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The cold winter is no time to be surprised by heating system issues. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the many things that commonly plague homeowners when temperatures drop. Here are five of the most common HVAC problems that crop up for homeowners during the winter.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is used to effectively control the temperature in your home. A malfunctioning thermostat will cause your heating system to function poorly or improperly. It needs to be set correctly and it needs to be cleaned of dust and debris. Further, it needs to have working batteries. If you still have issues after taking care of these things, the thermostat might have faulty wiring or fuses causing your problems. Older analog thermostats require more maintenance; consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. A new programmable thermostat will control the temperature more accurately and efficiently. Contact a professional HVAC installation specialist to have a new thermostat installed.
Uneven Air Flow
Uneven airflow is a common problem for homeowners. Airflow problems often arise if you don’t maintain your heating system well. It can result from an overheated heater, which occurs when your air filters are dirty. It can also result from blocked or leaking ductwork, broken motors or fans, or even problems that are not HVAC-related such as cracks or holes around windowsills and doorways. If you need maintenance for your heating system, a licensed HVAC professional can help.
Malfunctioning Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can be damaged by cold weather conditions, causing them to perform poorly. They might have broken fan motors or coil blockage, and some might fail to defrost after subjected to freezing temperatures. Their automatic defrost settings need to be operational to melt any frost of ice before thick layers can form and create bigger issues such as compressor failure; if the automatic defrost doesn’t work, manual clearing of frost from the unit and its coils will be needed. A skilled HVAC technician can do this without damaging the coils.
Defective Pilot Lights
Some heaters have defective pilot lights that need to be addressed. These pilot lights must turn on for heaters to fully function. The most common reason for defective pilot lights is a flame sensor that becomes dirty or damaged. Cleaning the sensor will often solve the problem and ensure that the pilot light turns on and burns at all times. The blue flames usually stay lit steadily, but when they fail, temperatures will fall inside your home. You can have a new sensor installed by an experienced HVAC specialist.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Another common heating system issue in winter is a carbon monoxide leak. These leaks cause the release of poisonous gas, which is nearly impossible to detect. Many carbon monoxide leaks occur due to cracked or rusted heater components, such as heat exchangers and venting. The heat exchanger should be inspected for defects, and ventilation should be clear so that carbon monoxide gases can exit the home. This issue can be addressed with assistance from a reputable HVAC company.
If you want to upgrade your heating system, or if you need winter HVAC maintenance, The Coolest LLC is the company to help! The Austin-based team of experienced HVAC professionals is ready to provide the expert guidance you need. Contact The Coolest LLC today to discuss your HVAC needs with a licensed technician.
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