When the winter season starts, HVAC issues in Greenville SC seem to grow. If this describes your home, know that Air Temp Control HVAC receives more calls in the winter than at any other time of year. The following are seven of the most common problems you may encounter as the temperature drops and the demands on your system grow.
1. Freezing Pipes
Freezing temperatures are common in December, January, and February. While temperatures may rise above freezing during the day, pipes can easily freeze when the sun goes down. Temperature changes, whether gradual or abrupt, can induce pressure buildup that can bust the pipes wide open.
2. Inconsistent Airflow
Uneven airflow is caused by blocked ducts and vents. Whether it’s an errant holiday box or a season’s worth of dust bunnies and dog hair, these obstructions may make one area in the house feel like a walk-in freezer while another feels like a sauna.
3. Clogged Air Filters
A dirty air filter, like clogged ducts, can make your home seem chilly and uncomfortable. Air filters should be looked at and changed often to make sure that air can get into and out of your furnace easily. Also, changing your filters on a regular basis keeps your furnace running efficiently and keeps it from wearing out too quickly.
4. Inadequate Thermostat
Thermostats are tough but not indestructible. Wires will fray over time, computer chips will break, sensors will malfunction, and so on. This can mess up the thermostat’s calibration and make it less effective at keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
5. Pilot Lights That Flicker
There are two main reasons why pilot lights flicker and fail. Drafts are the most common cause of flickering and outright pilot lights. Make sure the vent cover is on right and that there are no drafts in the furnace room. This will stop drafts from making your winter nights cold. Clogged or malfunctioning flame sensors can also cause a pilot light to go out. When the flame sensor becomes filthy or damaged, we recommend that it be cleaned and/or replaced as soon as possible.
6. Defective Heat Pumps or Furnaces
Heat pumps and furnaces need to be serviced regularly to make sure that all of their parts are working well. Problems worsen when maintenance is neglected. Heat pumps and furnaces can leak, belts can fail, and heat exchangers can crack, especially during the winter. Maintenance in the spring and early fall is the best way to fix small problems before they lead to a breakdown in the middle of winter.
7. CO Breach
Carbon monoxide is a toxic, lethal gas produced by incomplete natural gas burning. CO detectors must be put in your home if you have a natural gas furnace or other appliances that use natural gas. Carbon monoxide, unlike natural gas, has no odor. This means it can infiltrate the house without warning. If you have a broken heat exchanger, a pilot light that flickers, a blocked chimney, or loose pipes, you need to fix these problems as soon as possible to keep yourself safe.