Don’t let yourself be left out in the cold. Learn more about typical heating issues, their causes, and possible solutions here.
Uncleaned Filters
If your heating system appears to be less efficient than usual, the first item to examine is your filter. Filters clog naturally over time as they collect dirt and debris, limiting the quantity of air that can pass through them. That means your furnace has to work more to circulate air, reducing its efficacy. By cleaning or replacing your furnace filter, you may improve the performance of your heating system while also saving money on your energy bills.
Infrequent Maintenance
Your heating system, like any other machine, requires semi-regular maintenance to function properly. Annual furnace maintenance and inspections can help prevent costly breakdowns and cure possible problems before they become serious. It’s a good idea to arrange periodic checkups with an HVAC specialist in the fall so that you may be confident about your furnace as the winter months approach. Here’s our furnace maintenance guide if you want to check in on your heating system on your own.
Circulation Problems
Component repair is an important part of heating system maintenance. As the components of your heating system age, they degrade, which can compromise the entire system in many circumstances. Fan motors, bearings, and belts are all part of what permits your system to circulate air throughout your home, and when these critical components fail, circulation suffers substantially. When your furnace isn’t moving air as it should, it can overheat, causing even more problems. As part of your maintenance, ensure that you (or an HVAC professional) evaluate your system’s components and replace any that show symptoms of wear and degradation.
Thermostat Error
When a home does not appear to be properly heated, the problem may not be with the heating system itself, but with its brain. A thermostat instructs your heating system on what to do, and any flaw or incompatibility in the thermostat can have a significant impact on the system’s overall performance. If you’re having heating issues and your thermostat is old and out of date, try upgrading to a modern one, such as a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat.
Duct Leaks
Air goes from your furnace to the rest of your home via a series of ducts, and if one or more of those ducts leaks, the efficiency of your system suffers. When air escapes through a duct leak, your furnace must run longer to compensate for the loss (costing you more money). Leaks can be difficult to find, but once you’ve discovered the source of the leak, you can easily plug it using silicone caulk or aluminum tape. Sealing all of your duct’s joints is also a smart idea, as heat is frequently lost when ducts come together.