Common Winter Heating Problems
Heating problems in the midst of winter can make for an incredibly uncomfortable experience at home. If temperatures get too low, they can even create dangerous conditions in the house. There are a variety of reasons why heating problems occur, and it’s a good idea to understand what the most common winter heating problems are, what their causes are and how to handle them.
Loss of Heat
One of the most easily noticed furnace problems is a sudden loss of heat. Reasons behind this sudden loss of heat could be loss of power to the furnace, malfunctioning pilot light or a broken ignition system. Power supply problems such as power outages or blown fuses can usually be fixed by the homeowner. However, broken pilot lights and ignition systems require the assistance of a professional furnace repair company.
Frequent Cycling
Furnaces cycle between off and on in order to maintain the desired temperature within your home. However, thermostat problems as well as clogged air filters can force furnaces into cycling too frequently. Replacing clogged air filters are a common furnace repair that any homeowner can perform. However, you should keep in mind that severely clogged filters may have caused lasting damage within the furnace that may require the help of a professional heating repair company. Likewise, thermostat troubles will likely require professional assistance as performing these repairs on your own may end up damaging the whole system.
Inconsistent Room Temperatures
While one room may feel toasty warm, another may feel like the inside of a freezer. Inconsistent room temperatures could mean that the cold room has insulation or draft problems that are allowing more cold air in than other rooms. Patching up cracks and sealing up windows and doors as well as inspecting the room’s insulation should help if that is the case.
If not, this could indicate uneven air flow throughout the house. Adjusting the vents may help fix the problem, but the issue could also be caused by dirty coils and air filters.
Noises
There are many noises that a furnace can make due to problems within the unit such as rattles, whistles, clanging and more. Unfortunately, since there are so many problems that could be causing these noises such as broken down parts, wear and tear and lack of maintenance, the only way to safely find and fix the problem is with the help of a professional in heating system repair.
Carbon Monoxide
A common yet extremely dangerous problem with furnaces is carbon monoxide. It is a deadly gas that is odorless, tasteless and colorless, making it incredibly difficult to detect without a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide can leak out of cracks near the heat exchange. These cracks can occur because of damage, but they’re most commonly a sign of age. Furnaces usually get rust and cracking problems after 10 to 15 years.
Call the Experts
Many homeowners wonder, “At what point do I need a new furnace?” With so many factors such as failing parts, damage, age, rust, wear and tear, maintenance issues and more, only a professional heating expert can give you a solid answer. Luckily, LibertyAIR can provide you with heating maintenance and repairs to keep your furnace running for as long as possible. If it’s time for a new unit, we can help you with the installation process as well to help keep your home warm in the cold months of winter.