If you’ve ever woken up to a cold home in the middle of the night only to find that your furnace has gone out, you’re not alone. This is a common problem during winter, but don’t worry, LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling can help! We want to ensure you that it is normal for furnaces to go out during this season, and we are here to help get yours back up and running as soon as possible. Your furnace and HVAC system get a lot more use in the winter, as they have to work harder to make up for the colder temperatures. So, it’s no surprise that problems with these systems are more common in winter. If you’re having trouble with your HVAC system, ask yourself these questions to help diagnose the problem:
1. IS THE HVAC AIR FILTER FULL?
Every 1-2 months, you should replace your HVAC system’s air filters. If your furnace is overworked, the air filter will become full faster than usual. To see if that is the problem, check the air filter first. An overload of dust, particles and other loose debris like pet fur and dander can block airflow and obstruct Your HVAC system from working properly when an air filter is clogged.
2. IS THE THERMOSTAT WORKING?
Many HVAC system failures during winter are due to a faulty thermostat. Old models or wiring problems can contribute, but before you get too worried, check your device to see if it’s still responsive and turning on. You might be delighted to find that all the thermostat needed was some new batteries to get your HVAC system up and running again!
3. IS THERE A FROZEN HVAC PIPE OR COIL?
Frozen pipes are common winter HVAC issues because they can be easily threatened by below-freezing temperatures. When it gets too cold, the water in your HVAC system’s coils and pipes can freeze up, which often results in bursting. The last thing you want is for your HVAC pipes and coils to freeze and then have to deal with a costly and time-consuming repair. If you think this might be the case, call us immediately!
4. IS THE FURNACE AN OIL-BURNING FURNACE?
It is quite common for oil-burning furnaces to be used significantly more during the winter months. If your furnace or boiler uses oil and it suddenly starts acting up, one possibility is that the fuel tank may be low or even empty. This is why we suggest having your fall safety tune-up and check done once a year. When you have your annual inspection performed, it should ideally happen in the fall before you need to start using your furnace regularly again. Our certified technicians check various aspects of your furnace, including fuel levels, to ensure optimal performance throughout the winter season.
5. IS THE FURNACE BLOWING COLD AIR?
A common issue that plagues many furnaces is cold air being blown out instead of heat. There are a few reasons this could be happening, such as the pilot light going out or the blower not working correctly. You can see if the pilot needs to be relit; if so, and you feel comfortable doing it, you may try lighting it again yourself. However, if there’s something wrong with the system itself, then this is a situation where you would need to call in a professional who knows what they’re doing.
6. IS YOUR ENERGY BILL STRANGELY HIGH?
If your energy bills have risen recently, it’s not necessarily something to worry about. Energy usage tends to fluctuate. However, if you see a significant increase, there might be several explanations. In the winter, this could be because of factors such as gaps in ductwork or windows which cause leaking, older HVAC equipment, or lack of preventative maintenance with things like air filters and thermostats.
7. IS THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR FUNCTIONING?
Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, making it undetectable without a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in households during winter when people start using their furnaces. The good news is that taking the right precautions can help avoid this. Acting quickly to install one could save your life or the lives of your loved ones, and they’re not too expensive either. You should be able to find them at any local home improvement store.
Unpredictable weather often causes problems, no matter how well we plan ahead or take preventative measures. If you find your HVAC isn’t working properly this winter, count on LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling to get it fixed! We’re here to help when you need us most! Call us at (614) 837-4822, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!