Monroe Heating & Air is here for you if your furnace breaks down this winter. Furnaces have to work hard during these cold months, and as a result, your HVAC system may have more difficulty keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. HVAC furnaces are more likely to have issues during the winter when they’re in use more frequently. So, if you think something’s wrong with your furnace, ask yourself these questions first. Be aware that any complex repairs or troubleshooting should only be done by a professional HVAC technician.
1. DO HAVE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IN YOUR HOME?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one danger every homeowner should be aware of. Without a carbon monoxide detector, it would be almost impossible to tell if there’s this colorless and odorless gas present in your home – which is more common during winter because furnaces are typically used then. To decrease any risks, proactively install a carbon monoxide detector; they’re affordable and easy to find at most hardware stores.
2. DO YOU CHANGE YOUR HVAC AIR FILTERS EVERY 30-60 DAYS?
Homeowners should plan on changing their air filters every 1-2 months to prevent clogs. If your HVAC system isn’t performing optimally, one potential issue might be a dirty filter. When particles of dirt and debris become lodged in the filter, it can restrict airflow and cause the entire system to operate less efficiently.
3. DO YOUR THERMOSTAT BATTERIES NEED TO BE SWAPPED OUT?
The first step to take when you notice your HVAC system isn’t working is to check if the thermostat is turning on and responding. If that doesn’t seem to fix anything, then it’s time to seek help from an HVAC professional who will be able to diagnose wiring damage or any other system-related causes of malfunctions.
4. DO YOU SUSPECT YOUR HVAC PIPES OR COILS ARE FROZEN?
Your HVAC system is more prone to frozen pipes during winter. If the temperature drops too much, the water in your HVAC coils and pipes can freeze and then burst. This would be costly to repair and take a while, so if you suspect this is happening with your pipes or coils, give us a call as soon as possible.
5. DO YOU HAVE AN OIL-BURNING FURNACE?
To avoid any wintertime issues with your furnace, we recommend you get an annual safety tune-up and check in the fall. This is especially key if your furnace uses oil, as it may not be working properly due to a low or empty fuel tank. Annual inspections are essential to confirm whether your HVAC system will operate efficiently during the colder months. Our NATE-certified technicians will analyze various aspects of your HVAC system, like fuel levels, to ensure everything is running smoothly when you set up an appointment with us.
6. DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR FURNACE IS ONLY BLOWING COOL AIR?
One symptom of a furnace issue is when it starts blowing cold air 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 light needs to be relit is always a good starting point, and if you feel capable, try lighting it again yourself. However, please give us a call if none of these steps resolve your problem.
7. DO YOU HAVE UNUSUALLY HIGH MONTHLY ENERGY BILLS?
Don’t panic if you see a sudden spike in your energy bill. Fluctuations are to be expected. However, If this becomes a pattern, it could be caused by gaps and openings in ductwork or windows. Another possibility is old HVAC equipment. Give us a call so we can help assess your heating and cooling needs if you suspect there might be an issue driving up your energy consumption rates.
Shivering through a cold winter night is never ideal – for whatever period of time. So, if your furnace decides to give up on you out of nowhere, don’t worry! Monroe Heating & Air will be there as soon as possible to get you up and running again. Call us at (513) 540-4890, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
