Heating units are complex systems with many components working together to effectively heat your home. The whole system can be affected by just one malfunctioning part. Due to the many parts that make up a heating unit, it can sometimes be difficult to tell what is causing an issue. We aren’t comfortable until you are at Rogers Heating and Cooling, which is why we want you to be well prepared when it comes to your heating and cooling systems. In this blog, we list reasons your heating unit in South Boston, VA may be malfunctioning and how to prevent further issues.

My Heating Unit Stopped Working, Now What?

When temperatures are low in Virgina, we rely on our heating unit to keep us warm and cozy. However, heating systems can break down like any other appliance. If you come home to a chilly and uncomfortable environment, we have you covered! Your heating system may be malfunctioning for a variety of reasons, with some being simple fixes and others requiring professional attention. It is important to identify the reason your heating unit stopped working to save time and money. Additionally, understanding the issue can help prevent the problem from happening again in the future. Below are six reasons your heating unit quit working.

• Low Refrigerant
• Dead Blower Capacitor
• Thermostat Issues
• Lack Of Maintenance
• Clogged Air Filter
• Cracked Heat Exchanger

Low Refrigerant

Depending on the type of heating unit your home utilizes, it may be malfunctioning due to low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a chemical used in heating units such as heat pumps to help heat a room. The chemical is required for the unit to function and without it the unit will not produce heat. Ways to identify if refrigerant levels are low include:

• Lack of heating
• Little/no airflow
• Water leaks
• Ice forming on the unit
• Hissing or bubbling noise

Refrigerant is a toxic chemical and should only be handled by professionals. If you suspect your refrigerant levels are low in your heating unit, give us a call to restore your comfort and protect your health.

Dead Blower Capacitor

Blower capacitors are an essential component of a furnace heating system. The blower capacitor provides a steady electrical current for the furnace blower to distribute heated air. If this component is dead or malfunctioning, it can result in no heat for your home. During every maintenance appointment, a Roger’s technician will inspect the blower capacitor and ensure it will adequately perform throughout the winter season. If the blower capacitor is the reason your heating system isn’t working, it will likely need to be replaced by one of our trained technicians.

Thermostat Issues

If your heating system isn’t working, we always recommend ensuring the thermostat is on and in the correct settings. The thermostat is the brain of your heating system and must be working properly to communicate with the heating unit. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning due to wiring issues, which should be handled by a Rogers technician. We can quickly identify the issue and suggest an efficient replacement, such as a programmable thermostat.

Lack Of Maintenance

The best way to ensure your heating unit will have minimal repairs and breakdowns is by regularly scheduling heating maintenance. Our heating maintenance service in South Boston, VA allows a Rogers technician to inspect and repair all components of your heating system. Heating units can operate with underlying, internal issues that are hard to catch until it is too late. If your system is not working, it may have issues such as a dirty blower or flame sensor. Both of these heating parts will be inspected by a technician and regularly cleaned to avoid future issues.

Clogged Air Filters

Air filters are one of the most important parts of your heating system and one of the easiest to maintain! Air filters catch dust and other pollutants before they can enter your home and affect your air quality. Over time, the air filter will fill up with allergens and need to be cleaned or replaced. If your heating system is operating with a clogged air filter, it struggles to push air through the dirty filter pores. This results in the heating unit working harder and using more energy until it eventually gives out. To avoid a heating breakdown, we strongly suggest maintaining clean air filters every 90 days!

Cracked Heat Exchanger

Heat exchangers are responsible for transferring thermal energy from one medium to another, such as gas or liquid. In most cases, heat exchangers crack due to being overheated. When the heating unit can not get enough airflow due to a situation such as a clogged air filter, it causes extreme stress and leads to cracks and bends. This result can cause the whole heating system to stop functioning and could be the source of your problem.

How To Prevent A Heating Breakdown

Heating breakdowns can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience, which is why we hope to help prevent the situation altogether. Below are four ways to prevent your heating system from a breakdown or needed repair.

• Schedule Regular Maintenance
• Maintain Clean Air Filters
• Keep Air Vents Open
• Regularly Clean Unit

If you are experiencing issues with your heating system in South Boston, VA, give us a call! You can kick back at your favorite local coffee shop, such as The Busy Bean, while we repair your heating unit. No matter the malfunction, we can find the perfect solution for your home with our HVAC services in Clarksville, VA and surrounding areas!

If you are looking to install a reliable and low maintenance heating system, consider a heat pump! Given the name, many people assume heat pumps are strictly for heating your home in the winter. However, heat pumps are a flexible home comfort option, because the unit can provide both heating and cooling. In this blog, we will detail everything you need to know about heat pumps in South Boston and the benefits the unit can provide!

What Is A Heat Pump?

A heat pump can keep your home comfortable year round with its ability to both heat and cool. “Heat” in the name does not refer to generating heat, but rather transferring heat from one location to another. Heat pumps can easily switch from heating to cooling by the reversing valve. Depending on the season, the operational process works in reverse and uses the same components. In heating mode, heat pumps draw heat heat energy from a source and transfer it indoors. In cooling mode, heat pumps collect heat from inside your home and send it outdoors. A heat pump can be very beneficial in climates such as Clarksville, Virginia and surrounding areas, because of the common weather fluctuations.

The main components of a heat pump include an outdoor unit, indoor air handler, refrigerant, compressor, reversing valve, and expansion valve.

Types Of Heat Pumps

Much like other heating options, heat pumps have different sources where the unit generates or draws heat from. There are three types of heat pumps: air source, water source, and ground source. All three types utilize similar components and operational processes.

Air Source Heat Pump: Air source heat pumps draw heat energy from the outside air. (Yes, even in the winter!) Air source is the most common type of heat pump, because of the easy installation process. Air source heat pumps have an indoor unit mounted on a wall inside your home and an outdoor unit nearby.

Water Source Heat Pump: Water source heat pumps draw heat from nearby water, such as a lake or pond. Heat is moved through a water loop, which either rejects or absorbs heat depending on the seasonal setting. Water source heat pumps are typically located in a closet or the ceiling.

Ground Source Heat Pump: Ground source heat pumps draw heat energy from the ground, which can be extremely efficient. Similar to water source, ground source operates through a ground loop and absorbs or rejects thermal energy. Ground source heat pumps are a reliable option in both seasons, because the ground is cooler than the air in the summer and warmer than the air in the winter. Ground source heat pumps are typically buried in the ground near the building.

Benefits Of A Heat Pump

Heat pumps are a dependable heating option and can keep your home comfortable year round. Below are 5 advantages to installing a heat pump in Danville, Virginia and surrounding areas.

• Environmentally Friendly
• Two-In-One System
• Energy Efficient
• Minimal Maintenance
• Quiet Operation

Environmentally Friendly

Due to the process of transferring heat rather than generating it, heat pumps are an environmentally friendly heating and cooling option. Other heating units burn fossil fuels to generate heat for your home, whereas heat pumps operate solely on electricity. Burning fossil fuels releases harmful greenhouse gasses into the environment, which affect the environment and contribute to global warming. Installing a heat pump in South Boston can help lower your carbon footprint and benefit our community!

Two-In-One System

Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, which cuts down on the need for two separate heating and cooling units. The two-in-one system is convenient for homeowners to operate and provides flexibility for temperature fluctuations in seasons like spring and fall.

Energy Efficient

Heat pump systems use much less energy when compared to other heating systems, because of the operational process. Heat pumps simply move heat from one location to another rather than using energy to generate heat. Heat pumps are most efficient in climates where it rarely drops below freezing, such as a climate similar to South Boston. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps use 50% less electricity when compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces.

Minimal Maintenance

Due to heat pumps being one system rather than two separate units, heat pumps can cut down on maintenance. Other heating and cooling units require repairs and maintenance throughout both seasons, while heat pumps can be knocked out at once. Heat pumps use the same components to both heat and cool, which can save on maintenance and repairs calls and costs.

Quiet Operation

Heat pumps, especially ground source, are generally quieter than other heating units. Due to ground source heat pumps being buried underground and other sources being located outside, heat pumps provide home comfort while operating quietly.

If you are thinking of replacing your current heating system or installing a new one in Halifax County, we recommend considering a heat pump. Heat pumps can provide many benefits and use less energy when compared to other heating systems. Give us a call to install a heat pump for your home today!