Homeowner Tips for Avoiding Common Wintertime HVAC Issues
Cold winter weather can put a strain on your heating system. As a homeowner, it’s essential to understand the key signs of a system problem so that you can get prompt professional help. Additionally, understanding how to avoid these problems in the first place can save you time and money. Below, we’ll review some of the most common issues homeowners face with their heating systems during the cold winter season.
Dirty Air Filter
One of the most common issues you’ll deal with is weak airflow coming out of your air vents. This is typically accompanied by inefficient system operation and higher-than-normal energy bills. The usual culprit behind this issue is a dirty air filter. When your air filter gets too full of debris, it can’t filter dust and debris from the air.
This makes it much harder for your heating system to force air through it and deliver hot air to each room of your home. Fortunately, this common heating issue has an easy solution. Replace the dirty filter with a new, clean one. You can avoid this issue by checking your air filter every month and replacing it as needed.
Thermostat Malfunction
Your thermostat is a key component of your entire heating system. It tells your heating system when to turn on and when to shut off based on its internal temperature reading. Unfortunately, if your thermostat malfunctions, it can affect the performance of your heating system and your indoor comfort. One of the most common problems that homeowners encounter with their thermostat is a blank screen.
A blank screen occurs when there’s a loss of power going to your thermostat. It’s possible that the circuit breaker tripped or the batteries inside it are dead. If neither of these culprits is to blame, then you likely have a thermostat wiring issue or a faulty thermostat. Both other issues need to be handled by one of our experienced HVAC technicians.
One problem you may not associate with your thermostat is insufficient heating in your home. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly by reading the appropriate temperature, it can cause your heating system to turn off before your home reaches your desired temperature setting. For example, if your thermostat is placed on a wall that receives direct sunlight throughout the day, it will read a higher temperature, even though the room’s temperature is lower.
This will have your thermostat shutting off your heating system when your room is still cooler than you want it. Additionally, if your thermostat isn’t properly calibrated, it may be reading a higher temperature than the actual temperature of your home. Having one of our professionals assess your thermostat can determine the root cause of the inaccurate reading. In some cases, we can recalibrate your thermostat, while in others, we may need to relocate it to a different location.
Ignition Issues
If you rely on a heating system that burns fuel to create heat, it may have an ignition problem if it isn’t producing heat. This system consists of an electric igniter that sends a spark to the burner. The burner has a steady supply of fuel that’s controlled by a safety mechanism known as a flame sensor. If any of these components fail, your furnace won’t be able to burn fuel and create heat for your home.
When there’s a problem with the ignition components, your furnace will fail to start up. A spark may not be coming from the electric igniter because the igniter itself is faulty. In other cases, it may send a spark to the burner, but the burner may shut off immediately afterwards.
This is typically a problem with the flame sensor. It may be that the sensor eye is covered with debris, and it can falsely signal that there’s no flame. Or the flame sensor itself may be faulty and require replacement. A great way to avoid this issue is to get routine maintenance service. During the service, our technicians will clean the flame sensor and ensure that it’s operating correctly.
Reliable HVAC Maintenance Service
Guaranteed Comfort Heating & Cooling offers reliable HVAC maintenance service for the Windsor, ON area. We can also help with all your HVAC installation, replacement, and repair needs. Call our office today to schedule your next service consultation.