When winter arrives, you need to take care of your HVAC system to avoid heating issues that can crop up once the temperature hits freezing in Middletown, KY. What are those heating issues? Read further to learn about common HVAC heating problems along with their potential solutions.
Check for Any Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes often signify that your HVAC system is breaking down, which is bad news for a homeowner during the winter. Frozen pipes occur when the temperature drops low enough that ice covers the hydronic systems that control steam and hot water.
Keeping ice from forming on pipes and coils is important for reasons beyond keeping your house warm, too. Air pressure can build up inside the frozen pipes, which can happen if too much air is getting blocked. You can avoid this by calling a technician to turn off the hydronic systems in your home and remove any ice in the pipes.
Don’t Forget About the Furnace Filter
Most HVAC professionals recommend that you replace your furnace filter at least once every three months. Changing your filter can come with positive side effects, too. It can:
- Improve the air quality in your home.
- Extend the lifetime of the furnace.
- Keep your home cleaner than it would be otherwise.
Check for Any Potential Leaks
Carbon monoxide is a type of gas that could prove deadly should there be any issues with your home’s furnace. Install carbon monoxide sensors and make sure that your HVAC system receives adequate maintenance from a professional company. Professionals will be able to check your furnace for cracks or any other issues with your furnace as well as check to make sure your home has decent ventilation systems so that carbon monoxide does not get trapped.
Don’t Leave Exhaust Fans On
Running your exhaust fans more often than you will need to send the warm air out of your house. This is the last thing you want to worry about when you are trying to get cozy for the winter months.
Check Your Thermostat for the Winter
The thermostat is important to your home’s HVAC system. If your thermostat is not working as it should, your furnace will have to work overtime, thereby increasing costs associated with your utility bills and overall energy consumption.
To test if your thermostat is causing issues for you, notice whether you find yourself getting too hot or too cold to feel comfortable. After you have set your thermostat at your preferred temperature, notice how your HVAC system responds to that and whether it turns on and off too much or never turns on to begin with.
Check for Issues with Your Furnace’s Pilot Light
The pilot light needs to be lit at all times and maintain a consistent flame; if it’s not, there could be damage or a malfunction. If you see your pilot light going out when it should be lit, or if the pilot light itself is weak, you may want to try turning off the furnace entirely and cleaning the pilot light sensor. After you do this, if there are still issues, you may need to install a replacement with the help of your local HVAC service.
You can do a lot to protect the health of your heating system over the winter by remembering simple tips such as replacing the filter for your furnace or turning off the exhaust fans sooner. Other issues, such as issues with your furnace’s pilot light or frozen pipes, need the help of a professional company to get resolved. Contact KLM Heating & Cooling for further assistance with your heating system.
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