The winter-time is a season of festivity and cheer, but it can also bring about a variety of different HVAC issues. By paying careful attention to these common HVAC problems during winter, homeowners can complete preventive maintenance to help make sure these issues don’t occur in the first place. You will also be better equipped to be able to take quick action if they do occur. Take good care of your HVAC units year-round, but especially during the winter, and call an HVAC specialist to help handle any problems you can’t solve on your own.
Frozen Pipes: Pipes and coils are essential to a functioning HVAC system. In low temperatures, these parts can quickly freeze over and cause your HVAC unit to malfunction. HVAC units that use a hydronic system such as hot water heaters are especially susceptible to this issue. Sometimes, a frozen pipe can even burst due to a build-up of pressure, causing costly damage. Keep an eye on the condition of your pipes at all times and be sure to closely watch to see if any ice forms.
Heat Pump: Exterior heat pumps are used in certain HVAC systems in order to power your units and distribute warm air around your home. However, frost, snow, and other winter weather conditions can cause damage to your heat pumps, resulting in HVAC unit issues. Some units have defrost settings to ensure that ice melts away before issues occur; others do not. Contact a professional to fix your heat pump in order to enjoy a warm, comfortable home during the winter.
Dirty Filters: HVAC filters need to be replaced frequently in order to ensure that your system is properly maintained. An accumulation of dust and dirt in air filters can cause the entire efficiency of your HVAC system to suffer, meaning that less hot air is circulated around your home in the winter-time. Inspect the condition of all of the other components of your HVAC unit when replacing an air filter in order to ensure that no other underlying causes for inefficiency exist.
Broken Thermostats: At the beginning of each new season, it’s always a good idea to check the condition of your thermostats. Broken thermostats can mislead homeowners into believing there are larger issues at hand in their HVAC unit, when in reality, the fix is simple. Broken thermostats can reduce the energy efficiency of your HVAC system and ineffectively control temperatures. Call a professional to install a new thermostat if necessary!
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These common HVAC problems can affect nearly any home during winter, so stay vigilant during the wintertime and carefully monitor the condition of your HVAC unit. If possible, attempt to solve the issue on your own —however, for any larger HVAC issues that occur, don’t hesitate to contact the help of an HVAC specialist!