Winter brings freezing temperatures that can lead to heating problems, disrupting your comfort. These issues include clogged air filters, uneven heating, an undersized system, blocked vents, and a lack of insulation or sealing.
This article will cover all the key issues you need to know to keep your home warm over winter.
Preventing Common Winter HVAC Issues
Fixing heating problems quickly can save you from discomfort and costly repairs. Regular upkeep and understanding your system are key to avoiding issues.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Schedule an annual HVAC check-up with a professional technician to perform tasks like:
- Replacing or cleaning the air filters every 1-3 months.
- Cleaning vents and registers.
- Checking for and sealing air leaks around windows and doors.
- Ensuring thermostat settings are correct.
- Listening out for unusual noises in various parts of the system.
These steps help to avoid many common winter HVAC problems to keep homes warm and energy bills lower. Although many of these tasks can be done yourself, it’s best to have an expert look over your system now and then.
Troubleshooting Heating System Malfunctions
Here are some common problems and how to fix them, helping you take a proactive approach to caring for your heating system.
Addressing Pilot Light and Ignition Problems
Pilot light and ignition issues can be a common problem and if your furnace won't start, checking the pilot light should be the first step. A dirty or faulty pilot light may need cleaning or replacement. If you have an electronic ignition system, look for a blinking light on the control board and clean the flame sensor with a soft cloth if it's dirty.
Combatting Uneven Heating and Air Circulation Issues
Uneven heating is often due to airflow problems so start by checking your air filters as dirty filters block airflow and make your system work inefficiently. You’ll also need to clear vents and registers, check for closed vents, and seal any duct leaks If you've done all this and still have cold spots your system may need a professional balancing to adjust dampers and airflow.
Managing Thermostat Issues and Settings
Thermostat troubles can throw off your whole heating system. First, make sure it's set to "heat" and the temperature is above room temperature. Then, check the batteries if you have a digital thermostat and clean any dust inside the thermostat cover.
If your heat runs non-stop or won't turn on, try these steps:
- Check for loose wires
- Calibrate the thermostat
- Update outdated programming
If you’re still having issues it might be time for a new thermostat. Consider a smart thermostat that can improve efficiency and give you more control over your heating.
Enhancing Home Insulation and Sealing Drafts
Making your home more energy-efficient can cut heating costs and boost comfort, this includes improving insulation and stopping drafts.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Good insulation helps keep indoor air clean and fresh and stops outside pollutants from getting in through gaps and cracks. Sealing air leaks also prevents mold growth by controlling moisture.
We suggest using foam board insulation in attics and walls as it's easy to install and very effective. For gaps around windows and doors, caulk works well. Also, don't forget about your attic hatch, and add foam board to the back of the cover to block heat loss. This small step can make a big difference in your home's comfort.
Reducing Heat Loss through Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is key to stopping drafts around doors and windows and it's a cheap fix that can save you lots of energy bills. We recommend checking all your doors and windows for air leaks by feeling for cold air with your hand or using a candle to spot drafts. Then add weatherstripping to seal the gaps.
For doors, use adhesive-backed foam tape which is easy to apply and works great. V-strip weatherstripping is a good choice for windows as it fits in the tracks and blocks airflow.
Don't ignore other spots where cold air can sneak in, such as gaps between baseboards and floors. Use caulk to seal these areas to keep your home draft-free.
Strategies for Minimizing Heating Costs
Cutting heating costs is easy with a few simple steps, helping to save money and stay warm through smart choices and sensible habits.
Implementing Smart and Programmable Thermostats
Smart thermostats are game-changers for reducing energy bills as you can set them to lower temperatures when you’re asleep or away from home. This cuts energy use without sacrificing comfort. Many smart thermostats also use AI to learn your routines over time, and then, adjust automatically to save even more energy. Some models can also be controlled from a smartphone.
Programmable thermostats are also effective for saving money. You can set them to warm up the house just before you wake up or come home. However, these models lack many of the automatic features of a smart thermostat.
Ensuring Proper Air Filter Maintenance
Most filters need to be changed every 1-3 months, especially if you have pets or live in dusty areas. Some filters can be cleaned and reused but usually need to be replaced every 1-2 years. Clean filters not only save energy but also improve air quality, trapping dust and allergens to keep air cleaner.
Get in touch to arrange an annual inspection of your forced-air heating system.
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