As the autumn season arrives with colder weather, it might be time to turn on the warm air heating system to take the chill off. The issue may arise if your heating unit is not doing its job properly and is failing to heat your home.
With regular servicing and maintenance, a warm air heating system can last up to two decades, but when is it time to call the engineer to fix it and when should you replace it?
What is warm air heating and how does it work?
Warm air systems have been a method of heating homes for millennia. It uses air, rather than water in radiators, to distribute heat from a central stove, furnace or heating element.
The first known warm-air heating was the Roman hypocaust, which used a furnace to heat air under tiled floors in grand houses.
The version we would recognise today was invented by William Strutt in the early 1800s, who used a central warm-air furnace and a network of ducts to move the air to different rooms.
While the concept and the physics of this heating method remain the same, the technology is now far more advanced and efficient. To start with, modern systems use fans rather than gravity to push the heated air through ducts in the walls and floors of rooms.
The temperature of rooms is regulated by thermostats, which sample the level of heat in each room and control when the furnace unit starts up, increases or shuts down.
The fuel used for heating systems can be gas, oil or electricity. The modern method of forcing air through the system means air can also be filtered and cleaned of pollutants and allergens such as cigarette smoke or pollen.
What signs indicate your warm air heating needs replacing?
Warm air heating systems are designed to last a long time; however, there are several signs that your heating might be nearing the end of its life.
Age
If it is over 15 to 20 years old, it will have considerable wear and tear even if the unit has been well-serviced, and this will impact its efficiency. Parts and components for repairs will be harder to find for older models too, making it more expensive to repair.
Increase in bills
As a heating system becomes less efficient due to age, you will likely see an increase in your monthly or quarterly energy bills.
Poor performance
Ideally, a heating system should be reliable every time you turn it on, delivering rapid, comfortable warmth to your home at the touch of a thermostat. However, a poorly performing warm air system will not keep you as warm as you would like.
Inconsistent temperatures, poor circulation and an inability to heat a room properly are sure signs that it is time to call South Thames Gas to inspect your warm air system.
Strange noises and smells
A burning smell and blackening soot around vents and components are both signs that an urgent visit from the engineer is needed. The engineer can make sure the system is safe to use.
Rattling and vibrating noises emanating from the unit are also warning signs that it is in need of inspection and possibly replacement.
Regular callouts for repairs
If your warm air heating engineer is on speed dial because they have been called out several times over the course of a year, it may be time to consider replacing the system. Even if repairs are possible, regular breakdowns indicate the unit is reaching the end of life.
A replacement can save the cost of future callouts by providing an updated, reliable model that can last many years to come. New models also come with warranties that cover several years.
What maintenance and services does a warm air system need?
There are two main types of maintenance that a warm air heating system will need: an annual engineer service and regular maintenance by the owner or resident.
Annual service
A qualified engineer should undertake an annual service on a warm air heating system. In the case of a gas-fired unit, the engineer should be a Gas Safe registered engineer like our team at South Thames Gas.
The engineer can check various elements of the system such as the heat exchanger, fan units, ventilation and filters. Thermostats, safety cutoffs and controls, such as gas pressure and supply, will also be checked by the engineer.
Owner checks
To prevent dirt or dust from blocking the system, warm air system owners should check filters regularly. Filters will need to be replaced every few months to ensure that the system is circulating clean air around your home.
Duct vents in each room should be kept free from items that could block airflow into or out of the space. Long curtains, furniture or floor coverings can block the grills, causing your heating system to be less effective.
If you find that your heating system is not performing as it should, contact South Thames Gas for an engineer inspection and advice on repairs and replacement units.