Winter is here, and Canal Winchester Heating & Cooling is prepared and ready to face it! That being said, this means the furnace will be in high use this season. After all, who wouldn’t love the toasty comfort of a warm home? Though it’s been chilly the past couple of months, it wouldn’t be a surprise if you recently cranked your heating system a bit higher to compensate for the lower temperatures. Unfortunately, furnaces can be easily overworked during the coldest times of the year. So, it’s not uncommon for HVAC systems to malfunction in the winter. This is why regular upkeep and preventative maintenance are so crucial; they need to be set up to operate at their highest capacity when it matters most.
However, sometimes no matter what you do, unfortunate circumstances still happen. And although we don’t wish for anything to go awry with your heating system this season, here is a list of the top reasons why your HVAC system may act up in the winter. So, whether you’re reading this because you are experiencing HVAC issues or would simply just like to avoid these situations altogether, keep reading for some useful information.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING A BROKEN THERMOSTAT?
If your furnace seems to be acting up in any way and possibly unresponsive, check the thermostat first. This is a simple first step, but a broken thermostat is actually the culprit to many an HVAC woe. This makes sense since it is the main component that communicates with your HVAC system. First, make sure the batteries don’t need to be swapped out for a fresh set. If you can’t remember the last time you put in a new set of batteries, this is probably a good indication that it wouldn’t hurt to change them out now. After checking the battery situation, see how your thermostat responds to the different settings and features. Raise and drop the temperature, etc., to confirm if your HVAC system is continuing to receive the signals and react accordingly. Often, checking the thermostat right off the bat will resolve the issue for you, but if not, continue with the points below to narrow down the problem.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AIRFLOW RESTRICTIONS?
Airflow restriction – it’s a prevalent issue we get consulted about often. If you feel like there is an area or room in your house that seems colder than the rest of the house, you are dealing with restricted airflow. Central air is made to distribute and circulate airflow throughout your entire home evenly, so if this is an issue you are currently encountering, we understand how this can be frustrating. Start by checking the affected space/room to locate each vent. Next, ensure that every vent is open. None should be closed. In addition, you want to ensure that all vents are clear of obstruction and anything that may be blocking them.
Keep in mind that although you may not have an item directly on top of the vent, nothing should be in front of them either. This may sound like a simple solution to restricted airflow, but you may just be surprised to find a hiding vent under a piece of furniture or item you never really paid attention to. Sometimes, vents can also be accidentally closed during cleaning. So, it never hurts to double-check that these are not what is causing the restrictions of airflow. If this does not fix your problem, it’s time to call a professional.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING FROZEN PIPES?
Frozen pipes are a real issue in the Ohio winters. If you can’t figure out why your heating system isn’t working correctly, the pipes and coils in your HVAC system have probably frozen over. If you suspect that this may be the source of the problem, you will need to enlist the help of a licensed HVAC contractor. In addition, frozen pipes can burst, so it’s best not to delay and get it taken care of immediately.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING A CYCLING FURNACE?
Perhaps your issue is more along the lines of your furnace continually cycling. If you notice that the furnace keeps kicking off and then back on, you are dealing with a cycling problem. This is a prominent sign that there is an underlying issue going on. But before calling in a service professional, we suggest changing your air filter. If your air filter is clogged, it will restrict airflow, and confuse your HVAC system, thus causing it to turn itself off and on.
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING A MALFUNCTIONING HEAT PUMP?
If you have a heat pump, ice and snow can damage them – which in turn, affects its efficiency. Your heat pump should have a feature that automatically defrosts and keeps it from freezing. If yours doesn’t, you might be experiencing problems with the heat pump malfunctioning from the weather. Call a professional if this is the case. Canal Winchester Heating & Cooling would be more than happy to get you squared away!
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING ISSUES WITH YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?
Given the circumstances, this last point may not necessarily be one you are currently experiencing. But it’s still a common issue that must be followed up on regularly. In the winter, furnaces are used ’round the clock. With the combination of a malfunctioning furnace and the wrong bit of luck, carbon monoxide poisoning is a real issue that can occur. Therefore, it’s imperative that every home contains a carbon monoxide detector. When carbon monoxide is emitted, it’s nearly undetectable as it is odorless and colorless. Although you may already have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, you still want to check it frequently to ensure it is still operating or if it needs a new set of batteries if it uses them. And lastly, if you don’t already have one in your home, please don’t put off getting one. Your safety is a priority!
ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING AN ISSUE WITH THE PILOT LIGHT?
If you find that your furnace is running but not heating up, it may be because the pilot light is out. A gust of wind or a draft could have blown it out, or there might be a system problem, like damage to a sensor. To see if you just need to relight the pilot light, first check the manufacturer’s instructions on the side of the furnace. If you’re comfortable doing so, and it seems like that’s all that’s needed, go ahead and try lighting it yourself. But if relighting doesn’t work, please give us a call for assistance.
You should contact a professional if you are still experiencing these issues with your HVAC system and have not been able to resolve the problem. We specialize in emergency HVAC services and would love to serve you, your home, and your family if the need arises. Call Canal Winchester Heating & Cooling today at (614) 524-4737, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
