5 Common HVAC Problems You Might Face This Winter
Picture this, it’s a cold winter night when suddenly your heat quits working. You wake up to a freezing cold home, helpless, and needing service immediately! Many of us have been there, and it’s not an experience we’d like to go through again. That’s why we’re listing 5 common winter HVAC problems that are preventable! Keep reading to learn about what they are and how to best prepare your system for the chilly season.
Uneven Heating
Do you have some rooms that feel stuffy from heat, while others never seem to get warm? Uneven heating in your home is a fairly common HVAC issue faced in the winter. Unfortunately, for this problem there is not a one size fits all solution. There are a wide range of reasons as to why you may be experiencing inconsistent temperatures in your home including clogged filters, malfunctioning thermostats, and dirty or damaged ductwork.
Your best shot at solving this problem yourself is to change your HVAC system’s air filter and ensure all air vents are open and free from obstruction. You can also change the battery in your thermostat to ensure it’s operating properly. If you believe the issue may lie in the ductwork, call out an HVAC technician to perform an in depth diagnosis. Ductwork is sensitive and easy to damage. We use special tools and have special training to handle any problems dealing with ductwork.
Frozen Pipes
It sure can get cold here in Madison County, causing outdoor pipes to freeze and hydronic systems to fail if there isn’t a constant flow of water. In worst case scenarios, stagnant water that has frozen can expand and cause pipes to burst. To keep your pipes from freezing, keep your furnace or heat pump at temperatures above 64 degrees in the winter, keep water running through faucets overnight (just a small drip will work), and get maintenance performed on your HVAC system to ensure pipes are not leaking.
If you suspect frozen pipes may be causing your system to not work properly, call your HVAC repairman right away. To be safe, shut off your water while waiting for your technician to arrive.
Loss Of Heat
Losing heat in the winter is something we all hope doesn’t happen. When it does, it always seems to stop working on the coldest day of the year or a holiday! You can normally prevent your heating system from completely breaking down by having maintenance performed before the cold weather arrives. However, if your heating system breaks down, there are a few things you can check for before calling the professionals. Ensure your system’s power is still on. Yes, we actually see this problem. Sometimes it’s the actual power switch on the system and sometimes it’s a flipped breaker. Check both and ensure your air filter is clean as well. You should also ensure the thermostat is set correctly and change batteries if needed.
If none of these options solves the problem, Garrison & Garrison has you covered. Our 24/7 emergency service ensures you’re comfortable at all times. Our factory-trained technicians are specialized in solving your problem right the first time and leaving you with peace of mind.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide leaks are not to be taken lightly. This odorless and colorless gas can cause many issues for everyone within your home. It’s important to have regular maintenance on your furnace to ensure your family’s safety in this regard before turning on your heat this winter. You should also have carbon monoxide detectors installed and ensure they’re properly functioning by changing the batteries every year.
If you think your home may be exposed to this toxin, turn off all appliances including your heating system, open windows, and evacuate your home immediately. It’s best to call the fire department or your local gas company in this event.
Frequent Heat Cycling
If your heat is continuously clicking off and on, there could be a problem. Frequent cycling puts a strain on your system and wastes energy. Oftentimes, a dirty or clogged filter can cause frequent cycling, but a faulty thermostat is also a common culprit. Change your filter, replace the thermostat batteries, and schedule service with your HVAC provider if you need additional assistance.
This problem, however, could also be due to an old, inefficient heating system. Newer heating systems run more efficiently and cycle off less to save energy and provide a more comfortable atmosphere in your home. Garrison & Garrison offers free in-home estimates on new comfort systems, and we provide convenient financing options (with approved credit).
Contact Us
If you are having any issues with your HVAC system this winter, contact Garrison & Garrison at (256) 859-8500. You can also email us at [email protected] for all your home comfort needs.
Garrison & Garrison is a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Huntsville, AL. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful information regarding your HVAC system.
