Once the temperatures drop outside and the weather becomes frigid and cold, it’s a blessing to be able to go inside and turn up the heat in our warm and comfortable homes.
But what do you do when your furnace doesn’t seem to keep up with the cold?
Although it’s possible that your heating system needs replaced, before you go that far, we at Upper Arlington Heating & Cooling present a list of some of things that could be causing this problem.
Air Filters Need Changed
This is something that gets overlooked far too often. As such, we are constantly reminding homeowners to change their furnace’s air filter regularly. How often? During the wintertime, it’s a good idea to replace them every 1 to 2 months, depending on the type of filter you are using, how quickly it becomes dirty and the type of furnace you have. When air filters are left in too long, dirt and grime gather inside to clog them and this has a dramatic impact on the equipment’s performance.
It’s important to keep in mind your furnace filter removes particles and air pollution from the air flowing through your HVAC system. As such, furnace filters can become dirty quickly, especially if you have a large family and pets in the home. If you’ve recently renovated your home or done any sort of construction work, you should check soon after as this can cause filters to fill up. In any case, if you’re having problems heating your home, checking your air filter is essential.
Obstructed or Damaged Ductwork
Furnaces require free airflow through your home’s air duct system to circulate all that nice and warm air you enjoy into your residence. One way to look at how this works is to compare your furnace to your home’s heart and your air ducts as its veins and arteries. When the air ducts are blocked or damaged or clogged up, the whole system has trouble providing the air you need and this can lead to breakdowns and all sorts of damage.
Because dirt, dust, grime, debris, and other contaminants can build up inside your ductwork and hinder airflow, this is something you need to consider. You should also consider whether they could have gotten loose to allow air to leak out. In any case, the good news is that ductwork problems are easy to fix and cost very little to do so.
Drafts and Air Leaks
Another reason for heating problems is caused by air leaks and drafts. Drafts and air leaks can happen in all sorts of places in the home and prevent you from the full benefits of your home’s heating equipment. In order to locate leaks and drafts, you will want to do some thorough checking and investigating. If you need help, give us a call. We are always more than happy to help and have a closer look to see where that expensive heated air might be getting out or allowing cold air in or both.
Common culprits of household air leaks, as noted above, include poorly sealed air ducts or damage to ductwork. You also need to look at gaps around windows and doorways, as well as chimneys. Attic insulation also plays an essential role. In any case, thoroughly winterizing your home is one way to correct these problems and avoid them to begin with.
Thermostat Issues
In our experience, a lot of homeowners overlook this as being the cause of heating problems when troubleshooting. When a thermostat isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to all kinds of issues. This could be why your HVAC appears to be struggling with the cold.
In addition to wiring or mechanical problems within the thermostat that can arise, it could also need cleaning. Then again, it might just need working batteries! In any case, when this control center is faulty, you’ll have a hard time keeping your home warm until the issue is identified and addressed. If it needs to be replaced, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat which can help you save on your energy bill!
Never neglect furnace maintenance
Our valuable and highly complex home heating and cooling systems work hard for us and keep us feeling comfortable throughout Ohio’s most extreme weather conditions — keeping us warm and cozy during the wintertime and cool during the summertime. Because we pay so much money for these systems, and we pay so much in energy costs to keep them running, paying for maintenance, which isn’t expensive, pays off big time in return!
Making sure your furnace gets cleaned and inspected on a regular schedule can reduce the effects of wear and tear and keep it working like it should, effectively and efficiently, for years to come. It’s also a great way to prevent expensive repairs by addressing issues before they worsen.
Give Us A Call Today To Get Your Furnace Running Like New!
We realize there are a lot things a homeowner can do on their own when it comes to home repair. However, there’s no substitute or DIY fix for speaking with a qualified professional. Doing so will give you peace of mind you can’t find anywhere online. It also pays off in dividends, in the big picture, to be proactive with something as intricate and expensive as a furnace — instead of being reactive, and that’s a simple HVAC fact. Call Upper Arlington Heating & Cooling today at (614) 490-7507, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
