If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night to find your house cold and your furnace has gone out, don’t worry; Madeira Heating & Air can help. We understand that this can be a common problem during winter, so we’re here to help get yours back up and running as quickly as possible. Since your furnace and HVAC system work harder in the wintertime to make up for the colder temperatures, it’s not shocking that issues with these systems are more prevalent during this season. If you’re having trouble with your HVAC system, use these questions as a guide to help diagnose the problem. Just make sure to leave any extensive troubleshooting and repairs to a licensed professional.
1. HAS THE HVAC AIR FILTER BEEN CHECKED?
You should replace your HVAC system’s air filters every 1-2 months. If particles are blocking airflow and preventing Your HVAC system from working properly, check the air filter first to see if it is full of dust, pet fur, or dander.
2. HAS THE THERMOSTAT BEEN CHECKED?
HVAC system failures during winter are sometimes due to a faulty thermostat, but this isn’t always the case. So, if you’re unsure, quickly check your thermostat to see if it’s still responsive and turning on. Oftentimes, simply replacing the batteries does the trick! If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to call a professional to come to diagnose the problem. Sometimes, wiring can get messed up, so it’s important to have a service professional assess what your thermostat may need.
3. HAS YOUR UNIT BEEN CHECKED TO MAKE SURE PIPES OR COILS AREN’T FROZEN?
Commonly, in the winter, HVAC systems fall victim to frozen pipes. If temperatures drop too low, the water present in your system’s coils and pipes can begin to freeze over and will often result in bursting. With something as essential as your HVAC system, you definitely don’t want this to happen. Furthermore, it would require costly repairs that take up a lot of time. So, if you think this might be an issue for you, give us a call as soon as you can.
4. HAS THE FURNACE RUN OUT OF OIL?
Oil-burning furnaces are used in the winter. If your furnace starts acting up and it uses oil, one possibility is that the fuel tank could be low or even empty. This is why we suggest getting a fall safety tune-up and check done annually. Annual furnace inspections are critical to ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently to provide a toasty winter season. Our certified technicians will check various important details, such as fuel levels, to make sure everything is working correctly.
5. HAS THE FURNACE BEEN BLOWING COLD AIR?
One problem that often happens with furnaces is cold air being blown out instead of heat. There are a few reasons for this, like the pilot light going out or the blower not working right. You can check to see if the pilot needs to be relit; if it does and you feel comfortable doing it, try lighting it again yourself. But if something’s wrong with the system, then you should call in a professional.
6. HAS THE ENERGY BILL BEEN EXTRA HIGH?
A recent rise in your energy bill may not be cause for alarm as usage usually varies every month. But, if you observe a significant spike, there might be a few reasons why. Come wintertime, this could result from gaps in ductwork or windows that lead to draftiness, outdated HVAC equipment, or insufficient preventative maintenance with items such as air filters and thermostats.
7. HAS THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR BEEN CHECKED?
Because carbon monoxide is both odorless and colorless, it cannot be detected without a proper detector. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a potential issue in households during winter when gas furnaces are being used. However, there is some good news: by taking the necessary precautions, you can avoid this outcome altogether. Acting quickly to install one in your home if you don’t have one already could save you and your family’s lives. In addition, these detectors aren’t too expensive either; any local home improvement store should carry them.
Don’t suffer in the cold winter because your HVAC system isn’t up to snuff! At Madeira Heating & Air, we will get your HVÅC issues fixed as soon as possible. Reach us at (513) 655-5125, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
