If you suddenly encountered issues with your heating system in the middle of winter, what would you do? First off, don’t worry! Springfield Heating & Cooling will be at your side right away. We will do whatever we can to help get your HVAC system up and running again. It’s not unusual for HVAC mishaps to occur around this time of the year when furnaces are working harder to compensate for the frigid winter weather. Unfortunately, even though preventative maintenance is key for homeowners, HVAC problems can still arise. And most of the time, this is because of one thing – winter weather. So, come along with us as we talk about some of the most common HVAC issues that can potentially occur during the winter months.
1. CAN A CLOGGED AIR FILTER CAUSE PROBLEMS IN THE WINTER?
Although it may not seem like it, dust and other particles (including debris) still circulate in the air during winter. For this reason, you should replace your air filters every 1-2 months as recommended. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of experiencing issues with airflow or furnace cycling.
2. WILL YOUR SYSTEM MALFUNCTION IF YOUR THERMOSTAT’S BATTERIES DIE?
Your thermostat is vital to your HVAC system as it communicates temperature settings, readings, and changes. So, if you think something is wrong with your HVAC system, check the thermostat. You might just need to put in some new batteries! Believe it or not, old or dead batteries are often the root of many HVAC problems. But, if this does not fix the problem and your thermostat is still responding, you may need to get help from a licensed HVAC professional.
3. ARE FROZEN HVAC PIPES & COILS ANOTHER COMMON PROBLEM DURING WINTER?
Unfortunately, one of the most common issues we see during Ohio’s frigid winters is frozen HVAC pipes and coils. But there are a few things you can do to decrease the chance of your pipes freezing over. If you think your pipes might be frozen, shut off your system and give the pipes time to thaw. If you have exposed pipes in your home, use pipe insulation for an extra layer of protection. If the problem continues, don’t wait to call a qualified professional like Springfield Heating & Cooling. Water damage and burst pipes are not worth risking!
4. IS YOUR FURNACE OIL-BASED?
Although it’s best to get your furnace checked and tuned up before winter, you can still have it done. We normally recommend having this service completed before the first time you use your furnace in the fall, but if you haven’t had a chance yet, don’t worry. You can still call us to schedule an appointment. By scheduling a seasonal safety tune-up and check, you can prevent any issues like fuel running out – which is something we don’t recommend. That sounds like an unpleasant experience. The last thing anyone needs is to be left in the cold, so take preventative measures now by making that call today.
5. HAS YOUR FURNACE STOPPED PUMPING OUT WARM AIR AND NOW ONLY PRODUCES COLD AIR?
There might be a problem if your furnace starts releasing cold air instead of the warm air it’s supposed to. But before you start worrying, though, try some easy troubleshooting steps. First, see if the pilot light needs to be relit; sometimes, pilot lights can get blown out. If you check and find that your furnace has gone out and needs to be relit, try relighting it yourself first. Usually, there are manufacturer’s instructions placed on the side of the furnace itself. If this does not get your furnace back up and running with warm air, though, it’s time to bring in a professional to come assess the issue.
6. HAS YOUR MONTHLY ENERGY BILL BEEN EXTREMELY HIGH LATELY?
If you’ve been stuck with a high energy bill for months, it might be time to do a walk-through of your house and check if there are any gaps around your ductwork, doors, or windows. Leaking air can often cause inflated energy bills. If you want to avoid throwing money out the window, regularly check your home for any gaps or openings around ductwork, doors, and windows. As soon as you find an issue, have it fixed so that your HVAC system isn’t working overtime to compensate for the air leakage.
7. IS CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING A REAL RISK?
Absolutely! Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas, and if inhaled in large quantities, it would be fatal. We highly suggest that every homeowner should install a carbon monoxide detector in their home to protect their family from a life-threatening disaster. Detectors for carbon monoxide are available and affordable at most home improvement stores.
If your furnace decides to quit on the coldest day of winter, don’t hesitate to contact your Springfield Heating & Cooling professionals! We provide emergency HVAC services 24/7, all year long, so that you and your family can always stay comfortable and safe. You can reach us at (937) 350-1881 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
