Common Winter HVAC Problems

Common Winter HVAC Problems for Homeowners

You don’t want to experience any problems with your HVAC system during winter, but unfortunately, due to the harsher weather conditions, it’s the time of year when most people experience problems. You can prevent most issues that arise by doing a routine check and maintenance. It’s important to prep your house before winter to avoid any major problems.
Below you will find the most common problems homeowners experience during winter, and what you can do about them.

Air Filters

When your air filters are dirty, this will restrict the air flow, meaning that your HVAC unit needs to work harder to distribute heat and air throughout your house. Restricted air flow increases your electricity bills, and may shorten the lifespan of your unit. To avoid this from happening, we recommend checking your filters at least once a month and replacing any dirty filters.

Airflow

If you feel that the airflow is restricted, or a room or floor in your house is colder than other areas, most likely it’s caused by airflow restriction. First, you need to check to see if you have blocked any vents with furniture, boxes or another object. You can also take a look and confirm that all pipes are working and are joined to the air supply vents.
Other issues that may be causing an airflow restriction are blocked fans, obstructed vents, dirty ducts or problems with the furnace motor or filters.
Thermostat
The thermostat is what keeps your home warm during the winter, so it’s a vital part of your heating system. If your furnace appears not to be working, it could mean a broken thermostat. If you are experiencing this issue, try to turn the thermostat on and then off, make sure the batteries are still working and the device is clean of dust buildup.
If that doesn’t work, you might have a broken furnace. If your home has a gas furnace, a likely culprit is that the pilot light has gone out. You can either relight it yourself or call a professional to do so.

Heat Loss

Cold weather can ravage your heat pump, so the heat set on your thermostat fluctuates and you can’t seem to warm up your house no matter how high you’ve set the temperature. If you have an outside heat pump, check and remove any frost buildup.
Other causes of heat loss can be compressor problems, non-functioning pilot light or a leak in one of the ducts, making it easier for cold air to come inside.

Frozen pipes

If your pipes aren’t properly insulated, they are more prone to freeze during the winter. If the pipes freeze, your HVAC system will fail, as the hot water heaters and radiators won’t work without the water running through the pipes.Here in the South this my not be a problem, since our system are configured differently.
Another problem is that the pipes may burst. The freezing temperatures turn the water into ice and therefore expand, bursting the pipes. If this happens, you need to call a licensed plumber to fix the issue. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you insulate your pipes before winter.
The easiest way to prevent problems is to have someone inspect your HVAC system once or twice a year. They can help spot any issues and make sure you stay warm during winter.

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How To Save Money On Your Heating Bills

As the temperatures start to drop and your home begins to feel colder, you will most likely turn to your furnace to get the house to a comfortable temperature. Of course, turning up the heat will also lead to a rise in your utility bills.
Luckily, there are ways to keep you and your family warm and cozy this season, without the need to spend a fortune. Here are a few tips to help you save money on your heating bills this winter.

Replace Your Filter

While changing the filter in your heating system is one of the simplest jobs a homeowner can do to keep it running efficiently, it’s one of those things that often gets overlooked. Make it a habit by keeping a supply of filters in your home. It will help your unit work more effectively, and avoid system failure down the line.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Most people don’t realize just how much of a difference a programmable thermostat can have on their heating bills. If your home is empty during the day when your family is away at work or school, then you won’t need to leave your HVAC on full blast – that’s simply a waste of money.
A programmable thermostat lets you choose when your heating automatically turns on or off, so you can still come back to a nice warm home, without having to leave it on at all hours of the day.

Get A Tune-Up

Ensuring that you maintain your HVAC system by getting a professional to perform regular tune-ups will do more than help you avoid costly repairs down the line. The other benefit is that they will ensure your furnace is working at peak efficiency, so you’re not spending more than necessary to keep it running.

Don’t Let The Heat Escape

When you’re using so much energy to heat up your home, the last thing you want is for that precious heat to escape through cracks around windows or gaps below your doors. Not only will those openings allow the warmth to leave your home, but they will also invite the cold air in.
Sealing your windows is an inexpensive solution that will help save you money on utility bills and keep your home at a comfortable temperature. You can purchase affordable kits to seal your windows with plastic without the need to call in an expert.
Avoid letting the gaps below your doors let cold air through by purchasing draft stoppers and placing these between the door and your floor. You can even make one yourself by putting sand or uncooked rice in a long tube of fabric and sewing it up. By making it yourself, you can get it to match the rest of your home furnishings.

Staying warm during the cold winter months is important, but that doesn’t mean you must spend a fortune to do so. Making small changes in the home can make a big difference to your utility bill, so don’t delay and implement these effective tips today.

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