It’s easy to take our furnace for granted, that is until it stops working in the middle of winter. Do you know what causes most furnaces to break down? Believe it or not, it’s due to a combination of high usage and lack of preventative maintenance! Heating systems are worked hard during the winter as we crank up the heat to stay warm. Most people know that furnaces are used to heat homes, but did you know that regular maintenance can help keep them running smoothly? Unfortunately, even with the best care, sometimes things still go wrong. To be prepared for anything this winter, Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning has compiled a list of seven reasons why your HVAC system might not work properly.
1. ARE CLOGGED AIR FILTERS A COMMON WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
Your HVAC system’s air filters exist to catch any dust or debris suspended in your home. We suggest that homeowners replace their air filters with new ones every month or two. Therefore, if you’re having issues with your HVAC system, check your air filter first, as clogged air filters are often the culprit behind various HVAC problems. It’s always worth checking your air filter if something comes up with your HVAC system! An overloaded filter can restrict airflow or cause poor indoor air quality. Additionally, it may also put extra strain on your furnace, which will, in turn, reduce its effectiveness.
2. IS A MALFUNCTIONING THERMOSTAT A COMMON WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
If your furnace isn’t working, the first thing you should check is the thermostat. The thermostat regulates the temperature for the entire HVAC system, so if it’s not working correctly, neither will your furnace. To troubleshoot, see if the power is still on and if it responds to different settings and changing temperatures. A nonfunctional thermometer might just need cleaning or new batteries. If your thermostat isn’t working after trying these basic troubleshooting steps, it might be time to call in a service expert for further diagnosis. The issue could be with one of the components.
3. ARE FROZEN HVAC PIPES & COILS A COMMON WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
One of the most common winter HVAC issues is frozen pipes and coils, which makes sense, given how cold Ohio winters can be! When temperatures dip below freezing, water inside your system’s coils or pipes can freeze and become ice. On nights when it is especially cold and there is additional pressure on these areas, they are more likely to break. If you’re experiencing anything like this right now, please give us a call as soon as possible!
4. IS AIRFLOW RESTRICTION A COMMON WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
If you have a room in your house that always feels cooler than the rest, there might be an air leak causing uneven airflow. To fix this, you should check all of the windows in the affected room to make sure they’re properly sealed with no gaps or cracks allowing air to creep in. The second possible reason is restricted airflow. This means that something might be blocking the flow of air into the room. To fix this issue, you should check that all vents in the room are open and clear of any obstructions. Additionally, you’ll want to verify that no items are blocking or covering the vents.
5. IS AN UNLIT PILOT LIGHT A COMMON WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
Your furnace may not be working properly if it isn’t blowing out warm air and is having power issues. This could be because the pilot light was blown out by a draft. The other possibility is that a sensor has malfunctioned inside the system. If you discover that your pilot light is out, try relighting it before contacting a service expert. However, if you don’t feel confident doing so, please give us a call! In most cases, the instructions for relighting are printed on the side of the furnace.
6. IS A FROSTED HEAT PUMP A COMMON WINTER HVAC ISSUE??
Don’t worry if you find your heat pump is frosting over, as this is actually a common issue. Most heat pumps have an automatic defrost setting, but if yours doesn’t, please give us a call, and we’ll help solve the problem for you.
7. IS A CYCLING FURNACE A COMMON WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
If your HVAC system keeps shutting off and restarting, it’s called furnace cycling. This not only wastes energy but also leaves your home cold. In short, if your furnace is cycling, you’re wasting money due to lost energy. To fix the problem, start by changing the air filter. A dirty filter can send mixed signals to your HVAC system, blocks airflow, and result in other various issues. Keep in mind that colder weather can cause various HVAC problems in general.
Therefore, it is crucial to always engage in preventative maintenance! Although, keep in mind that sometimes no amount of planning can prevent every situation, and we must be prepared for anything the weather throws our way. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through these HVAC issues alone. Your friendly service professionals at Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning will take on the task with pleasure and years of HVAC experience. Reach us by calling (740) 625-2320, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
