When the temperatures drop and the weather outside becomes frigid, there’s nothing like turning up the heat in our nice, warm, comfortable homes.
But what do we do when our furnaces don’t seem to be keeping up with the cold?
What do we do when we can see our breath in our home and our teeth are chattering, after we’ve turned up our thermostats to the max and our house is still cold?
Although it is feasible that your home heating equipment is old and in need of repair or replacement, before we go that far there are several other reasons why a furnace might be struggling like this. We at Monroe Heating & Air present a list of some of the possibilities.
Thermostat Problems
Although we all know the temperature inside our homes is controlled by our thermostats, far too many homeowners overlook this when troubleshooting home heating problems. When a thermostat isn’t properly working, it can lead to all types of problems. This could be why your HVAC appears to be struggling with the cold.
In addition to wiring or mechanical problems within the thermostat that can arise, it could also need cleaning. Then again, it might just need working batteries! In any case, when this control center is faulty, you’ll have a hard time keeping your home warm until the issue is identified and addressed. If it needs to be replaced, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat which can help you save on your energy bill!
Dirty Air Filters
It might seem like a relatively small problem. It’s definitely one that is overlooked a lot. As such, we are always reminding homeowners to change their air filter regularly. During the winter, it’s a good idea to replace your furnace filter every 1 to 2 months, depending on your situation and the type of filter you are using with the type of heating system you have. When you fail to replace it, dirt and grime accumulates and has a dramatic impact on performance.
Remember, furnace air filters remove all of the particles and much of the air pollution from the air that flows through your HVAC system, the air you breathe day in and day out.You furnace filter can get dirty pretty quickly, especially if you have a large family, pets, or if you’ve recently renovated your home. If you’re having problems heating your home, checking your air filter is essential.
Blocked or Damaged Ductwork
Although they might not look like much, your heating system needs free and open air ducts to distribute all that nice and warm air you enjoy into your home. You could think of your furnace as your home’s heart and the air ducts as your veins and arteries. If your air ducts are blocked or damaged, the whole system will struggle to provide air and this can lead to untimely breakdown and irreversible damage.
Because dirt, dust, grime, debris, and other contaminants can build up inside your ductwork and hinder airflow, this is something you need to consider. You should also consider whether they could have gotten loose to allow air to leak out. In any case, the good news is that these can be easily cleaned, tightened and repaired easily by a qualified technician in order to improve efficiency and ensure proper airflow.
Moreover, regularly replacing air filters can help prevent particles and impurities from building up in your air ducts so it’s definitely a worthy investment!
Air Leaks and Drafts
Throughout your residence and your HVAC system, air leaks and drafts can crop up and prevent you from the full benefits of your home’s heating equipment. To find these, you will need to do some regular checking and investigating. If not, give us a call and we’d be happy to have a closer look to see where that expensive heated air might be escaping.
As noted above, common culprits include poorly sealed air ducts. You also need to look at gaps around windows and doorways, as well as chimneys. Attic insulation also plays an essential role. In any case, winterizing your home is one way to prevent these problems — all of which are easy fixes!
Never forget furnace maintenance
Our expensive and intricate home heating and cooling equipment works hard for us throughout Ohio’s most extreme weather — keeping us warm and cozy during the wintertime and cool during the summertime. We pay a lot of money for these systems, and we pay a lot in energy costs to keep them running.
Paying the nominal cost for maintenance pays off big time in return!
Making sure your furnace gets cleaned and inspected on a regular schedule can reduce the effects of wear and tear and keep it working like it should, effectively and efficiently, for years to come. It’s also a great way to prevent expensive repairs by addressing issues before they worsen.
Furnace Problems? Give Us A Call Today!
Although there are many things a homeowner can do on their own, speaking with a qualified professional will give you peace of mind you can’t find anywhere online. It also pays off in dividends, in the big picture, to be proactive with something as intricate and expensive as a furnace — instead of being reactive, and that’s a simple HVAC fact. Call Monroe Heating & Air today at (513) 540-4890, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
