6 Top Heating Problems in Winter

Heating experts are busiest in winter because many heating systems break down or need servicing to withstand the cold weather. You must be vigilant during this time, as a heater malfunction means staying in the cold until you get an HVAC technician to your home. Discover six common heating problems that manifest in cold weather.

1. Cold Spots

Your heating system should warm all areas of your home evenly for maximum comfort. However, you may find that some spots are colder than others, especially if you have a multi-story house.

Cold spots occur for many reasons, such as an improperly-sized HVAC system that struggles to heat your home. So, expert HVAC installation is critical to avoid installing an oversized or under-sized heating system.

Dirty air filters also affect the furnace’s function, and cleaning or replacement is necessary to facilitate proper airflow.

Leaking ductwork is an invisible problem that leads to energy losses if not solved quickly. Ask your HVAC expert to check for leaky ducts in the attic and other crawl spaces because they cause the loss of heated air.

Other causes of cold spots are an aging heating system, improper thermostat problems, and pilot light issues.

2. Short Cycling

Short cycling is a heating issue in which your furnace or heat pump turns on and off rapidly. A properly-functioning heating system cycles between 3 and 8 times every hour.

Short cycling typically arises from an oversized heating system, which consumes more energy than needed to warm your home. As a result, your energy bills increase, and you must replace components often because the constant turning on and off stresses the parts in your furnace or heat pump. Incorrect thermostat placement, dirty filters, and poor airflow also cause short cycling.

3. Airflow Issues

Your furnace may work correctly, but your vents might not direct sufficient air into your home. Check that the vents’ louvers are fully opened, as people accidentally shut them or obstruct them with furniture.

A lack of adequate return vents also causes poor air circulation, but this issue requires expert diagnosis. Your HVAC technician will check for leaks in the ductwork, blow motor issues, or problems with the damper system.

4. Burning Smell

After being out of commission for several months, your furnace produces a burning odor when you fire it up. However, this smell lasts for a short time and shouldn’t persist throughout the furnace’s operation.

A continued burning smell indicates wiring issues or an overheated blower motor caused by dirty air filters and damaged bearings. Don’t fix these problems on your own since they are hazardous and require the expertise of a seasoned HVAC professional.

5. Unusual Noises

Furnaces, like other home appliances, emit a low humming sound when running. However, furnace sounds that keep your family up at night indicate serious issues that require professional intervention.

The type of noise can signify which part of the heating system requires attention. For instance, unlubricated or damaged ball bearings produce squealing noises, while clanking sounds indicate unburned fuel problems. Your HVAC contractor will also check the ignition, fan belts, and loose components to identify the source of the noises.

6. Faulty Thermostat

At times the furnace isn’t to blame for heating issues. Your thermostat functions as your heating system’s control panel, and any problems interfere with the furnace’s overall function. In other cases, you may adjust the thermostat settings with little to no effect on your home’s temperature.

Thermostat issues range from wrong placement, wiring glitches, or improper installation. Consider making the upgrade to a smart thermostat to easily monitor heating problems on your phone.

Heating problems are frustrating and dangerous in winter, as they leave your family in the cold. Contact us today at Haskins Heating & Cooling for heating checkups and prompt furnace repair.