WHAT ARE 7 INSIGHTFUL REASONS YOUR HVAC SYSTEM MAY ACT UP THIS WINTER?
HVAC issues are not uncommon around this time of the season. This comes as no surprise when you think how furnaces are in high usage for the winter. Because heating systems are utilized more during the colder months, it’s normal for them to get overworked, causing undesirable situations to arise with your furnace. So, if your furnace shows signs of acting up, you’ve stumbled across the right blog! On the other note, if nothing has happened with your HVAC system – perfect! However, it would still be a good idea to keep these common HVAC winter problems in mind. By doing so, you can stay ahead of the game. So, join Delaware Heating & Air as we go over the seven insightful reasons your HVAC system may malfunction this winter.
1. IS YOUR THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTIONING?
Thermostats generally last for a good while. But as time passes, wires could have loosened, there may be a malfunctioning chip, or it may be something as simple as batteries needing to be changed! So, if anything seems off with your HVAC system or maybe it is just not running, you should inspect your thermostat first. Because it operates as the communicator between you and your HVAC system, it’s crucial to verify that all is working well with your thermostat.
2. IS YOUR HVAC AIR FILTER OVERLOADED?
Secondly, when an HVAC air filter gets clogged, it leads to a variety of issues. So, after checking your thermostat, if the issue continues, check the air filter. Typically, it is advised that homeowners swap their air filters out every 30-60 days, but keep in mind it wouldn’t hurt to check that the air filter didn’t somehow get overloaded in between that time. Moreover, we suggest that air filters are changed regularly to maximize your HVAC system’s effectiveness.
3. IS AN HVAC PIPE OR COIL COVERED IN ICE?
Winter in Ohio means we have to endure some rather frigid temperatures! Because the temperature often drops so low, it’s not uncommon for an HVAC system to encounter ice on its pipes and coils. So, if your furnace isn’t turning on and you suspect that a frozen HVAC pipe or coil may be the reason why don’t hesitate to give us a call!
4. IS THERE A COLD ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE?
If a room or area in your house seems to be chillier than the rest of the house, you may just be dealing with airflow restriction. Airflow restriction is a result of blocked ducts and vents. Start by taking a moment to check all the vents in the impacted room. First, you should confirm that all vents are open. Sometimes, vents are closed during a room cleaning, so it’s possible they got closed without you noticing. Additionally, ensure to remove any items that may hinder the airflow path. For instance, there should be no obstructions on top of the vent or in front of it. Lastly, there should be no vents covered by furniture.
5. IS THE PILOT STILL LIT?
If your furnace is running but it is not putting off heat, you might need to check your pilot light. There is potential that the pilot light somehow was blown off due to a draft. If this happened, you can try relighting it should you feel comfortable enough to do so. There are usually manufacturer instructions located on the side of the furnace on how to properly relight the pilot light. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, the sensor may be damaged. So, if this is the case, it’s time to call a licensed professional to diagnose the situation.
6. IS THE FURNACE OR HEAT PUMP SHOWING SIGNS OF DAMAGE?
Preventative maintenance is necessary to keep your HVAC system running efficiently. With that in mind, your heat pump or furnace should be maintained through regular upkeep so that all components are guaranteed to be running as they should be. When heavy machinery like an HVAC system is continuously running, and proper maintenance isn’t put into effect, components can wear down, which will lead to much more significant issues that can make your whole HVAC system malfunction. You don’t want to be left without heat for any amount of time during the winter. If you have not been able to narrow down the reason for your malfunctioning HVAC system, it’s time to call a service professional. So, don’t put it off any longer. Call Delaware Heating & Air today!
7. IS THERE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IN YOUR HOME?
Known as the silent killer because it is a colorless and odorless gas, carbon monoxide poisoning is a real issue that can easily be avoided through the simple use of a carbon monoxide detector. Therefore, we believe every home should have one. So, if you don’t already have one in place, be sure to get one installed as soon as possible. And if you do have one installed, you should check it frequently so as to confirm it still works.
Stay toasty and warm this winter with help from your Delaware Heating & Air experts! If anything comes up with your HVAC system this season and you can’t figure out the issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We are open 365 days a year, 24/7. Emergency HVAC services are our forte! Call Delaware Heating & Air today at (740) 227-8302, or schedule a heating or cooling repair appointment online now by clicking here!
