As winter approaches, homeowners naturally start to worry about the potential for HVAC problems in their homes. From frozen pipes to malfunctioning thermostats, there are a variety of issues that can arise when temperatures drop. Fortunately, with the right care and maintenance, your family doesn’t have to suffer through uncomfortable conditions for long periods of time.
In this blog post, we will cover some of the more common HVAC problems in winter and what you can do to address them – both preventatively and when they occur.
We want our readers to be prepared so that if or when something happens, they know exactly what steps they need to take!
Are you facing HVAC problems in winter? The professionals at Anderson Air will be happy to get your system back up and running.
Most Common HVAC winter problems
There’s nothing worse than winter HVAC problems. Here are some of the most common HVAC issues and how to address them.
Your furnace isn’t turning on
It can be an unpleasant surprise when your furnace doesn’t turn on during winter months.
Fortunately, there are a few common causes of this issue, so some troubleshooting can help diagnose the problem. If you notice that no power is coming to your furnace, it may be caused by a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker that supplies power to your home’s HVAC system.
Other causes can include a malfunctioning thermostat, faulty limit switch, or blocked intake/exhaust vents. If the problem persists after checking for these issues, then it’s best to call in a professional HVAC technician who has the necessary tools and experience to identify and fix the cause of your furnace not turning on.
Your furnace is blowing cold air
One of the worst HVAC problems in winter is cold air. In the middle of winter, you want warm air, not cold! If your furnace is producing cold air, it may be due to a variety of potential causes. It may be something as simple as making sure your thermostat is properly set, or it might be an issue with motors, filters, fans or pilot lights that need professional attention.
- Check the thermostat – Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat.” If it is set to “cool,” the air will be cold. Change the setting, wait, and if it doesn’t change, it could indicate another issue.
- Check for obstructions – Obstructions can cause the air to back up and blow out through the furnace instead of into the home.
- Check the pilot light – If your furnace has a pilot light, make sure that it is lit. If not, this could be the reason why your furnace is blowing cold air.
- Check for leaks – Another possibility is that there are leaks in the ductwork or around the furnace itself. These leaks can allow cold air to enter the system and be blown into the home.
- Call a professional – If you have checked all of these things and you are still having problems, it is best to call a professional to come and take a look at your furnace. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.
No air coming out of vents
Having problems with your HVAC system is never ideal, particularly when the air emanating from the vents is absent. This can be due to a wide range of issues, from a system malfunction to obstructed vents.
Diagnosing the cause of this issue requires a competent technician and an in-depth inspection of your HVAC system. Before bringing in outside help, however, you should ensure that any vent covers are clean and free of debris, as this could be preventing any airflow.
Although this won’t always fix the problem, it is worth addressing before seeking advice from a specialist.
The temperature in the house is inconsistent
Hot and cold spots in a home can be more than just uncomfortable — they can contribute to the wear and tear of the house, ranging from cracks in the plaster walls to condensation on aging windows.
Such inconsistencies in temperature lead to inefficient self-regulation of the home around set thermostat settings and uneven performance from heating or cooling systems. While some may be caused by problems with air circulation and ventilation, many cases of inconsistently-heated homes can be traceable to insulation issues.
If you notice discrepancies in your indoor climate, it’s worth investigating further, as investing in better insulation not only delivers more consistent temperatures throughout the year but also supports long-term energy savings and improved efficiency for heating systems.
Water leaking from the furnace
If water starts to leak from your furnace, it can be worrisome. After all, this could be a sign of a much more serious problem within the HVAC system. It could be that there’s condensation buildup on pipes or an open drain pan, both of which are symptoms that can be fixed with minimal cost and effort.
However, if you find a clogged condensate line, mold growth around the furnace, or water pooling at some other location within the home, then you may need to call in a qualified HVAC service technician for further investigation and maintenance.
Loud noises from the furnace
Problems with loud noises from your furnace can be a sign that something is not working properly. If you are hearing loud banging, clunking, or rattling noises coming from the furnace, it could mean its inducer motor or blower wheel is misaligned or need repair.
Such repairs should only be done by a qualified HVAC technician who will inspect the entire system, determine any malfunctioning parts, and fix the issue in a safe and efficient manner.
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Winter HVAC problems – Conclusion
As winter temperatures continue to drop, it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is running properly. By addressing these common problems now, you can avoid more serious issues (and higher repair bills) later on.
If you need assistance diagnosing or repairing your HVAC system, call a local professional. With proper care and maintenance, your furnace should provide years of trouble-free service.