Just like the air conditioning system in your home, your house heater too can stop working properly or at all. Usually, cold air is the most obvious sign that something's wrong with your heating system. But sometimes, the signs of a heater malfunction are not so obvious.

Here are some common warning signs your home heating system may be faulty and needs to be repaired as quickly as possible.  

A Significant Spike In Your Domestic Energy Bills

There are many different things that can raise your domestic energy expenses, and your heating system is a likely culprit.

During extreme cold days or prolonged periods of excessively low temperatures, your heating unit works extra-hard to keep you warm and comfortable. This can cause your energy bills to go up a little bit. On the other hand, a heater that has problems will cause a significant increase in your energy bills even in moderately cold temperatures. 

If your energy bill is too high in moderately cold weather, it's likely that your heater is struggling to get the job done. It may have deeper problems that need to be addressed immediately.

Unusual Noises Coming From Your Heating System

Regardless of their age or model, all heating systems make some noise when they're running. A properly functioning heater usually makes a steady humming sound during operation. If you're hearing strange or loud noises coming from your heating system, it's best to get the system checked for problems. There are many different weird heater noises you should watch out for, including:

• Humming sound: a louder-than-usual humming sound could mean you have a failing blower fan motor or a problem with the heating elements in your system.
• Dripping sound: often caused by a leak within your system.
• Squealing sound: may mean you have pulley problems, faulty blower motor belt, loose bearings, or bad inducer motor.
• 'Kettling' sound: often caused by a buildup of sludge in your heating system.
• Rattling sound: can be caused by unsecured HVAC ductwork, loose screws, or an unbalanced motor.

Any strange noises coming from your heating system won't go away on their own, so it's best not to ignore them.

If you have noticed the above signs or simply suspect that your heating system is failing, it's best to bring an HVAC contractor in immediately. Taking prompt action will help to prevent complete heating system failure that may result in expensive repair bills. Reach out to a local HVAC contractor for more information about heating repair.