Along with the winter winds, the season has also brought us many challenges concerning frigid weather. So, we have found ourselves donning cozy clothing, using thicker blankets, and amongst other things turning up our heating systems. Could you imagine what it would be like to have no heat during the winter? Brrrr! It would be miserable, for sure! But did you know that since furnaces are used the most in the wintertime, they tend to get overworked and, therefore, can start to show issues? Your Finneytown Heating & Cooling experts have compiled a list of 7 common reasons your HVAC system may act up this season. That way, if you encounter any issues, you can deal with them appropriately. It can also help you know what to look for to avoid these potential common problems.
#1 THERMOSTATS: IS IT FUNCTIONING?
With your thermostat being the primary source of communication between you and your HVAC system, if your furnace isn’t working correctly, your thermostat is an excellent place to start troubleshooting. First, check if the thermostat is still turned on and responds to different temperature settings. You may just be surprised to find that it needed a new set of batteries!
#2 AIR FILTERS: ARE THEY CLOGGED?
Don’t discount the power of a fresh air filter! So, if you have been experiencing issues with your furnace recently, take your chances and check that air filter out. You never know; it may have gotten overloaded with dust and other airborne particles in the past couple of weeks. When this happens, it can lead to numerous issues with your HVAC system. And remember to change your air filters regularly every 1-2 months. This is the best form of preventative maintenance a homeowner can do!
#3 FROZEN PIPES: ARE YOUR HVAC PIPES & COILS FROZEN?
Frozen HVAC pipes and coils are a pretty common issue we come across. Unfortunately, there’s no way around it regarding Ohio’s weather. However, if you suspect your unit may not be working due to accumulated ice, you don’t want to delay getting that fixed immediately. The last thing you want to deal with is a burst pipe that can damage your unit further.
#4 AIR FLOW RESTRICTION: IS THERE A ROOM THAT IS COLDER THAN THE REST?
Have you ever wondered why there is a particular room in your home that seems to be colder than the rest? This is another frequent issue we get asked about a lot. If this resonates with you, try checking each vent in the room to confirm that all vents are left open, and none have been accidentally closed. Furthermore, you want to ensure there are no obstructions over the vent or in front of the vent that could hinder the line of airflow. For example, items or furniture on top of a vent will cause airflow restriction.
#5 PILOT LIGHT: DID IT GO OUT?
If your furnace runs on gas or propane, it uses a pilot light. If you have suddenly noticed that your furnace is not putting off heat but seems to be still running fine, your pilot light may very well have gone out. This sometimes occurs when a draft blows out the pilot light. Or if it’s a system-related issue, the sensor could be damaged. Upon checking to see if the flame is still lit, if you feel comfortable, you may relight it if necessary. Usually, the manufacturer’s instructions are placed on the side of the unit to aid you in relighting it. However, if this doesn’t resolve your issue, please contact us so we can send one of our NATE-certified technicians to your home to assess and resolve the issue.
#6 HEAT PUMP: IS IT WORKING?
Heat pumps are prone to frosting over during the winter. Many heat pumps come with an automatic defrosting feature. But if your heat pump does not have this or has remained frosted, it’s time to call a professional.
#7 CYCLING: IS YOUR FURNACE TURNING OFF & ON CONTINUALLY?
Cycling is the issue of your heating system turning off and on over and over again. If your furnace seems like it’s stuck in a never-ending cycle of powering off and on, try changing the air filter first. Often when an air filter gets unknowingly clogged, it can confuse your HVAC system, which in turn causes it to cycle off and on repeatedly. If that doesn’t resolve your issue, you will need a licensed technician to diagnose the problem.
If you encounter any of these seven HVAC problems this winter, call Finneytown Heating & Cooling. Give us a chance to provide you with our excellent customer service. We provide all HVAC services and also specialize in emergency HVAC services; we will get you up and running again! Call us at (513) 935-0440, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
