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Common Winter Heating Issues: Top Problems and Solutions for Homeowners

Common Winter Heating Issues: Top Problems and Solutions for Homeowners

As winter cold sets in, many homes face common heating issues and these problems often include clogged air filters, uneven heating, and malfunctioning thermostats. Understanding these issues can help you stay warm and avoid costly heater repairs.

Regular maintenance is key to preventing many heating problems and we recommend changing air filters, checking thermostats, and keeping vents clear as a start. It’s also smart to have a professional inspect your heating system before winter starts.

Types of Heating Systems

  • Forced-air systems are common in many homes and feature a furnace to heat air and blow it through ducts.

  • Boiler systems heat water and send it to radiators or baseboard heaters, providing steady, even warmth.

  • Heat pumps can heat and cool, moving heat from outside air or the ground into the home, or extracting it in a similar process.

  • Radiant floor heating uses pipes under the floor to warm rooms from the ground up. It’s energy-efficient and comfortable.

Common Heating System Problems

Winter brings various heating challenges for homeowners that need to be addressed quickly. 

Pilot Light and Ignition Issues

Pilot lights can go out due to drafts or faulty thermocouples which stops gas from flowing and prevents your furnace from starting. For modern systems with electronic ignition, dirty sensors can cause starting problems and you need to clean the igniter carefully or hire a professional to do it. 

Short cycling, where your furnace turns on and off too quickly, may point to ignition troubles. This wastes energy and strains your system and needs to be checked promptly. If you smell gas in your home, leave your home and call your gas company immediately.

Filter and Airflow Complications

Dirty air filters are a top cause of heating problems as they block airflow, making your system work harder. This leads to higher bills and potential breakdowns. Check filters monthly and change them as needed. Most need replacement every 1-3 months.

Blocked vents and registers also reduce airflow, so make sure furniture and rugs aren’t covering them, and keep vents open in all rooms for even heating. Meanwhile, duct leaks waste heated air and create cold spots so take measures to seal ducts to improve efficiency and comfort.

Thermostat and Regulation Difficulties

Incorrect thermostat settings often cause perceived heating issues and you should confirm that it’s set to “heat” mode and at your desired temperature. Dead batteries in digital thermostats can cause heating outages too, so replace them yearly as a precaution.

Smart and programmable thermostats can occasionally malfunction and you need to ensure they’re properly programmed for your schedule. If they’re not responding, try resetting them.

Thermostats in poor locations, like near drafts or sunlight, can cause also uneven heating so consider moving them to a more central spot.

Uneven Heating and Insulation Woes

Check for drafts around windows and doors and add weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps to ensure your home is properly insulated.  Attics also need to be properly insulated, and in multi-story homes, use ceiling fans at low speed to help push warm air back down.

Uneven heating could mean your system needs balancing and you’ll need to hire a professional technician to adjust dampers and airflow to spread heat more evenly.

 

Maintenance and Prevention Strategies

Regular upkeep and smart upgrades can keep your heating system running smoothly all winter. We’ll explore key maintenance tasks and ways to boost efficiency while lowering costs.

Regular Upkeep and Professional Servicing

Yearly HVAC check-ups are a must and we recommend scheduling a visit from a professional before winter hits. They’ll clean key parts and catch small issues early. Change your air filters every 1-3 months and also ensure your vents and ducts are not blocked by furniture or dust, cleaning registers and returns with a vacuum attachment.

Have your ducts professionally cleaned every few years to remove built-up dust and debris. This helps your system run better.

Improving Efficiency and Reducing Costs

Install a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures automatically based on your preference, such as lowering the heat when you’re asleep or away.

Seal up drafts around windows and doors, using weatherstripping or caulk to close gaps. Add insulation to your attic and walls to trap heat inside your home and use ceiling fans to spread warm air. Setting them to spin clockwise in winter to push warm air down from the ceiling.

When to Seek Professional Help

Knowing when to call in experts is key for dealing with heating issues. Professional help ensures safe and effective repairs for complex problems.

Identifying Serious Heating System Repair Needs

Strange noises from your furnace often signal trouble and any banging, whistling, or rumbling sounds need quick attention. Uneven heating or cold spots in your home also point to system issues, and if your energy bills spike without explanation, your heating system needs inspection.

Frequent cycling on and off is another red flag as this can wear out parts faster and waste energy. A yellow pilot light instead of blue suggests incomplete fuel burning. This can be dangerous and needs immediate fixing.

Odd smells like burning or gas require urgent professional help and could mean serious safety risks. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, leave your home and call for help immediately. 

Choosing Qualified HVAC Technicians

We recommend looking for NATE-certified technicians as this certification shows the company has the necessary skills and knowledge. Check online reviews, ask friends for their recommendations, and ensure the company is licensed and insured. This protects you if something goes wrong during repairs. You can also ask about their experience with your specific heating system brand and model.

Get multiple quotes for big repairs or replacements as this helps ensure fair pricing. Don’t forget to ask about warranties on parts and labor as a good warranty shows the company is confident in their work. Avoid companies that push for expensive repairs without clearly explaining why.

Get in touch to arrange an inspection of your heating system or to discuss energy efficiency upgrades.

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Paso Robles Plumbing, Heating, and Air has been serving the communities in Paso Robles, California for over 39 Years. Serving the the Greater Paso Robles Area & Surrounding Communities

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