Winter has graced us, and Centerville Heating & Cooling is ready to face it head-on! With that said, this indicates heating systems are in high use this time of the year. We all love the toasty comfort of a warm home during winter. And although it’s been cold these past months, it wouldn’t be surprising if you feel the need to crank your heating system up more to compensate for the lower temperatures. However, heating systems are often overworked during the winter because of their high usage. So, it’s not unusual for HVAC systems to break down during the winter. For this reason, we stress the importance of regular upkeep and preventative maintenance. Your HVAC system should function the most efficiently when it needs it. Sometimes, though, no matter what, unfortunate situations still occur. And though we do not hope that anything acts up with your HVAC system this winter, the following is a list of top reasons that can help guide you in the case something does arise.
IS YOUR FURNACE UNRESPONSIVE OR JUST NOT WORKING PROPERLY?
If your furnace is acting up and is not responding correctly, you should check the thermostat first. Though this may seem like an oversimplified step, a broken thermostat is a common reason behind many HVAC woes! Your thermostat communicates with your HVAC system, acting as the mediator between you and your HVAC system. So, start by making sure the batteries don’t need to be changed. Right after checking the batteries, you should also see how your thermostat responds to the different thermostat settings. Try raising and dropping the temperature, etc., to see how your HVAC system responds. When you check the thermostat right away, it may resolve the issue for you, but if it doesn’t, try the tips and tricks below to pinpoint the problem.
IS THERE A ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE THAT SEEMS COLDER THAN THE REST?
Airflow restriction – it’s a common HVAC problem we come across often. If you have noticed a room in your home that seems to be chillier than the rest of the house, you likely are encountering airflow restrictions. Because central air is meant to distribute and circulate airflow throughout your whole home, we understand how this can be a frustrating issue. First, start by checking each vent in the room to ensure that all vents are open. We do not recommend leaving any of the vents closed. Additionally, you want to ensure that all the vents are free from any obstructions.
Bear in mind that items don’t have to be only directly on top of a vent to restrict airflow; no items should be in front of them as well. You might just be shocked to find a vent lurking under a piece of furniture you have never noticed before. Therefore, we think it doesn’t hurt to double-check that all vents are free from obstruction and there are no covered vents. If this does not resolve your problem, please call a service professional.
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT YOUR HVAC PIPES ARE FROZEN?
Frozen pipes are not a rare issue during Ohio’s winters. If you haven’t pinpointed why your heating system isn’t operating as it is supposed to, the HVAC pipes and coils may, in fact, be frozen. So, if you suspect this is the case, you will want to hand this one over to the professionals. Remember, frozen pipes are known for bursting, so it’s best not to put it off and get it taken care of as soon as possible.
IS YOUR FURNACE CYCLING OFF AND ON?
Suppose the HVAC problem you are experiencing is more along the lines of your heating system continuously cycling off and on. What is cycling? This means your HVAC system is on a constant rotation of turning off and then on again. When this happens, it is a good indication of a more significant underlying issue. But before calling a service professional, try changing your HVAC system’s air filter first. If your air filter is clogged and overloaded, it will lead to airflow restriction, which confuses your HVAC system and causes it to power off and on continually. If this doesn’t fix the problem, go ahead and give us a call; we will send one of our NATE-certified technicians out to your home to properly diagnose and fix the issue for you!
IS YOUR HEAT PUMP MALFUNCTIONING?
If you own a heat pump, keep in mind that heat pumps are prone to damage from ice and snow. This, of course, can negatively affect its efficiency. Therefore, some heat pumps should have a feature that automatically defrosts to prevent it from freezing. If your heat pump does not have this feature, you might be dealing with a problem that a professional will have to fix.
IS YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR WORKING WELL?
Now, this last point may not be one you are currently dealing with. Nevertheless, it’s still a frequent issue that should be checked every so often. In the winter, furnaces are put to use around the clock. When a malfunctioning furnace combined with unfortunate luck meets together, carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat! Therefore, it’s absolutely crucial that every house has a carbon monoxide detector in place. Carbon monoxide is almost undetectable because it is odorless and colorless. Bear in mind that if you already have a carbon monoxide detector, you should inspect it regularly to ensure it is still functioning correctly or to see if it requires fresh batteries. And last of all, if you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home, don’t postpone getting one any further. Your safety is of utmost priority.
IS YOUR PILOT LIGHT STILL LIT?
If your furnace is running but not heating up, it may be because the pilot light is out. A gust of wind or draft could have extinguished it, or there might be a system problem, like damage to a sensor. To see if you just need to relight the pilot light:
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions on the side of the furnace.
- If you feel comfortable enough to try it yourself, and it seems that’s all that is needed, you can try lighting it yourself. However, if relighting doesn’t work, please give us a call for assistance.
Contact a professional if you are still encountering these problems with your HVAC system and have not been able to rectify the issue. Emergency HVAC services are our forte! Plus, we would feel honored to serve you, your home, and your family if the need arises. You can reach Centerville Heating & Cooling at (937) 353-1169 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
