Winter is the perfect time to get your heating system checked out by a professional. The cold can cause HVAC systems to overwork, leading to problems that are hard to diagnose.
Here Are Some Common Problems You May Experience During the Winter
1. Dirty Air Filters
Clean air filters are a necessary part of any heating and cooling system. They help keep the air your system produces clean, which keeps your system running at its best.
The air that enters your HVAC system is pulled through an intake duct and into the blower unit. The blower unit then pushes the air through a filter, which removes contaminants like dust and pollen as it goes through.
The clean air then travels through another series of filters before being delivered to your home’s ductwork. These filters are designed to remove any remaining dust or particles from the air stream before reaching your room’s vents.
If you have pets or smokers in your home, you may find it necessary to change your filters more frequently than usual. You may want to consider even installing a second set of filters for those rooms where pets spend most of their time (like bedrooms).
Dirty air filters are the most common cause of HVAC issues. The dirty filter will impede the flow of air through the system and lead to overheating, which can cause damage to the system.
Clean your air filter every month or two (depending on how often you use your system) or whenever you see dirt or dust collecting on it. It’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual for cleaning instructions specific to your unit.
Dirty air filters can cause the HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, leading to:
- higher utility bills
- shorter lifespan for your AC unit
To keep things running smoothly, check your filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed.
Dirty air filters are a common cause of HVAC problems in homes. The filters are designed to remove dust and other particles from the air that circulates through your home’s heating and cooling system. If they become clogged, this can lead to the HVAC unit not working properly.
If your filter is dirty, here are some things you can do:
- Clean it with a vacuum cleaner or brush attachment
- Replace the filter if it becomes very dirty or damaged
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
The thermostat on your HVAC system is what controls how warm or cool your home will be. It’s a simple device, but it’s also one of the most important parts of your HVAC system.
The thermostat is similar to a light switch: You flip it on to turn on the heat or air conditioning and flip it off when you’re done using those systems. If you want your home to be at its current temperature all the time, you can set up a programmable thermostat.
Unlike a light switch, a thermostat does have more than one setting. There are usually a few different settings, such as:
- heat
- cool
- off
- fan
The fan setting will turn on the fan in your unit so air can circulate throughout the house even if there isn’t any heat or cooling being used. This is especially helpful during hot summer days. The fan is used most when you don’t need any extra cooling or heating power but still need some circulation. In addition, the fan helps keep down humidity levels in some areas like bathrooms. Bathrooms can have moisture build-up and cause mold growth later on down the road.
A faulty thermostat is a common problem in the winter. It is usually caused by faulty wiring or a dirty filter. It can also occur if the air conditioner or furnace is damaged by water or ice. If your thermostat is not working properly, you should contact an HVAC technician immediately.
3. Faulty Pilot Lights
If your pilot lights are flickering or not staying lit, it could be a sign that your furnace is not getting enough oxygen. This can happen when the air filters have become clogged or when there is too much moisture in the air ducts.
Faulty pilot lights are a common problem with HVAC systems during the winter.
The first thing to check is how long it’s been since you last changed your pilot light. It’s recommended that you change it every year. However, if you’ve been putting it off for a while, now would be a good time! You can change your pilot light by turning off the power to your unit, then opening up the cover where the light is located and removing the old one. Then put in the new one and turn everything back on!
If changing your pilot light doesn’t work, try changing out any filters that may be clogged or dirty. This will help get more air flowing through your system, so it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat or cool your house.
4. Some Rooms Are Colder Than Others
Winter is a great time to turn on the heat and cozy up with your family. There are, however, some things to watch out for when it comes to heating your home using an HVAC system.
One thing that can happen during the winter season is that some rooms in your house will be colder than others. This occurs when the air inlet and outlet vents are not properly balanced. If this happens, make sure you have a professional HVAC company come out and check on it.
Another issue that can cause low temperatures is a clogged filter. When this happens, it prevents enough warm airflow from reaching your home and causes a cold spot where there is no air circulating.
It could mean the thermostat is set incorrectly, but more likely, it’s the result of a problem with the ductwork or vents in that room. If there are any air leaks or holes in these systems, they can cause significant thermostat issues.
If you notice this happening during the wintertime, it’s important to call an expert immediately so they can come out and fix your ductwork as soon as possible.
5. Damaged Heat Pumps Systems or Furnaces
Heat pumps and furnaces are the most common HVAC systems for homes and can be damaged by cold weather.
If you suspect that your heat pump or furnace has been damaged by freezing temperatures, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Leaving a damaged HVAC unit to run can cause more damage to your home.
6. Leaking Refrigerant
Leaking refrigerant is a common HVAC issue that can happen during the winter months. If you notice your thermostat is set for a higher temperature than usual and your home feels warmer than it should, there’s a chance you’re leaking refrigerant from your system.
Refrigerant keeps your heating and cooling system running smoothly. If you have any leaks in your system, it will lose efficiency and break down over time. The first sign of a leak is usually an increase in energy bills.
The most common places for leaks to occur are:
- The condenser fins (the part of the unit that pushes hot air out of the house)
- The evaporator coils (the part of the unit that pulls cold air into your home)
If you notice the temperature of your home is warmer than it should be, or if your system sounds like it’s running louder than usual, it could be due to a leak in the refrigerant lines. If this happens, you’ll need to have your system repaired by an HVAC technician as soon as possible to avoid damage to your unit.
If you notice that your heat pump or furnace isn’t running as well as usual, it could be due to damage. Heat pumps and furnaces are very sensitive systems. They can be damaged by moisture from rain or snow, which can cause rusting and corrosion. If this happens, it could lead to shorter lifespans for these units.
The best thing you can do for your heating system is to keep it clean! If you have an outdoor unit, remove any leaves or debris around the unit. Leaves and debris can get sucked into the system and cause damage.
How to Prevent These Issues from Happening
Winter is coming! You know what that means: the heating season is about to begin. With it comes the chance for your HVAC system to fail. But don’t worry! You can prevent these issues from happening in the first place!
Winter is especially hard on your HVAC system because of how often you may need to use it. So winter is a great time to get your HVAC system checked out.
The colder months are a time to bundle up, enjoy the holidays with your family, and take care of your home. It’s equally as important to take care of your HVAC system, so it doesn’t freeze up on you.
Here are some tips for making sure your HVAC unit is ready for winter:
- Call in a professional to clean out the unit and check for leaks
- Make sure all air vents are clear of debris and other buildups
- Check the furnace’s filters regularly (and replace them if necessary)
Your HVAC System
Taking care of your air conditioner before it breaks will save you a lot of time and money.
The best way to keep your AC in good shape is to keep an eye on its parts. If something looks like it’s about to fall off or break, call a professional to repair it. You’ll avoid the hassle of waiting for a service call and the cost of parts that aren’t covered by your warranty.
If you notice leaks around your unit, call The Cooling Company immediately! Water damage can cause mold and other potential problems leading to costly repairs later on, so don’t wait until it’s too late!
Additionally, if you start experiencing common HVAC problems, don’t hesitate to call The Cooling Company as soon as you notice them! We’ll ensure everything’s running smoothly again so you can get back to enjoying your home without worrying about anything else but relaxing.
As a precautionary measure, it is essential to have regular HVAC maintenance scheduled. HVAC maintenance is the process of keeping your heating and cooling system working properly. It can help you avoid costly breakdowns and repairs and make your home more comfortable.
HVAC maintenance helps keep your system running efficiently, so you don’t have to worry about sudden outages or expensive repair bills. Regular maintenance also keeps your equipment in good condition when you need it most.
Maintenance is an easy way to ensure that your home stays comfortable year-round without breaking the bank!
If you’re in need of HVAC service, call The Cooling Company! We provide a wide range of services to keep your systems running at peak performance. Our highly trained technicians will make sure that you have the right equipment and that it’s installed properly. We also offer regular maintenance plans, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected repairs or replacements during the winter season!
