As we trudge through another Ohio winter, Milford Heating & Cooling is here to help if your furnace kicks the bucket. Furnaces get quite a workout during these cold months, and understandably your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Since furnaces are used more frequently in the winter, HVAC systems often have more problems this time of year. If you’re experiencing issues with your HVAC system, ask yourself these questions to try and pinpoint the issue. Note that any complicated repairs or troubleshooting should always be performed by a licensed professional.
1. DOES YOUR HOME HAVE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR INSTALLED?
Unless you have a carbon monoxide detector, you won’t be able to tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home. This colorless and odorless gas is more common during winter because furnaces are in use. Carbon monoxide leaks are more prone to occur with older units, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry, no matter how modern your heating sytem is. By being proactive and installing a carbon monoxide detector, you can avoid these dangers completely. They are also quite affordable, which is an added perk. You can easily find them at your neighborhood home improvement store too.
2. ARE YOU CHANGING YOUR HVAC AIR FILTERS EVERY ONE TO TWO MONTHS?
If your HVAC system isn’t performing optimally, one potential issue might be a dirty air filter. When filters become clogged with dirt and debris, it can restrict airflow and cause the system to work less efficiently. Homeowners should plan on changing their air filters every 1-2 months to prevent these problems. This prolongs your system’s lifespan and increases its efficiency.
3. IS IT TIME TO CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR THERMOSTAT?
If your HVAC system isn’t circulating air, as usual, the first troubleshooting step is to check whether the thermostat is working. Since it serves as the main component which communicates to your HVAC system, if it is not working, then your HVAC system will not as well. If it doesn’t respond, it may just need new batteries. Try that first and if that doesn’t fix the problem, then contact a professional who can determine if there’s wiring damage or another issue causing malfunction.
4. IS YOUR HVAC PIPES OR COILS FROZEN?
In winter, HVAC systems are more susceptible to frozen pipes, especially in Ohio. If temperatures dip too low, the water in your system’s coils and pipes can freeze and cause them to rupture. This would be expensive to fix, so if you think this might be an issue for you, call us right away before water damage can occur.
5. DO YOU HAVE AN OIL-POWERED FURNACE?
When winter draws near each year, we recommend you get a safety tune-up and check for your furnace in the fall. This is key if your furnace uses oil because it may not be working properly due to a low or empty fuel tank. Annual inspections are essential to confirm whether your HVAC system will operate efficiently during the colder months. When you set up an appointment with us, our certified technicians will analyze different vital aspects, like fuel levels, to ensure everything is running smoothly.
6. IS YOUR FURNACE ONLY BLOWING COLD AIR?
A problem that often occurs with furnaces is when they start blowing cold air instead of heat. Some causes for this are the pilot light snuffing out or the blower not functioning properly. Checking to see if the pilot needs to be relit is a good place to start; if it does and you feel capable, try lighting it again yourself. However, if this doesn’t solve the problem, please give us a call.
7. IS YOUR ENERGY BILL HIGHER THAN USUAL?
If you’ve recently seen a rise in your energy bill, don’t worry just yet. Fluctuations are normal. However, if this is a constant theme, other causes could be at play, like gaps and openings in ductwork or windows. It could also be due to older HVAC equipment. If you think there might be an issue driving up your consumption rates, give us a call so we can help assess your heating and cooling needs.
No one should have to shiver through a cold winter night, wondering when their furnace will be fixed. That’s why Milford Heating & Cooling is always here to help with anything and everything HVAC-related. We’ll make sure your furnace is up and running in no time! You can reach us at (513) 655-5112 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
