HVAC issues are commonly known to occur in the wintertime, as it is the coldest season of the year. If you stop to consider how many furnaces are used during this time, it totally makes sense! When a furnace is overworked and not properly cared for at the same time, it may lead to a variety of HVAC issues which will leave you with a malfunctioning heating system when it is most inconvenient.
So, if your furnace starts giving off signals that it is on the brink of breaking down, you’ve come to the correct blog for some information! But supposing no mischief has taken place with your HVAC system, that’s perfect! However, bear in mind that it would still be wise to read through the following points from your Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling experts so that you may be familiar with the seven reasons your HVAC systems might act up this season. After all, knowing potential disasters ahead of time will equip you to avoid them.
1. IS THE THERMOSTAT STILL FUNCTIONING FINE?
Thermostats can hold up for a long time. But as with all things, over time, there is the possibility of its components wearing down. You may encounter a loose wire, or a chip can malfunction, or if yours uses batteries, you might just simply need to swap the batteries out! All that to say, if you notice anything is off with your furnace – maybe it’s not functioning as well as it normally does, or maybe it’s not even turning on, the first place you should check is your thermostat. The thermostat is the component source that communicates your desired settings to the HVAC system, so if the thermostat is not working, it will most assuredly cause your HVAC system to fail as well.
2. IS THE AIR FILTER NEEDING TO BE SWAPPED OUT?
Let’s move on to the second point, which is checking your air filter. If your HVAC air filter were to be bogged down with dust, pet fur, and other airborne particles, it can cause several unfortunate furnace problems. So, a good place to check after confirming your thermostat is still working is the air filter. Per industry standards, it is said that homeowners should regularly swap their air filters for a new one every 30-60 days. But it definitely won’t hurt your system to confirm that the air filter has not somehow become clogged in between the next set filter change.
3. IS THERE A PIPE OR COIL THAT HAS FROZEN OVER OR ICED UP?
As we are sure you are well aware, wintertime in Ohio certainly keeps us on our toes. Temperatures get quite low! Accordingly, when the temperature drops this much, it’s not uncommon for an HVAC system to experience ice buildup directly on its pipes and coils. This can cause your HVAC pipes and coils to freeze over and lead your furnace to malfunction completely. So, if you find this to be the case for you, this would be an appropriate time to call a licensed professional.
4. IS THERE A ROOM THAT YOU NOTICED FEELS CHILLIER THAN THE REST?
If you find that there is a room in your house that is always cooler than the rest of the house, it may be due to airflow restriction. This can happen when ducts and vents are obstructed. The first step is to check all vents in the affected room to make sure they are open. It’s possible they were closed accidentally while cleaning. Moreover, you have to take away anything that might block the airflow. For example, don’t leave anything on top of the vent or in front of it. And finally, be absolutely sure that no furniture is blocking the vent so it can release proper airflow into the room.
5. IS THE PILOT OUT & NEEDS TO BE RELIT?
Is your heating system on, but you’re feeling cold? One potential reason is that your pilot light may have been blown out by a draft. If this is the case, try lighting it again. Not sure how to do that? No problem! Check the side of your furnace for any manufacturer instructions. If you still can’t find a resolution, it’s probable that there is a damaged sensor. In this instance, we recommend calling a professional to diagnose the issue.
6. IS THE HEAT PUMP WORKING?
Heat pumps are known to freeze up in the middle of the winter. Considering the weather we deal with in Ohio, that’s no surprise! Most heat pumps come with an automatic defrosting feature, but if your heat pump does not have this setting and you think yours may have frozen over, please give us a call!
7. IS THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR FUNCTIONING?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a deathly hazard. It is known as the silent killer because its odor and color are undetectable. However, even though it’s a serious hazard that should not be taken lightly, this is a safety risk that can easily be avoided by the simple use of a carbon monoxide detector. As a malfunctioning furnace can leak carbon monoxide, it could end up being a great risk to your home and your family. So, if you don’t currently have a detector in your home, be sure to get one as soon as possible.
Stay nice and toasty by relishing in the comfort of your own home this winter. In summary, be sure to practice regular upkeep and preventative maintenance. Things like changing your HVAC air filters regularly will make all the difference. And remember, if all else fails and you find yourself dealing with an unpleasant HVAC issue, rely on Call Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling today! We can be reached at (513) 540-1716, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
