When the weather outside is cold and harsh, it’s always a nice thing to be able to come inside and turn up the heat in our warm and comfortable homes.
But what do you do when your furnace doesn’t seem to keep up with the cold?
While it is entirely possible that your furnace needs a repair or needs replaced, we at Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling present a list of some of things that could be causing the problem.
Obstructed or Damaged Ductwork
Unless you have a ductless system, your home heating equipment needs proper airflow through a system of ductwork throughout the home to move all that nice and warm air to where you need it. You could compare your furnace to a heart and the air duct system to its veins and arteries. If the air ducts become loose, damaged or clogged up, the whole system struggles to circulate the necessary air. Over time, this can make heating costs go up and cause breakdowns and other damage.
All types of things — dust, dirt, grime, toys and other debris — can find its way inside and possibly even obstruct this vital airflow. So this is also something you need to consider. You should also consider whether they could have gotten loose to allow air to leak out. The good news is that ductwork problems are easy to fix, they can be cleaned out professionally and tightened — and it is inexpensive to do so. In fact, if poor airflow is running up your heating costs, having your air ducts serviced can save you money.
Air Filter Blockage
Air filters are far too often overlooked. You’ll hear us reminding our readers regularly to check their filters frequently and change them often. How often? During the heating season, homeowners should be checking them every 1 to 2 months, depending on the type of filter you are using, how quickly it becomes dirty and the type of furnace you have. When air filters are left in too long, dirt and grime gather inside to clog them and this has a dramatic impact on the equipment’s performance.
It’s important to keep in mind your furnace filter removes particles and air pollution from the air flowing through your HVAC system. As such, furnace filters can become dirty quickly, especially if you have a large family and pets in the home. If you’ve recently renovated your home or done any sort of construction work, you should check soon after as this can cause filters to fill up. In any case, if you’re having problems heating your home, checking your air filter is essential.
Drafts and Air Leaks
Inadequate insulation along with air drafts and leaks are another reason for heating problems. Air drafts and air leakage can happen in all sorts of places in the home. When left unchecked, over time, they prevent homeowners from the full benefits of their furnaces and cause heating bills to go sky high. In order to locate these problems, you will want to do some thorough investigating around the house. If you’d like some quick, easy and affordable help, give us a call at the number below. We are always more than happy to help and have a closer look.
The usual culprits of household air leaks, as noted above, also include poorly sealed or damage to ductwork. Additionally, you should check around windows, doorways and chimneys. Attic insulation also plays an essential role. In any case, thoroughly winterizing your home is one way to correct these problems and avert them entirely to begin with.
Thermostat Issues
When a thermostat isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to all kinds of heating and cooling problems. As such, this is another common reason why furnaces fail to keep up with cold weather outside.
In addition to potential wiring or mechanical problems inside the thermostat, it could also need cleaning. Then again, it might just need working batteries! In any case, when this control center is faulty, you’ll have a hard time keeping your home warm until the issue is identified and addressed. If it needs to be replaced, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat which can help you save on your energy bill!
Never neglect furnace maintenance
Our furnaces work hard for us every winter and keep us feeling comfortable during Ohio’s most extreme cold weather. Because they are such expensive and intricate machines, and because we spend so much in energy costs to keep them running, paying for maintenance every year usually pays off big time in return!
Making sure your furnace gets inspected, serviced and cleaned on a regular schedule can reduce the effects of wear and tear and keep it working like it should, effectively and efficiently, for years to come. It’s also a great way to prevent expensive repairs by addressing issues before they worsen.
Give Us A Call Today To Get Your Furnace Running Like New!
Although there are a lot of things homeowners can do on their own when it comes to work around the home, there is simply no substitute (or Do-It-Yourself) fix for speaking with a qualified professional. Doing so will give you peace of mind you can’t find anywhere online. It also pays off in dividends, in the big picture, to be proactive with something as intricate and expensive as a furnace — instead of being reactive, and that’s a simple HVAC fact. Call Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling today at 513-540-1716, or click here to schedule an appointment now!
