Encountering issues with your home’s heating system in the dead of winter can spell disaster. But don’t worry! If this untimely occurrence were to happen to you, Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning will be at your side right away to help get your HVAC system back up and running. However, it’s important to understand that some things are unavoidable due to Ohio’s frigid winter temperatures. Sure, preventative maintenance helps, but it’s not unusual for furnaces to break down around this time of year. After all, they’re working overtime to keep homes heated during the coldest months of the year. So, join us as we talk about some of the most common HVAC issues that can occur during winter.
1. CAN A CLOGGED AIR FILTER LEAD TO HVAC PROBLEMS IN THE WINTER?
You might not think so, but dust and other airborne particles (including debris) still circulate in the air during winter. So that you have optimal airflow and your furnace doesn’t get confused and cycle unnecessarily, it’s recommended by manufacturers to replace your air filters every 1-2 months.
2. CAN YOUR HVAC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION DUE TO FAULTY BATTERIES?
Believe it or not – many HVAC system issues can be attributed to a faulty thermostat. And more often than not, dead batteries are the culprit. So, be sure to check your thermostat first before doing anything else if you think there might be a problem. If this does not fix the issue and your thermostat is still responding strangely, it’s time to consult a professional.
3. CAN YOUR HVAC PIPES & COILS FREEZE IN THE WINTER?
One of the issues we most frequently see in Ohio during winter is frozen HVAC pipes and coils. However, there are a few ways you can lower the chances of this happening to your home. If you believe that your pipes might already be frozen over, turn off your system and give the pipes time to thaw out on their own. Additionally, as a preventative measure, you can use pipe insulation on any exposed pipes in your home. If the problem persists and your pipes remain frozen or are malfunctioning, contact a qualified professional like Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning immediately. Water damage and burst pipes are not worth risking!
4. CAN YOUR FURNACE RUN OUT OF OIL?
Although it can be inconvenient to get your furnace serviced in the winter, if you haven’t yet had your seasonal checkup completed, it’s better to do it later than never. Typically, we suggest having this checkup done in the fall time as scheduling a seasonal safety tune-up for your oil-burning furnace before winter begins will ensure you don’t run out of fuel – making it the last thing you’ll need to worry about. No one wants to be caught in the cold, so take action now and make that call. Our NATE-certified technicians will perform a thorough inspection of your unit, making sure everything is running smoothly and will get you through the winter safe and warm.
5. CAN YOUR FURNACE STOP BLOWING WARM AIR?
Yes! If your furnace starts spewing out cold air rather than warm air like it’s supposed to, don’t panic just yet. First, check if the pilot light needs to be relit; sometimes, it can get blown out. If you discover that your pilot light has indeed gone out and needs to be relit, you may try lighting it yourself if you feel comfortable enough to do so. Usually, the manufacturer’s instructions are located on the side of the furnace. If this fails to kickstart your furnace back up though, it might be time to consult an expert.
6. CAN YOUR ENERGY BILL BE HIGH AS A RESULT OF AN HVAC MISHAP?
If your energy bills have been through the roof recently, inspecting your home for cracks or leaks in the ductwork, doors, and windows is a great place to start. Air leakage is often the root cause of high energy costs. If you want to save money, it is a good idea to regularly check your HVAC system for any gaps or openings around ductwork, doors, and windows. As soon as you find an issue, have it fixed so that your HVAC system isn’t working overtime to compensate for the leaking air, thus wasting energy in the process.
7. CAN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING POSE A REAL RISK?
Carbon monoxide is an invisible and odorless gas that can be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations. It is a true silent killer. Fortunately, modern technology has provided means of prevention through the use of a simple carbon monoxide detector. We firmly believe that every homeowner should install a carbon monoxide detector to safeguard their loved ones from a potential disaster. Luckily, they are affordable and can be easily purchased at any local home improvement store.
At Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning, we understand that a failed furnace on the coldest day of winter is an emergency. That’s why we provide 24/7 HVAC services all year long! So, if your furnace decides to quit, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll make sure you and your family stay comfortable and safe. You can reach us at (937) 230-5521, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
