As winter rolls in, Circleville Heating & Cooling is preparing to face it head-on! Unfortunately, this also means that your heating system will be working endlessly to keep your home warm. We all enjoy the welcome feeling of a snug home in the middle of winter, but as temperatures decrease, you may catch yourself turning up the heat more and more. Since furnaces are used so heavily in winter, they’re more susceptible to having an issue. It is for this reason that we can’t stress too much just how important it is to enforce regular upkeep and preventative maintenance for your HVAC system – so that when you need it most, it is sure to function properly! Here are the top 6 reasons your HVAC system may go out this winter:
IS YOUR THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTIONING?
If your furnace hasn’t been operating correctly, you should try checking the thermostat batteries first of all. We know. This seems like too easy of a solution. However, a broken thermostat is often the main culprit behind various HVAC issues. Seeing that your thermostat is the sole means of communication between you and your HVAC system, it makes sense to rule it out as a possible factor immediately. So, inspect the batteries to confirm they are fine, and after you have done so, you can try testing the various thermostat settings by increasing and decreasing the temperature, etc. Again, confirming that your thermostat functions on all settings will help rule out any issues with the thermostat and if your HVAC system is still responding accordingly.
IS THERE A ROOM IN YOUR HOME THAT DOESN’T SEEM AS WARM AS THE OTHER ROOMS?
Airflow restriction is one of the top HVAC problems we see a lot. In the wintertime, it’s easier for homeowners to notice that a room in the house may seem chillier as opposed to the rest of the rooms in their home. If this resonates with you, you likely are experiencing airflow restriction, which can be caused by several different things. So first, start by checking each vent in the room that seems to be getting the least amount of warm air. You want to confirm that every vent in this room is releasing airflow.
Furthermore, there must be no obstructions over or in front of each vent. Remember that items don’t have to be only on top of a vent to obstruct airflow. Things in front of a vent can also hinder airflow; therefore, ensure no items like hampers, boxes, crates, etc., are placed directly in the line of airflow in front of the vent. Upon inspecting the room, you may even be surprised to discover an unbeknownst-to-you vent that has been hiding under the bed or some type of furniture. Vents should never be blocked – especially by furniture. To sum it up, we think it won’t hurt to backtrack and double-check to confirm that vents are free from any obstructions and that they aren’t closed.
IS THERE ICE BUILDUP ON YOUR HVAC PIPES OR COILS?
HVAC pipes and coils can freeze during the winter. So, keep this in mind if you haven’t been able to narrow down why your HVAC system isn’t working as it should be. Go ahead and check your HVAC pipes and coils to see if they have frozen over. Burst pipes are not something we recommend risking, as they can lead to costly repairs. So, please call a professional if you suspect this to be the reason behind your HVAC woes.
IS YOUR FURNACE CYCLING OFF & ON?
Is your furnace cycling? If so, this is a common issue that we often see happen. It means your heating system is stuck in a loop of continually turning off and on. Your home doesn’t get properly heated in the process, and not to mention – it is a huge energy drainer! Furnace cycling is a symptom of underlying issues that need to be fixed as soon as possible. But hold your horses, and before you pick up the phone to call a service expert, try changing your HVAC system’s air filter for a new one. Air filters can easily clog and cause issues like airflow restrictions. When this happens, it can confuse your HVAC system, leading to the cycling issue. But if a new air filter doesn’t fix the problem, please give us a call. One of our highly trained technicians will diagnose the problem and work towards the best resolution.
IS YOUR HEAT PUMP HAVING ISSUES WITH FROST?
Heat pumps, unfortunately, are susceptible to damage from the winter elements such as ice and snowfall. Naturally, this can affect your heat pumps efficiency negatively. Most heat pumps, however, have a special setting that defrosts the component automatically. This setting keeps it from freezing over. So, if your heat pump does not have this setting and your heat pump is covered in ice and not functioning, feel free to give us a call!
IS THERE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR INSTALLED IN YOUR HOUSE?
Now, this last one may not be something you think is necessary if you aren’t experiencing it at the moment. But on the contrary, safety is of the utmost priority! If your furnace were to malfunction, things like carbon dioxide poisoning can pose a threat. Therefore, we think it’s vital that every home contains a carbon monoxide detector. Plus, since it’s a colorless and odorless gas, it’s nearly undetectable without the use of a detector. So, if you already own a carbon monoxide detector – perfect! Be sure to frequently check it to ensure it is still operating as it should be. However, if you don’t currently have one placed in your home, please don’t put getting one off any further.
IS THE PILOT LIGHT STILL LIT?
If your furnace is turned on but not warming up your home, the issue might be that the pilot light is out. Note that a gust of wind or draft could have blown it out, or there might be a system problem, like damage to the sensor. If you’re feeling confident and think relighting the pilot light will solve everything:
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions on the side of your furnace; they should have specific instructions on how to relight the pilot light.
- Try igniting it yourself, but if relighting is unsuccessful, give us a call for assistance.
If you are still dealing with any of these common HVAC issues, it’s time to call a service professional to properly diagnose and provide a resolution to get your HVAC system back up and working. Fortunately, emergency HVAC services are our specialty! So, call Circleville Heating & Cooling at (740) 218-5323, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
