There is not quite anything that can compare to a nice cozy home amidst the winter months. But imagine how miserable it would be to have a malfunctioning HVAC system right in the middle of winter. You’d be cold and uncomfortable for sure! And even though Bexley Heating & Cooling is but a phone call away, we hope you don’t experience any issues with your HVAC system this season. However, it’s inevitable that this time of the year, many residential heating systems are being overworked due to their high usage. Because the low temperatures can place your HVAC system at a greater risk for unwelcome situations to surface, there are several top problems that we see often happen with many HVAC systems during the winter. So, if you suspect anything is acting up with your own HVAC system or perhaps would like to avoid these undesirable situations altogether, keep reading!
HAVE YOU CHECKED IF YOUR AIR FILTER NEEDS TO BE CHANGED OR IF YOUR THERMOSTAT BATTERIES NEED TO BE REPLACED?
If your HVAC system starts to act up, one of the first things you should check is whether the air filter needs to be changed. Generally, air filters need to be replaced every 1-2 months, so changing them out may solve the problem entirely! Next, check your thermostat to see if it might be the source of your winter troubles. Try adjusting a few settings on your thermostat to make sure it is still communicating properly with your HVAC system and that the system is responding to the thermostat. If you find that the thermostat is unresponsive as well, replace the batteries with fresh ones. If neither of these tips helps you pinpoint the current issue, keep reading further.
HAVE YOU CHECKED IF YOUR HVAC PIPES ARE FROZEN?
Low temperatures during the wintertime cause ice to accumulate on HVAC system pipes and coils, which then freeze. If this frozen state persists for too long, the pipes might burst, leaving behind a huge mess and possible damage to your heating/cooling system. To prevent all of that hassle (and heartache), be sure to frequently replace your air filter, keep all vents unobstructed, and maintain yearly tune-ups & safety checks with a professional HVAC company.
HAVE YOU SUSPECTED THAT THE AIRFLOW IS RESTRICTED?
If you’re experiencing inconsistent temperatures in your home, with one room being colder than the others, it’s likely due to uneven airflow. This is a common HVAC problem that many homeowners experience. To fix the issue, check to see if there are any objects blocking the vents within the cold room. We often find that people are surprised to discover vents covered by furniture or even closed altogether. If you notice this, be sure to open the vents to improve airflow. In the wintertime, restricted airflow is often caused by blocked or closed vents, so be sure to check those as well. Additionally, a dirty air filter can also cause problems, so again – be sure to check and clean your filter regularly. Finally, if you’re still having issues after taking these steps, give us a call, and we’ll help diagnose any problem with your fan or furnace motor, as the issue may lie within those factors.
HAVE YOU NOTICED YOUR HEATER CYCLING OFF & ON?
If you have observed that your furnace keeps shutting on and off, it may be time to replace your air filters. If the problem persists, check your thermostat for any malfunctions. After doing so, if the furnace continues cycling, it would be beneficial to call a professional as soon as possible. A cycling unit can cause many issues, such as costing more money in energy bills or a complete shut-off of the heater.
HAVE YOU BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAT PUMP?
Many heat pumps have issues with defrosting during the winter, which often leads to ice buildup. If your heat pump doesn’t have an automatic defrost setting, and you suspect your HVAC pipes and coils may have frozen over, it may be time to call a service professional.
HAVE YOU PUT A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IN PLACE?
Silent and deadly, carbon monoxide poisoning can be a pressing issue this time of year as furnaces are in high usage. (This is why we stress the importance of preventative maintenance!) Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, it is known to be a silent and deadly killer. Fortunately, you can easily monitor carbon monoxide hazards by simply using a carbon monoxide detector. So, please take adequate precautions by installing a detector in your home if you don’t already have one.
HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR PILOT LIGHT?
If you have a gas or propane furnace, this means it uses a pilot light. So, you might be dealing with a case of an unlit pilot light, where your furnace is not putting off heat but still runs. This can happen when a draft sneaks in and blows the pilot light out. Another possibility is that there is a system-related issue. So, first, check to verify that the light is still lit. If it’s not and you feel comfortable, you can relight it as needed. Generally, there are manufacturer’s instructions located on the side of the furnace to guide you. However, if this does not rectify the problem, please give us a call.
Be sure to only trust your HVAC system with a licensed HVAC professional such as Bexley Heating & Cooling. And don’t forget that you can greatly reduce the chance of your home’s heating and cooling system acting up by practicing regular upkeep and a little preventative maintenance. We are here for you at any time of the day, in any type of weather. So, if you are experiencing any issues with your HVAC system this fall, don’t hesitate to call 614) 924-7856 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
