failing
Your sump pump removes water from the lowest point of your home, which is usually your basement. It’s likely been pretty busy with summer storms. Fall is a good time to take a good look at your sump pump and make sure it’s clear of dirt and debris buildup.
Another fall sump pump issue lies with the discharge line. The sump pump expels water away from the home using a discharge line. If that line is blocked by debris or leaves, it can clog and cause the unit to constantly run—or fail completely.
Your Water Isn’t Hot Enough
In the fall, hot showers are more in demand, and your water heater might struggle to keep up. That’s because it takes more energy to warm up the water supply coming into your home at a cooler temperature than in summer. Aging and poorly maintained water heaters can struggle and fail. It’s important to have a water heater preventative check from a professional this fall to ensure your system is ready for the cold weather demands.
Your Garbage Disposal Breaks
Fall foods tend to be a bit heartier than summer and can be more of a grind for your garbage disposal. Remembering what you can and can’t put down the garbage disposal is key to preventing a garbage disposal emergency. However, if your disposal does call it quits, a professional plumber can help to get this key kitchen tool back in working order.
Schedule Maintenance With Neffsville Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services Today
Fall is a great time for homeowners in South Central Pennsylvania to schedule preventative maintenance for their plumbing and HVAC systems. The Neffsville Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services team offers whole-home services to give you peace of mind. Our licensed professionals can help in any plumbing and heating emergencies this fall.
Don’t risk a plumbing or heating emergency this fall. Call us at (717) 625-1000 now to schedule HVAC or plumbing maintenance in South Central Pennsylvania!
