Wilmington Heating & Cooling is dedicated to helping you keep your home comfortable all winter long. Keep in mind, even if you regularly perform preventative maintenance, Ohio’s freezing temperatures during winter may still cause some issues for your furnace. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most common HVAC issues that can surface during winter and how to fix them.
1. WHAT ARE THE REASONS A THERMOSTAT WOULD MALFUNCTION?
One of the main reasons why HVAC systems break down is because of a faulty thermostat. In many cases, it’s simply because the batteries are dead. So, if you think your HVAC system might be having issues, start by checking your thermostat. Make sure it responds and turns on when settings are changed. If new batteries don’t help and the thermostat still isn’t working properly, then it would be a good idea to consult with a licensed specialist for further guidance.
2. WHAT ARE SOME REASONS YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER?
Despite the weather outside, there are always tiny particles floating around in the air. If your furnace’s air filter becomes clogged with dust and debris, it can cause problems like poor airflow or furnace cycling. To keep your system running smoothly and prevent damage, replace your air filters every one to two months.
3. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR HVAC PIPES OR COILS FREEZE UP?
Homeowners in Ohio frequently must cope with frozen HVAC coils and pipes during winter, but you can take some preventative action to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. If you think your pipes might already be frozen over, switch off your system and give the pipes time to thaw out gradually. If you’re concerned about your pipes freezing or becoming damaged, we recommend using pipe insulation. It’s a simple and effective way to stop any water damage or burst pipes from happening. However, if the problem continues, please contact a professional like Wilmington Heating & Cooling for assistance.
4. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR FURNACE RUNS OUT OF FUEL?
If you have a gas or oil-burning furnace, there’s always a chance it could run out of fuel. We understand that requesting servicing during the winter can be difficult, but it’s still better than neglecting your seasonal checkup altogether. Typically, we recommend having this checkup done in the fall so we can inspect your whole heating system before winter starts. However, better late than never, right? To avoid any stressful surprises this winter, call us today to have one of our NATE-certified technicians come take a look at your unit. They will perform a thorough inspection to ensure that it is running efficiently and has enough fuel. Then you can rest easy knowing that you and your family will be cozy all season long!
5. WHAT IS THE REASON A FURNACE WOULD BLOW COLD AIR?
Even though it can be scary, you shouldn’t panic if your furnace starts spraying out cold air. When a furnace starts blowing cold air instead of warm air, often it is due to the pilot light having gone out. Most of the time, the problem can be fixed by simply relighting the pilot light. If you’re comfortable enough to relight it yourself, go ahead and give it a try. Keep in mind, the number one priority is always safety. For your reference, the manufacturer should have placed relighting directions for your furnace’s pilot light on the side of the unit, but if that doesn’t fix things, then reach out to us. If you ever feel unsafe continuing this process, please call a licensed professional.
6. WHAT ARE THE RISK OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?
Carbon monoxide is undetectable without a designated detector. This is because it is a colorless and odorless gas, almost impossible to detect with assistance from a detector. By having a carbon monoxide detector in your home, you’re ensuring the safety of yourself and your family. Luckily, these devices are easily purchased online or at any local home improvement store. So, if you don’t already have one positioned inside your home, don’t put off getting one any longer. We value you and your family’s safety!
7. WHAT ARE SOME REASONS THAT WOULD LEAD TO A HIGH ENERGY BILL THIS WINTER?
Cracks and holes in your home’s ductwork, doors, and windows can cause air leakage and, as a result, wastes energy. By examining your home and inspecting all exposed ductwork, doors, and windows, you can detect these problem spots and repair them accordingly. It will improve efficiency in both your home’s heating and cooling, thus saving money in the long run by reducing that insanely high energy bill. If, however, this doesn’t resolve your issue, and you still can pinpoint the culprit behind those unsavory energy bills, give us a call, and we will gladly assess your home and HVAC system for you.
Whatever your HVAC need is, Wilmington Heating & Cooling will be there for you. We are always open 24/7, 365 days a year, so that we can help our customers with any HVAC emergencies. You can reach us at (937) 764-3575 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
