When winter gets unbelievably chilly, the last thing you want is a heating system malfunction that causes everyone to huddle up in a mound of blankets on the couch. The good thing is similar scenarios can be easily prevented with a yearly inspection.
Unfortunately, unlike air conditioning repair that requires immediate attention, yearly inspections are often forgotten. This is especially true if the homeowner gets so busy, loses track of time, and forgets about the annual schedule altogether.
Below are some of the most common winter heating problems and how you can resolve them:
There is Total Heat Loss, and You are Freezing
During winter, a frosty home is everyone's worst nightmare. Unless you want to walk around your home in a puffy winter coat, you need to get in touch with an HVAC technician to fix the issue. Generally, total heat loss can be attributed to the following causes:
Lack of power
To ensure your heating system is getting electricity, check if the circuit breakers are on. It is also recommended that you check the wires near the unit's components to see if they are not frayed.
Frosted heat pump
During winter, it is typical for the coils of the heat pump to freeze. A functioning heat pump switches to defrost mode to clear the ice away. However, any problem with the defrosting process can render the heat pump ineffective.
While you have the option to remove the ice buildup manually, it would be best to leave the job to the able hands of HVAC technicians.
Faulty thermostat
Your heating system won't turn on if it does not register that your house is cold. Check your thermostat's battery. If it's not the issue, get in touch with a professional so a functioning thermostat can be installed.
The Living Room is Warm, but the Kitchen is Freezing
Inconsistent heating is energy inefficient and massively frustrating. However, the problem may not be caused by a faulty heating system at all. Drafts can cause the temperature to plummet dramatically.
In line with this, it is advisable that you check the weather insulation and stripping in vulnerable areas of the home. You need to also do a simple "smoke test" to warrant that no warm air escapes.
If drafts are not the issue, it is possible that the system has a dirty coil or air filter or the air handler may be malfunctioning.
The System Keeps Cycling On and Off
Generally, the system cycles between three and eight times an hour. If it is cycling more than that, it only produces heat for a short period. This problem is referred to as "short cycling." This also leads to spikes in the energy bill as well as cold spots in the home.
Short cycling can be attributed to two reasons:
Dirty blower or air filter
The air filter keeps the insides of the heating system clean, and the blower distributes the warm air throughout the home. If the blower or air filter is clogged, the warm air won't make it into the house. This can cause the heating system to overheat and shut off.
To remedy this, it is recommended that you switch air filters monthly (or every three months), especially during high-use periods. This can help ensure the system runs as smoothly as possible. Hiring a professional to maintain the blower is also recommended.
Faulty thermostat
If the thermostat's battery is old or broken, the system cannot get an accurate reading of the temperature at home. When this happens, it won't also be able to deliver the appropriate amount of heat. To avoid a similar scenario, it would be best to install a new thermostat or replace the battery.
You Wake Up With a Dry Skin and Scratchy Throat
An arid home interior can dry out both the throat and the skin, worsen asthma and allergy symptoms, and cause nosebleeds. Humidity levels that are below 30 percent may also cause damage to your home.
Wood, for instance, needs moisture. Otherwise, it will crack. This means furniture, instruments, and hardwood floors are not safe in an environment that's too dry. Fortunately, this issue can be easily remedied using a portable humidifier.
However, since portable humidifiers can be expensive and require constant upkeep, you might want to consider another option. This is where installing a humidifier that integrates directly with the HVAC system can come in handy. Once installed, it will pull water straight from the plumbing system, so you are ensured your house is comfortable all-year round.
Conclusion
Being stuck freezing at home with a heating system that's malfunctioning is something you wouldn't want to experience. To avoid any inconvenience, schedule a routine check of your heating system so you can remedy any issues before they escalate.
About the Author
Sara Olsen is the Content Marketing Manager of Emergency Air, Arizona’s premier HVAC repair and service company with NATE-certified technicians and the best HVAC service in the quickest time. When not writing articles, she makes the most of her time with her family and gives back to the community.
