HVAC issues are a common occurrence during the season. This makes sense when you consider how much furnaces are used during the winter. Because they are put to use more so this time of the year, it’s common for furnaces to be overworked, which could lead to a malfunctioning furnace later on. So, if your furnace shows signs of breaking down, you’re in the right place! But if nothing has gone awry with your HVAC system – that’s perfect! However, keep in mind that it would still be in your best interest to remember these common HVAC winter issues. So, keep reading these pointers from your Eastland Heating & Cooling experts as we go through seven insightful reasons your HVAC system may go out on you this winter.
1. IS THE THERMOSTAT STILL WORKING?
Thermostats typically last for a good duration of time. But with time, wires could get loose, a chip may malfunction, or maybe just the batteries need to be swapped out for a fresh set! So, if there is anything that seems to be off with your furnace, or perhaps it is just not functioning, you should check your thermostat as a first step. Your HVAC system uses the thermostat as the main means of communication. So, if it is not working properly, it is definitely going to cause issues for your furnace!
2. IS THE AIR FILTER DUE FOR A CHANGE?
Our second point is to check your air filter. When an HVAC air filter gets overloaded with dust and other loose particles, it can cause various problems for your system. So, upon inspecting your thermostat, if you find that the thermostat is not the source of your HVAC woes, try checking the air filter. We recommend homeowners change their air filters between 30-60 days. But please note that it never hurts to check the air filter to confirm it didn’t become clogged in between that time. Air filters must be changed frequently so that your HVAC system is set up to function at its highest potential.
3. IS THERE A PIPE OR COIL IN THE HVAC SYSTEM THAT IS FROZEN?
Ohio winters sure have us enduring rather low temperatures! When the temperature drops, it’s not unusual for an HVAC system to accumulate ice on its pipes and coils. Therefore, if your furnace isn’t powering on or it seems to be acting up, it’s likely that this may be the cause of your issues. You should call a licensed professional if this is the case.
4. IS THERE AN INDIVIDUAL ROOM IN YOUR HOME THAT SEEMS COLDER THAN THE REST?
If there is a space or room within your home that tends to be cooler than the rest of the house, you may just be encountering airflow restriction. This happens as a result of ducts and vents that are obstructed. First, check all the vents in the impacted room. You are checking that all vents are open. It’s possible that they may have gotten closed while you were cleaning the room. Additionally, it’s also imperative to remove any items that may cause an obstruction to the path of airflow. For instance, there should be no items left on top of the vent or even in front of it. Last of all, you especially want to make sure no furniture is placed on top of the vent, keeping it from releasing proper airflow into the room.
5. IS THE PILOT LIGHT OUT?
If your heating system seems to be running just fine, but you don’t feel heat being emitted from it, you should check your pilot light. It may have somehow gotten blown out due to a draft. If you discover the pilot light went out, try relighting it. Don’t know how? Don’t worry. There should be manufacturer instructions placed on the side of the furnace. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you may be dealing with a damaged sensor. If this is the case, it’s time to call a professional to diagnose the situation for you.
6. IS THE FURNACE OR HEAT PUMP EXPERIENCING ISSUES?
Preventative maintenance is absolutely a necessity in order to keep your HVAC system operating at its best. With that being said, you will want to remember that your heat pump and furnace need to be maintained by way of regular upkeep so that all components are set up to continue functioning smoothly. When complicated machinery like an HVAC system is perpetually running, and proper maintenance isn’t enforced, components can malfunction, which will lead to significant issues like you might be experiencing now. So, if you still have not been able to pinpoint and resolve the issue of your malfunctioning HVAC system, it’s time to bring in a service professional.
7. IS THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR FUNCTIONING?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is known as the silent killer because it is colorless and odorless. It is a real issue that can easily be prevented by simply installing a carbon monoxide detector inside your home. Thus, we strongly believe that every home should contain one. If you don’t already have one in place, the good news is that they are reasonably priced, so be sure to get one installed as soon as you can! In addition, if you do have one, be sure to inspect it frequently to verify it still functions properly.
You can remain snug and cozy this season with the assistance of your Eastland Heating & Cooling service professionals! If any HVAC issues surface with your system this winter, and you can’t quite pinpoint why this is happening, don’t think twice about contacting us! We are open 365 days a year, 7 days a week. We specialize in emergency HVAC! Call Eastland Heating & Cooling today at (614) 861-5203, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
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