A nice toasty home to enjoy during the winter months is priceless. But think about how much discomfort it would cause if you had to deal with a malfunctioning heating system during the coldest months of the year. You’d be cold and miserable for sure! And even though we at Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning are just a simple phone call away, we genuinely hope you don’t encounter any problems with your HVAC system this winter. However, this time of the season, because furnaces are in high use, many residential heating systems get overworked, leading to undesirable HVAC issues. Even so, with the lower temperatures, the risk of a malfunctioning HVAC system is also more likely to occur. So, if you believe anything is curiously acting up with your HVAC system, keep reading so you know how to avoid or handle these top reasons your system may be malfunctioning!
DOES THE AIR FILTER NEED TO BE SWAPPED OUT, OR DOes THE THERMOSTAT BATTERIES NEED TO BE REPLACED?
If your HVAC system starts acting up, you should always check two things first. Start with air filters first, as a clogged air filter can lead to many different issues. Typically, we recommend that your air filters get changed every 1-2 months. You may just be shocked to find that a fresh air filter fixes your HVAC issue! Secondly, you should inspect your thermostat. Low batteries are often the culprit of a malfunctioning HVAC system as they are the main source of communication between you and your HVAC system. So, try changing a few settings on the thermostat, and if that doesn’t work, try replacing the batteries with a set of new ones. If neither of these solutions assists you in pinpointing the current problem, please continue reading.
DOES THE AIRFLOW SEEM TO BE RESTRICTED?
If you’re experiencing fluctuating temperatures in your home because one room is colder than the others in your home, you can likely attribute it to uneven airflow. This is a top HVAC problem that lots of homeowners encounter. To rectify this specific issue, inspect the impacted room to see if there are any obstructions blocking the vents. You might find a vent covered by furniture or some other items. Or you may even discover that the vents were just closed. So, be sure to open the vents right away as this will improve airflow immediately, or if there are obstructions in the way of the vent, definitely remove those. If this doesn’t resolve the problem for you, keep in mind that a dirty air filter can also restrict airflow, so be sure to check and change it as needed. Lastly, if you’re still having trouble after trying these things, please contact us, and we’ll help assess the problem and get you taken care of!
DOES IT SEEM LIKELY THAT THE HVAC PIPES ARE FROZEN?
Frigid temperatures during the winter lead to accumulating ice on your HVAC system pipes and coils. This causes these pipes and coils to freeze, which will then lead to a malfunctioning heating system. If this HVAC problem continues, the pipes could burst, which will leave a huge mess and extensive damage to your HVAC system. So, to prevent all this, it would be in your best interests to frequently replace your air filters and take care to keep all vents open and unobstructed. Furthermore, maintaining yearly tune-ups & safety checks is a must that will assist in keeping unwelcome situations at bay.
DOES THE HEATER CYCLE OFF & ON?
If you have noticed that your heating keeps turning on and off, this is a good indication that it is time to replace your HVAC system’s air filters. If the problem continues, try to check your thermostat to see if it still operates well. After doing so, if the furnace continues to cycle, it would be advantageous to call a professional HVAC company as soon as you can. When a unit cycles, it can lead to many issues, such as higher energy bills or a malfunctioning unit.
DOES THE PILOT LIGHT NEED TO BE RELIT?
Propane and gas furnaces typically use a pilot light. So, you might just be facing a case of an unlit pilot light. This is likely if you have noticed your furnace is running, but it is not putting off heat. Pilot lights can get blown out when a draft sneaks in and blows it out. Another reason your pilot light may have gone out is that there is a system-related issue, such as a damaged sensor, etc. So, first, start by checking to confirm if the pilot light does need to be relit. If it does and you feel comfortable enough, it is fine to relight it yourself. Usually, the manufacturer’s instructions are placed on the side of the furnace. However, if this does not resolve the problem, please give us a call.
DOES THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR STILL FUNCTION?
First off, if you don’t already have one, we HIGHLY recommend getting a carbon monoxide detector in your home as soon as possible. Known as the silent killer, carbon monoxide poisoning is a real issue this time of year due to furnaces being in high usage. This is why we harp on the necessity of preventative HVAC maintenance. Due to carbon monoxide being an odorless and colorless gas, it is undetectable without a detector. Luckily, carbon monoxide poisoning can be avoided by simply utilizing a carbon monoxide detector. Therefore, you should be proactive and work accordingly to ensure a detector is installed in your home if you don’t already have one. Additionally, if you already have one in place, be sure to check it frequently to confirm it still works.
DOES THERE SEEM TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE HEAT PUMP?
It’s a common thing for heat pumps to have issues with defrosting in the winter. Ice buildup can quickly form on your heat pump, especially. If your heat pump doesn’t have an automatic defrost setting and you think your HVAC pipes and coils might have frozen, it’s time to call a service professional.
You can count on Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning as your trusted heating and cooling professional. Don’t forget that when you enforce regular upkeep and a bit of preventative maintenance, you can significantly reduce the chances of your HVAC system spouting a problem in the middle of winter. We are happy to say that we specialize in emergency services, so should the need arise, rest assured that we are here for you at any time of the day, despite the cold weather. So, if you are experiencing any issues with your HVAC system this fall, don’t hesitate to call (513) 216-5664 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!