Let’s talk heaters in the middle of summer, no seriously. We get it, you’re probably thinking: “Why in the world would I worry about my heater when it’s 85 degrees out and I’m running my AC full blast?”
We get it, it feels like the last thing you need to think about right now. But as your local HVAC pros here in Santa Rosa, we see this all the time. Folks wait until it’s cold and they need their heat, only to find out it’s acting up, or worse, not working at all.
And let’s be honest, no one likes scrambling for a last-minute heater repair Santa Rosa CA, in the middle of a cold snap. So, we’re here to share the five most common heater issues we fix during summer, and why it’s actually a smart move to get them taken care of now instead of waiting.
1. Your Ignition System Is on Its Last Spark
Ignition systems are like the spark plugs of your heater. Whether it’s a pilot light or an electronic igniter, it’s what gets the whole system going. When it fails, your heater won’t start, or it might start and stop randomly, which is not great when you’re trying to stay warm.
Why Fix It in Summer?
Summer is actually the perfect time to deal with this because:
- You’ve got time. You’re not relying on the heater daily, so repairs can be scheduled at your convenience.
- Technicians (like us) aren’t booked solid yet, so getting fast service is much easier.
- You can avoid emergency repair fees when it’s freezing and everyone’s in a panic.
Plus, if your heater struggled to start last winter, even just once, that’s a big ol’ sign your ignition system needs a little TLC. Don’t wait until it flat-out fails when you really need it.
2. The Blower Motor Is Getting Burnt Out
The blower motor is the part that moves air through your system and into your home. If it’s making weird noises, overheating, or blowing weakly, that’s a big red flag. It may not be completely broken yet, but it’s definitely on its way there.
And even in summer, that blower might still be running to circulate air, so it’s not like it’s sitting totally idle.
Why Fix It in Summer?
When the motor fails completely, you’re going to feel it, literally. There won’t be any warm air flowing when you need it most. Here’s why summer’s the best time to act:
- It’s easier to catch issues before they cause total breakdowns.
- We can replace worn-out parts or lubricate moving pieces without rushing the job.
- You avoid the “why is my house still freezing after 30 minutes?” scenario in December.
Bottom line? If your system sounded off last winter, smelled burnt, or blew cold air when it shouldn’t have, get it checked out now. Future-you will be very happy you did.
3. Thermostat Is Playing Mind Games
Ever feel like your thermostat has a mind of its own? One day it’s 70, the next it says it’s 64 but you’re sweating. Sometimes, it’s not just your imagination, thermostats can malfunction, fall out of calibration, or just get old and fussy.
We also see batteries dying, wiring problems, or communication issues between the thermostat and your heating system.
Why Fix It in Summer?
Your thermostat controls your whole system. If it’s not working right, nothing else can either. Summer’s the best time to test it and:
- Make sure it’s accurately reading indoor temps
- Upgrade to a smart model (those can actually save you money year-round!)
- Avoid winter surprises where your heater doesn’t turn on at all
And hey, if your thermostat is older than your teenager, it’s probably time for an upgrade anyway.
4. Burners Are Dirty and Cranky
Burners need to be clean and free of buildup to burn gas efficiently and safely. Dust, rust, and gunk (yes, gunk) can settle in when your heater’s been sitting quiet all spring and summer.
If the burners are dirty, you might get uneven heating, weird smells, or even a delayed ignition that makes a scary whoomp noise when it finally lights.
Why Fix It in Summer?
Summer is perfect for a deep clean and inspection because:
- We can safely access the burners without immediate risk of needing heat that day.
- Delayed ignition can be dangerous, it’s not worth rolling the dice.
- It’s way better to fix a soot-covered burner now than scramble when your heat won’t turn on in November.
We always include burner inspection in our maintenance checks. It’s one of those things that might not seem important, until it’s too late.
5. Short Cycling and Weak Performance
“Short cycling” is when your system turns on and off too quickly. It’s usually a sign that something’s off, maybe a clogged air filter, bad thermostat, dirty flame sensor, or a system that’s just too big or small for your home.
You might also notice that your house isn’t heating evenly, or at all, even when the heater sounds like it’s working.
Why Fix It in Summer?
This is one of those sneaky problems that gets worse over time. Fixing it now can:
- Extend the life of your system (constant cycling wears it out faster)
- Improve your comfort and your energy bill
- Help identify if the problem is with airflow, sensors, or system size
And honestly, it just feels good to know your heater is tuned up and ready, no more guessing games when the first frost hits.
Why Waiting Until Winter Is a Risk You Don’t Need to Take
We say this from years of experience in heater repair here in Santa Rosa, CA: waiting to fix a known issue is a gamble.
Once October rolls around, HVAC schedules fill up fast. If something breaks then, you might end up:
- Bundled up in three sweaters, waiting days for a tech to squeeze you in
- Paying premium rates for emergency repairs
- Dealing with bigger problems because a small issue was ignored too long
Why Locals Trust Temperature Solutions
We’re not just here to fix systems, we’re here to help you live more comfortably, every day. At Temperature Solutions, we’re proud to serve Santa Rosa and Sonoma County with honest, reliable HVAC care.
What makes us different?
- We treat your home like our own, clean, respectful service every time.
- We explain things clearly (no confusing tech talk).
- We don’t upsell, we inform and let you choose what’s best.
We’ve got the experience to catch small problems before they turn into expensive emergencies, and we’re always just a phone call away.
Ready to Stay Ahead of Heater Problems?
If your heater made strange noises last winter, didn’t heat like it used to, or just hasn’t been looked at in a while, now’s the time.
Call us at (707) 326-0424 or contact us online book your heater repair in Santa Rosa, CA today. We’ll get you taken care of long before the cold has a chance to sneak in.