We rarely think about our furnace until it conks out in the dead of winter. Did you know that most furnaces can malfunction due to heavy usage without proper preventative maintenance? Heating systems get a real workout during the winter as we blast the heat to stay comfortable, which leads to overworked units. Therefore, regular maintenance can help prevent issues and prolong your furnace’s efficiency. However, sometimes taking care of your HVAC system isn’t enough; unpredictable weather scenarios sometimes occur that can affect your HVAC system. So, if you’re wondering why your system might not be working this winter, Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air has come up with seven possible explanations.
1. IS A CLOGGED AIR FILTER A FREQUENT WINTER HVAC PROBLEM?
Your HVAC system’s air filters clean the dust and debris from your home. To get the best results, we suggest that you replace them every month or two. Therefore, if your furnace isn’t working as well as it should be, clogged air filters might be causing the problem and are worth investigating. The first step you should take if you feel something is off with your HVAC system is to check your air filter! If it’s overloaded, airflow can be restricted, which then causes poor indoor air quality. Additionally, this will also put extra strain on your furnace over time and reduce its effectiveness.
2. IS A BROKEN THERMOSTAT A FREQUENT WINTER HVAC PROBLEM?
If your furnace isn’t working, the first thing you should check is its power source. If it’s plugged in and receiving electricity, then ensure that the thermostat is set to an appropriate temperature; if it still doesn’t work, there might be a problem with its batteries that can be solved by cleaning or replacing them. However, if these basic troubleshooting steps don’t fix the issue, then you’ll need to call in a service expert, as there could be a problem with one of its components that you’re not able to resolve on your own. If your furnace isn’t working, it may be because the thermostat controlling the temperature for your entire HVAC system is faulty.
3. IS A FROZEN HVAC PIPE OR COIL A NORMAL WINTER HVAC PROBLEM?
Ohio winters can get pretty tough, and one of the most common HVAC issues we see during these months is frozen pipes and coils. When it gets below freezing outside, water inside your system’s coils or pipes can turn into ice. On frigid nights when there is additional pressure on these areas, they are more likely to break. So, if you’re experiencing any problems like this right now, call us ASAP.
4. IS AIRFLOW RESTRICTION A NORMAL WINTER HVAC PROBLEM?
A room that always feels cooler than the other rooms in your house may have uneven airflow because of an air leak. To fix this problem, check all of the windows in the room to see if they’re properly sealed so that no air can pass through any gaps or cracks. Another potential reason for restricted airflow is due to vent obstructions. If you notice poor airflow in your room, there may be an obstruction preventing proper circulation. To fix this, inspect all vents to ensure they’re unobstructed and open. Additionally, check that nothing is blocking or covering the vents.
5. IS AN UNLIT PILOT LIGHT A NORMAL WINTER HVAC PROBLEM?
If your furnace isn’t putting out warm air, it might have a power issue. One possibility is that a draft blew out the pilot light. Another is that a sensor inside the system stopped working. To fix a pilot light that’s gone out, relight it according to the instructions on your furnace – most of which can be found on the label on the side of the furnace itself. If you’re not confident in doing so, please don’t hesitate to call for assistance!
6. IS A FROSTED HEAT PUMP A NORMAL WINTER HVAC PROBLEM?
If you find your heat pump is frosting over, don’t worry! This is a common occurrence, but it’s nothing to be alarmed about. Many models of heat pumps come with an automatic defrost setting. However, if yours doesn’t have this feature, give us a call, and we’ll help you solve the problem.
7. IS A CYCLING FURNACE A NORMAL WINTER HVAC PROBLEM?
If your HVAC system turns off and on frequently, it’s called furnace cycling. Not only does this waste energy, but it also leaves your home cold. In other words, if your furnace is cycling, you’re wasting money due to the lost energy. To fix the problem, start by changing the air filter since a dirty filter sends mixed signals to your HVAC system and can cause various issues, such as blocking airflow.
Yes, it is essential to regularly practice preventative maintenance! However, we must remember that there are some circumstances where no amount of planning can deter every situation. The good news is that you don’t have to go through these HVAC issues by yourself. At Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air, our supportive and experienced service professionals will take on the task with pleasure. Contact us by calling (614) 490-7530, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
