Common HVAC Problems During Winter

Just as your HVAC system recovers from providing cool air all summer long, winter arrives. With the heat turned on blast for the next several months, it can be common for HVAC units to experience issues or even stop working altogether. HVAC problems in/during winter can leave you and your family out in the cold – literally. To avoid HVAC heating problems, it’s important to know what to look for, common causes and whom to call when you find yourself wearing puffy jackets indoors.

What Causes HVAC Heating Problems?

Dirty Burners

Gas and electric furnaces collect dust and dirt over short periods of time. Left uncleaned, gas jets can be blocked by dirty burners. This can potentially redirect flames outside the burner area. In some instances, you can hear the furnace make a loud “boom” noise as the gas jets ignite. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to this problem. One of our certified furnace technicians can come out to remove and clean the burner, providing a quick and easy fix.

Freezing Pipes

As winter sets in, colder temperatures become the norm, and ice accumulates. Components like pipes and coils can freeze over and stop working correctly. Water heaters and steam radiators that rely on water flow can fail if frozen pipes stop the flow of water. Taking necessary precautions to prevent pipes from freezing, like insulating with pipe sleeves or keeping the thermostat at a constant temperature, can help avoid this HVAC heating problem.

Dirty Air Filters

While this may be an issue that can happen any time of the year, it is much more common in winter when we spend the most time indoors. With more people indoors and warm air needed consistently, dust, dirt and other common allergens quickly fill up your air filter. Air filters protect your heater from dust and debris, but when too much builds up, it can lose its effectiveness and put your HVAC unit into overdrive. If you don't change them out as recommended, it can prevent the restriction of airflow, which can lead to other HVAC problems.

Cycling Heat

If your heater is cycling on and off too quickly when airflow is restricted, it can waste energy and create extra wear on parts of your HVAC system. A faulty thermostat can also be to blame for your heat cycling. In older homes, we often find thermostats providing incorrect information or struggling to maintain temperatures. If you aren’t certain of the cause, have an HVAC expert from Bradley Mechanical inspect and repair your system.

Carbon Monoxide

A furnace that is not running at peak performance could put you and your family in danger. A dirty furnace burning inefficiently could produce and emit deadly amounts of carbon monoxide. It is recommended you replace or clean your furnace filters three to four times a year and have the furnace itself cleaned annually. If you can’t remember the last time it was properly cleaned and inspected, give Bradley Mechanical a call.

Loss of Heat

One of the most common HVAC problems in/during winter homeowners experience is a sudden loss of heat. Freezing or inclement weather can wreak havoc on your heat pump. There could also be a leak in an air duct or even a compressor issue. Some of these issues can be avoidable when preventative measures are taken to prepare your HVAC for cold weather. However, some issues are out of your control. Whatever the cause, a Bradley Mechanical HVAC expert can come to inspect and repair your system.

While there is a long list of what is causing your HVAC system to run inefficiently, there are just as many solutions to fix it. When you’re stuck in a cold situation and need a quick fix, your best bet is your local repairman. Not only does the certified technician have the tools and knowledge on how to repair a broken HVAC system, but they’re also trained to spot uncommon issues and things that could be making it harder for your unit to function.

For our local community, Bradley Mechanical has provided prompt and professional HVAC services for over 50 years. Even during the harsh winter months, our technicians can perform a thorough inspection, repairs and new installations within the timeframe you need. We specialize in helping our customers get out of the fix they’re in.

Don’t suffer in the cold this winter. If you need help with keeping the heat on this winter, give Bradley Mechanical a call today.

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