Washington Court House Heating & Cooling will help you get your HVAC system up and running if it happens to go out in the middle of winter. While preventative maintenance is key to keeping your system smooth and efficient, some issues may still arise due to Ohio’s freezing temperatures during winter. While it’s unfortunate, furnaces often break down during winter; this is because they’re working overtime to keep homes heated during the coldest months of the year. So, in this article, we’ll talk about some of the most common HVAC issues that can surface during this season.
1. CAN A CLOGGED AIR FILTER BE CONSIDERED A WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
Yes! Although you may not realize it, dust and other small particles are always floating around in the air- even during winter. In order to ensure that your furnace is functioning properly and there’s no build-up of debris, replace your air filters every one to two months. This will allow for increased system efficiency as well as a prolonged lifespan of your HVAC system.
2. CAN A FAULTY THERMOSTAT BE CONSIDERED A WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
Yes, HVAC system issues are also known to be commonly caused by a thermostat that isn’t functioning properly. Many times, it is due to dead batteries. Thus, if you believe there may be an issue with your HVAC system, double-check your thermostat. You want to verify that your thermostat responds and turns on when changing thermostat settings. If replacing the batteries does nothing, and your thermostat continues to act oddly, reach out to a professional for advice.
3. CAN FROZEN HVAC PIPES & COILS BE CONSIDERED A WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
Homeowners in Ohio often have to deal with frozen HVAC pipes and coils during winter. However, there are some preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of this happening to your home. If you think that your pipes might already be frozen over, turn off your system and give the pipes time to thaw out on their own. Pipe insulation is an excellent way to prevent your pipes from freezing or becoming damaged, but if the problem persists, reach out to a professional like Washington Court House Heating & Cooling. Water damage and burst pipes are not something we suggest risking!
4. CAN A LOW-FUELED FURNACE BE CONSIDERED A WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
It may not be convenient to have your furnace serviced in the middle of winter, but it’s better than never getting around to it. We recommend having this checkup done in the fall so that a seasonal safety tune-up for your oil-burning furnace is completed before winter starts. Save yourself the worry and inconvenience of finding out your unit needs fuel too late by giving us a call now. Our NATE-certified technicians will not only inspect your complete unit but also make sure it is running effectively. Let us help you get through winter safely and warm.
CAN A FURNACE BLOWING COOL AIR BE CONSIDERED A WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
If your furnace starts spraying out frigid air instead of the warm air it’s supposed to, don’t stress just yet. Initially, see if the pilot light needs to be relit; sometimes, they can get extinguished. If you find that your pilot light has blown out and needs to be relit, you may attempt lighting it yourself if you feel comfortable enough doing so. Furthermore, always remember that safety comes first. If at any point during this process you no longer feel safe continuing on, please call a professional immediately. Usually, the manufacturer’s directions for relighting your furnace are placed on the side of the unit for reference. But if that doesn’t help fix the issue, please give us a call.
6. CAN A HIGH ENERGY BILL BE CONSIDERED A WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
If you find your energy bills increasing and don’t know why, a great place to start is by checking for cracks or leaks in ductwork, doors, windows, etc. More often than not, air leakage is the primary cause of wasted energy. By examining your HVAC system for any holes around ductwork, doors, and windows, then fixing them – you can improve your utility bill efficiency as well as help your HVAC system work more productively overall by not having to make up for lost air.
7. CAN A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK BE CONSIDERED A WINTER HVAC ISSUE?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and invisible gas that can be fatal if breathed in high doses, which has resulted in it being nicknamed a “silent killer.” But there is good news: we now have access to technology in the form of simple carbon monoxide detectors. These affordable devices are easy to install and use, and they provide peace of mind by helping to prevent tragedy due to this gas. We believe that every home should have a carbon monoxide detector installed.
Washington Court House Heating & Cooling is always here to help when you need us most – whether it’s the blazing hot summer or the dead of winter. Contact us any time, day or night, and we’ll be there to keep your home comfortable and safe. Call us at (740) 281-5312, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
