Common HVAC Problems You Should Look Out for During the Winter

No one wants to be without heat in the middle of a snowy winter, but sometimes outages are unavoidable. Even the most well-maintained systems can break down unexpectedly—but if you catch the problem in time, you might not have to go without heat. Here are some of the most common winter HVAC problems in Central Kansas, and what might be causing them. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to call your local HVAC contractor for assistance right away:

• Thermostat problems: Faulty thermostats are common, but luckily, they’re easy to fix or replace. Your HVAC contractor can help you repair the wiring or install a new thermostat. Bonus: modern models are excellent for energy saving and efficiency.
• Problems with the pilot light: If your pilot light isn’t on, your heater may not function at all—or will heat your home at a reduced rate. This may be due to a dirty or broken flame sensor. Try cleaning the sensor first, and if that doesn’t help, have your HVAC contractor replace it.
• Inconsistent heating: If certain rooms of your house are much colder than others, there could be a few problems contributing to this issue. First, you might have leaks in your doors and windows, which allow heated air to escape. Second, your home’s insulation might be due for an upgrade. Finally, your ductwork could be leaking, which means you’re paying to heat the great outdoors instead of inside. Repairing the ductwork can help your system run more efficiently.
• The air doesn’t feel warm: Have you noticed that your HVAC’s air isn’t as warm as it could be, or it doesn’t seem like it’s blowing out much air at all? That’s a sign that you need to change your filter. Depending on your filter type, you need to change it (or clean it) every one to three months. Don’t neglect this step—not only is it easy, but it will have a huge impact on indoor allergies and air quality.
• Your outdoor HVAC pipes are frozen: When you notice your HVAC unit’s outdoor pipes are frozen, call a contractor right away. The pressure can build up in the frozen pipes and cause them to burst. Turn off your HVAC unit and call for help as soon as possible.
• The heat pump won’t come on: If your heat pump won’t come on, it’s probably because the fans and coils are coated with frost. Call your contractor to help defrost the unit and get in back in working order. (This is also a great reason to keep up with your seasonal HVAC maintenance.)
• Carbon monoxide leaks: Finally, if your carbon monoxide detector goes off, your HVAC unit may be responsible. Turn off the heater, get out of your home immediately and call for help—and plan to have your HVAC system inspected when the danger has passed.

If you notice any of these common winter HVAC problems in your Central Kansas home, reach out to the team at KVK Inc. right away to schedule service.

Categorised in: Heating Repair

This post was written by Writer