Winter is coming! It’s that time of the year again when homeowners are faced with many heating problems. Furnaces, heat pumps, and other heating units often fail in the cold season. That’s why regular system maintenance is essential to keep your home warm and safe on long winter months. Go over these home heating problems and solutions so you’ll be worry-free this Christmas:
Frequent Cycling
Does your furnace cycle on and off constantly? This heating problem can be a result of dirty filters, blocked vents, or an oversized unit. In that case, here’s what you need to do:
- Free your vents from any obstruction.
- Change your air filter every month.
- Make sure your thermostat is working properly, and you have the right size of furnace.
Uneven Temperature
Do you feel like you’re in Antarctica because your room is freezing and the other rooms are just fine? If some areas of your house are not getting warm, this could mean that you have uneven heating. To fix this hot and cold spot issue, you will need help from your local HVAC pros. They will perform load calculation and install the right zoning system for your home.
Dry Indoor Air
Your heating unit can cause dry air in your home that can trigger allergic reactions and some respiratory ailments. To solve this indoor air problem, install a whole-home humidifier. This device can control the humidity level inside your house, resulting in better indoor air quality and big energy savings.
Faulty Thermostat
Feeling too hot or too cold? A malfunctioning thermostat may be to blame! Before you call in the pros, try these tricks to troubleshoot:
- Check the control screen. If you see a flashing “low battery” icon, replace its batteries immediately. While you’re at it, give your device a good dusting using a small paintbrush.
- Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” mode. The temperature should be high enough for your furnace to kick on.
- Also, be sure to check your thermostat’s location. It should not be placed close to any heat source because it can cause misreading of your home’s temperature.
If these tips don’t work, then maybe it’s time to upgrade your thermostat to a programmable or digital model to avoid future problems.
Gassy Odor
If you notice unusual odors coming from your heater, it could indicate a serious safety problem. Avoid lighting matches, evacuate your home at once, and call 911! To prevent this scary situation, consider these tips:
- Avoid DIY furnace repair
- Have an annual heating system tune-up
- Install carbon monoxide detectors
- Check your furnace regularly
Winter is definitely closing in, so as early as possible, make sure that your furnace is prepared for the long cold months. Are you having problems with your heating system? Call Riddle Heating & Air now! We provide high-quality installation, upgrade, and repair with a competitive estimate.
