No one wants their heating to go out in the middle of winter, but in the case it does, you can find peace in knowing that Upper Arlington Heating & Air will be there to help you get your HVAC system back up and running as soon as possible. We are all aware that preventative maintenance is key to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently, but keep in mind that some issues may still occur due to Ohio’s freezing temperatures during winter. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for furnaces to break down during winter. After all, they’re working overtime to keep homes heated during the coldest months of the year. So, join us as we talk about some of the most common HVAC issues that can surface during this season.
1. IS A CLOGGED AIR FILTER A COMMON HVAC WINTER PROBLEM?
Absolutely! Although it may not be obvious, dust and other small particles actually float around in the air, even during winter. To make sure your furnace is working properly and there’s no build-up of debris, you should replace your air filters every one to two months.
2. IS A FAULTY THERMOSTAT A COMMON HVAC WINTER PROBLEM?
The answer is yes. Did you know that many HVAC system issues are caused by a faulty thermostat? More often than not, dead batteries are to blame. So, if you think there might be a problem with your HVAC system, check your thermostat first. If changing the batteries doesn’t fix the issue, and your thermostat is still acting strange, it’s time to consult a professional.
3. ARE FROZEN HVAC PIPES & COILS A COMMON HVAC WINTER PROBLEM?
Another common problem homeowners in Ohio run into during winter is frozen HVAC pipes and coils. But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of this happening to your home. If you suspect that your pipes might already be frozen over, turn off your system and give the pipes time to thaw out on their own. You can use pipe insulation as a preventative measure on any exposed pipes in your home. If the problem persists and your pipes are frozen or not functioning properly, reach out to a qualified professional like Upper Arlington Heating & Air right away. Water damage and burst pipes are not worth risking!
4. IS RUNNING OUT OF FUEL A COMMON HVAC WINTER PROBLEM?
Even though getting your furnace serviced in the winter may not be ideal, it’s still better to do it than never getting around to it. Usually, we recommend having this checkup done in the fall so that a seasonal safety tune-up for your oil-burning furnace is completed before winter starts. That way, you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel and dealing with an inconvenience later on. Take action now and give us a call. Our NATE-certified technicians will inspect your unit completely, ensuring everything is running effectively and will help you get through winter safely and warm.
5. IS A FURNACE BLOWING COOL AIR A COMMON HVAC WINTER PROBLEM?
If your furnace starts spraying out frigid air instead of the warm air it’s supposed to, don’t stress just yet. Initially, see if the pilot light needs to be relit; sometimes, they can get extinguished. If you find that your pilot light has blown out and needs to be relit, you may attempt lighting it yourself if you feel comfortable enough doing so. Oftentimes, the manufacturer’s instructions for restarting your furnace are located on the side of the unit. However, if this doesn’t work, it might be time to speak with a professional.
6. IS A HIGH ENERGY BILL A COMMON HVAC WINTER PROBLEM?
A great place to start if you notice your energy bills have spiked is checking your ductwork, doors, and windows for cracks or leaks. More often than not, air leakage is the main cause of high energy consumption. By checking your HVAC system for any holes or openings around ductwork, doors, and windows, you can save money on utility bills. If you find an issue, fixing the problem will also help your HVAC system work more efficiently by not having to compensate for leaking air.
7. IS A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK A COMMON HVAC WINTER PROBLEM?
Invisible and odorless, carbon monoxide is a gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high doses. It’s often called a “silent killer.” But there is good news: technology has provided us with simple carbon monoxide detectors that help prevent tragedy due to this. A carbon monoxide detector is an affordable and easy way to protect your family and home from a potential disaster, and we believe that every homeowner should have one installed.
If your furnace decides to quit on the coldest day of winter, don’t hesitate to contact Upper Arlington Heating & Air. We’ll make sure you and your family stay comfortable and safe by providing 24/7 HVAC services all year long! Call us at (614) 490-7507, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
