Winters in Pawleys Island are mild most of the time, which is exactly why heating problems sneak up on people. A furnace or heat pump can sit nearly idle from April to November, then get asked to work hard on the first cold night. Catching small problems now is the best way to avoid a chilly house when the temperature drops. Here are the signs worth paying attention to.
6 signs your heating needs attention
1. A burning smell that doesn't go away
A light dusty smell for a few minutes the first time the heat comes on is normal: dust is burning off the heat exchanger or heat strips. If the smell lingers, smells electrical, or comes back every time the system runs, turn it off and have it checked.
2. Uneven heat from room to room
Cold bedrooms and a warm living room can point to a dirty filter, closed or blocked vents, leaky ductwork or a system that's struggling. Start by changing the filter and opening every vent; if that doesn't fix it, it's time for a professional look. Our duct cleaning and heating services can help track down the cause.
3. The system short-cycles
If your furnace or heat pump turns on and off every few minutes, something is wrong: a thermostat issue, an overheating furnace, a clogged filter or a refrigerant problem on a heat pump. Short-cycling wears parts out quickly and drives up power bills.
4. New or louder noises
Banging, squealing, grinding or rattling are your system telling you a part is loose, worn or failing. Small repairs caught early usually cost far less than a breakdown on a cold night.
5. A yellow or flickering burner flame
On a gas furnace, the burner flame should be steady and mostly blue. A yellow, orange or flickering flame can mean incomplete combustion. Don't ignore it; schedule a furnace inspection.
6. Higher bills with no change in habits
A jump in your power or gas bill when the weather and your thermostat setting haven't changed is often the first sign of a system losing efficiency. On heat pumps, watch for the outdoor unit icing over and staying iced; see why heat pumps freeze up.
A word on safety
Make sure your home has working carbon monoxide detectors, especially if you heat with gas. If a CO alarm sounds, or you smell gas, leave the house right away and call 911 or your gas utility from outside. Don't try to troubleshoot it yourself.
What you can do before calling
- Replace the air filter.
- Check that the thermostat is set to heat and has fresh batteries.
- Make sure the furnace or air handler power switch is on and the breaker hasn't tripped.
- Clear leaves, mulch and debris from around the outdoor heat pump unit.
Heating FAQs for Pawleys Island homeowners
Should I get my heating checked even though our winters are mild?
Yes. Systems that sit unused for months are prone to problems on startup, and a fall tune-up catches them before the cold arrives. Ask us about the Dependable Comfort Club when you call.
Do you work on heat pumps as well as furnaces?
Yes. Many Grand Strand homes heat with a heat pump. We service and install Ruud central air systems and heat pumps, and Mitsubishi ductless systems. Learn more about heat pumps.
Schedule heating service
Dependable Service is based at 166 Tiller Dr in Pawleys Island and serves homeowners across the Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet and Myrtle Beach area. Call (843) 353-0461, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Financing is available on new systems; see heating and cooling financing.