Few things are more distressing than a faulty heating system during winter. Not only is it incredibly uncomfortable, but it can also be quite costly to repair. We certainly don’t want you to be uncomfortable in your own home this winter, so if there are any issues with your HVAC system, please give us a call at Bridgetown Heating & Cooling. With that said, many furnaces get overworked during winter and begin to have problems. Unfortunately, because it is colder outside, the likelihood of encountering an issue with your furnace this season increases. If you think your HVAC system is behaving oddly, continue reading to find out how to avoid or fix the most common reasons for a malfunctioning HVAC system in the winter!
DID YOU CHECK THE AIR FILTERS AND THERMOSTAT?
If your HVAC system isn’t running as efficiently as normal, there are two things you should check immediately. The first is your air filter – a clogged or dirty filter can cause a variety of problems. As a general rule, we recommend changing the air filters every one to two months. You might be surprised to find that simply replacing the air filter solves the issue! The second thing you should do is inspect the thermostat. Thermostats are powered by batteries, so one way to solve a problem with your HVAC system is to change the settings on the thermostat and make sure your system still responds appropriately to your thermostat. If that doesn’t solve the issue, try replacing the batteries.
DID YOU CHECK FOR AIRFLOW RESTRICTION?
Uneven airflow is a typical HVAC problem that many homeowners face. If you’re experiencing changing temperatures in your home, with some rooms colder than others, this is likely the issue. To fix it, check the impacted room for any obstructions blocking the vents. This could be something as simple as a piece of furniture covering a vent or vents that were closed and forgotten about. Immediately open the vents to improve airflow, or if there are objects blocking the vent, remove them right away. If this doesn’t help, a dirty air filter might also restrict airflow. So, check and change it as necessary. Lastly, if you’re still having issues after trying these things, please contact us for assistance!
DID YOU CHECK THE HVAC PIPES & COILS FOR ICE?
During the winter, below-freezing temperatures cause ice to build up on your HVAC system’s pipes and coils. When these freeze, it prevents the heating system from working. If the problem persists, the pressure could cause the pipes to burst and break, leaving a costly mess that requires significant repairs. Thus, to avoid all this, you should regularly replace your air filters and take care to keep all vents open and unobstructed. Furthermore, maintaining yearly tune-ups & safety checks is essential in preventing problems.
DID YOU CHECK THE FURNACE FOR CYCLING?
If your heating system keeps turning on and off, it’s time to replace the air filters in your HVAC system. If that doesn’t work, check your thermostat. If the furnace is still cycling, call a professional HVAC company as soon as possible. Cycling can cause many problems for a unit, such as higher energy bills or a malfunctioning unit.
DID YOU CHECK THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?
We cannot stress enough how important it is to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, especially during the winter when furnaces are in constant use. Carbon monoxide poisoning is incredibly dangerous and can be deadly if undetected. Because this gas is odorless and colorless, it’s impossible to detect it without a monitor specifically designed for that purpose. So, it’s imperative to ensure you are proactive about your family’s safety by installing a detector in your home if you don’t already have one. Additionally, even if you do have a detector, make sure to check it regularly for any issues.
DID YOU CHECK THE HEAT PUMP FOR FROST?
In the winter, a common problem for heat pumps is that they often have issues with defrosting. If you live in an area where ice can easily form on your heat pump and it doesn’t have an automatic defrost setting, there’s a chance your HVAC pipes and coils might be frozen too. In this case, it would be best to call a professional service professional.
DID YOU CHECK THE PILOT LIGHT?
Propane and gas furnaces generally have a pilot light. So, if you find that your furnace is running but not producing heat, the issue may be an unlit pilot light. This could have happened if there had been a draft that blew it out. Another possibility is that there’s a system-related problem, such as damage to a sensor. Begin by checking if the pilot light does require relighting. If it does and you feel comfortable, go ahead and relight it yourself according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the side of the furnace. However, if this does not fix things, please give us a call.
You can rely on Bridgetown Heating & Cooling to take care of your heating and cooling needs throughout the year. And remember, by keeping up with regular maintenance, you can decrease the odds of having an issue with your HVAC system when you need it most. Emergency services are our forte, and we will always be here to help you! If you’re having difficulties with your HVAC system this winter, don’t hesitate to give us a call! You can contact us at (513) 273-1335 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!