Going without a warm home in the middle of the winter is never fun, but Mason Heating & Air is here to help if this unfortunate situation were to occur in your home this season. Unfortunately, furnaces can go out at any time – especially during the harsh winter months of Ohio when furnaces are heavily used. So, your HVAC system will have to work harder to compensate for the colder temperatures. Therefore, it’s no surprise that issues with these systems arise more often during this season. If you’re noticing some problems, use these questions as a way to help figure out what might be wrong. Just keep in mind that any complex troubleshooting or repairs should always be done by a licensed professional.
1. HAS THE HVAC AIR FILTER BEEN CHECKED?
If you’re trying to figure out why your HVAC system isn’t working as well, as usual, check the air filter first. Particles can build up over time and prevent proper airflow, so it’s important to change the air filter every 1-2 months. A clogged air filter can cause various system-related issues, such as cycling and airflow restriction.
2. HAS THE THERMOSTAT BEEN CHECKED?
If your HVAC system isn’t working, it might be time to check the thermostat. If it’s unresponsive or not turning on, try replacing the batteries first. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to call in a professional who can assess whether the wiring is messed up or another underlying issue is at hand.
3. HAS YOUR UNIT BEEN CHECKED TO MAKE SURE PIPES OR COILS AREN’T FROZEN?
In the winter, it’s not uncommon for HVAC systems to experience frozen pipes. If the temperature dips too low, the water in your system’s coils and pipes can start to freeze 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 right away.
4. HAS THE FURNACE RUN OUT OF OIL?
Every year before winter, we recommend that you get a safety tune-up and check in the fall for your furnace. This is especially important if your furnace uses oil because one possibility for why it might be acting up is that the fuel tank could be low or even empty. Annual furnace inspections are crucial to ascertain whether your HVAC system will work efficiently during the winter season. When you schedule a checkup with us, our certified technicians will examine various significant details, such as fuel levels, to ensure everything is in proper working order.
5. HAS THE FURNACE BEEN BLOWING COLD AIR?
A phenomenon that often happens with furnaces is when cold air starts being emitted 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’re feeling capable, give lighting it again yourself a go. However, if this doesn’t sort the problem out, please give us a call.
6. HAS THE ENERGY BILL BEEN EXTRA HIGH?
If you see a sudden surge in your energy bill, it’s likely not something to be concerned about, as usage naturally fluctuates monthly. However, if there is a significant and steady increase, it might be due to certain factors such as gaps in ductwork or windows that cause draftiness, outdated HVAC equipment, or insufficient preventative maintenance with items like air filters and thermostats.
7. HAS THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR BEEN CHECKED?
Many don’t know this, but carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, making it impossible to detect without a proper detector. Unfortunately, this means that carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a greater possibility in households during winter as a malfunctioning gas furnace can release carbon monoxide. The good news is that by taking the necessary precautions, like installing a carbon monoxide detector, you can avoid this safety hazard altogether. As a bonus, they aren’t too expensive either. Furthermore, any local home improvement store should carry them, which makes getting one in place a simple and seamless process.
At Mason Heating & Air, we will take care of all your HVAC needs so you don’t have to suffer in the cold winter. You can reach us at (513) 496-2477 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
