As winter has rolled in, Chillicothe Heating & Cooling is prepared to take it on! This also means that heating systems will be working hard to keep us warm. Most of us enjoy the feeling of a cozy home during winter, but as temperatures continue to drop, you may find yourself needing to turn up the heat more often than usual. However, since furnaces are used so often during the winter, they’re susceptible to breaking down. That’s why we can’t stress enough how important it is to do regular upkeep and preventative maintenance on your HVAC system. By doing this, you can help make sure that it functions most efficiently when you need it the most. No one desires their HVAC system to stop working in the middle of winter. However, sometimes it does happen. If you’re here reading this blog post, then either your HVAC is already giving you issues, or you want to avoid that headache altogether. In any case, below are the most common reasons why an HVAC system may quit on you during wintertime.
IS YOUR FURNACE ACTING UP?
If your furnace is not operating correctly, you should first check the thermostat. We know. This seems a little too easy. However, take note that a broken thermostat is one of the top reasons behind many HVAC issues. Since your thermostat communicates directly with your HVAC system, it makes sense to check it first. So, first, check that the batteries don’t need to be replaced. After you have done so, you should also test the various thermostat settings by raising and dropping the temperature, etc. This will help you to confirm whether or not your system is still responding appropriately to the thermostat.
IS THERE A ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE THAT DOESN’T GET AS WARM AS THE REST?
Airflow restriction is a frequent HVAC problem we come by often. Many homeowners notice a particular room in the home that seems to be a bit more chilly as opposed to the rest of the house. If this is something you can relate to, you probably are dealing with an airflow restriction. Because central air is made to circulate airflow evenly throughout the whole home, admittedly, it can be a frustrating issue to deal with. But don’t worry, sometimes the solution is a lot more simple than you think!
First, go ahead and check each vent in the room to confirm that all vents are open to release airflow. Furthermore, you should also make sure that all the vents are clear of obstructions. Keep in mind that items don’t have to be right on top of a vent to cause an obstruction of airflow. Items in front of a vent can obstruct it as well, so no items should be placed in front of the vent too. In addition, it’s surprisingly not uncommon for homeowners to discover an unbeknownst to them vent lurking under a piece of furniture. Vents should never be blocked, even by furniture. In summary, we believe it doesn’t hurt to backtrack and double-check to confirm that vents are clear of obstruction and that vents aren’t covered. If this does not rectify your HVAC issue, please call a licensed professional.
IS THERE ICE ON YOUR HVAC PIPES OR COILS?
Frozen HVAC pipes and coils are not a rare occurrence in Ohio. If you haven’t been able to pinpoint why your HVAC system isn’t functioning as it ought to, try checking your HVAC pipes and coils to see if they have frozen. If you find this to be the case, you should call a service professional right away. Burst pipes are not something you want to risk by delaying having the issue addressed.
IS YOUR FURNACE TURNING OFF & ON?
If you are experiencing your heating system having issues with turning off and on by itself, this is a common issue known as cycling. You have likely noticed your furnace is on a nonstop rotation of powering off and then on again. When this occurs, it is a sign that there is an underlying issue needing to be addressed. But before you pick up the phone to call a service professional first, try swapping out your HVAC system’s air filter for a fresh one. Air filters get clogged and overloaded, leading to airflow restrictions. Ultimately, this will confuse your HVAC system, which results in the cycling issue. If a new air filter doesn’t fix it, you should give us a call. We will send one of our highly trained technicians to your home to properly assess and resolve the issue for you!
IS YOUR HEAT PUMP DEFROSTING?
If your home has a heat pump, it’s important to know that heat pumps are susceptible to getting damaged from ice and snowfall. Which, of course, can negatively impact its effectiveness. However, some heat pumps come with a special feature that defrosts the heat pump automatically as needed. This prevents it from freezing over. If your heat pump does not have this particular setting and your unit is frozen over, you should call a licensed professional.
IS THERE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IN YOUR HOME?
Now, this last point may not necessarily be something you are currently experiencing. Nonetheless, it’s still a top problem that needs to be followed up on. When a malfunctioning furnace meets with unfortunate luck, things like carbon dioxide poisoning can prove to be a real threat. Therefore, we think it’s prudent that every home contains a carbon monoxide detector. Since it’s a colorless and odorless gas, it’s nearly undetectable. If you already have a carbon monoxide detector in place – great! Make sure to inspect it frequently so as to make sure it is still functioning as it should be or see if it requires a battery change. However, if you don’t currently have one installed in your home, don’t postpone it any further. You and your family’s safety are a priority!
IS THE PILOT LIGHT ON?
If your furnace is running but not heating up your home, it might be because the pilot light is out. Keep in mind that a gust of wind or draft could have extinguished it, or there could possibly be a system problem, like damage to the sensor. If you’re feeling positive and think relighting the pilot light is all that’s needed:
- First, check the manufacturer’s instructions on the side of your furnace; they should have specific instructions on how to relight the pilot light.
- Try igniting it yourself. However, if, for some reason relighting isn’t successful, please give us a call for assistance.
If you are still dealing with any of these common HVAC issues, it’s time to call a service professional to properly diagnose and provide a resolution to get your HVAC system back up and working. Fortunately, emergency HVAC services are our specialty! So, call Chillicothe Heating & Cooling at (740) 281-2186, or click here to schedule an appointment now!