During the winter season, temperatures in El Cajon, CA, dip well into the 40s each night. Many residents turn their heat up to combat chilly weather. When you have HVAC problems in winter, you struggle to keep your home comfortable at night.
What makes your HVAC system stop providing maximum comfort to your family? El Cajon’s furnace repair experts created a list of common issues below. Continue reading to stay informed about why your heat may not work.
1. Frozen Pipes and Pumps
When you think of frozen pipes, you probably picture a dripping faucet to prevent your plumbing system from icing over. But frozen pipes apply to your HVAC system too. If your plumbing system shares connections with your HVAC system, this causes even more problems.
When temperatures dip below freezing, your HVAC pipe, heat pump, and coil system can form ice. Your system stops functioning completely as a result. Most modern heat pumps include defrosting settings to prevent this.
If your pipes, pumps, or coils freeze, you should call an HVAC professional to address the problem immediately. They will gauge and fix any current issues to prevent future problems. You can also ask them about how to configure your heat pump’s defrost settings.
2. Old Air Filters
Can you remember the last time you changed your air filter? Many people with busy schedules forget to replace their old air filters. But this simple task ranks highly on HVAC maintenance tasks.
Your air filter serves a few purposes. For example, it improves your home’s air quality by removing dust, debris, and allergens from the circulating air. It also helps keep your HVAC system free from these particles.
When you keep that old air filter in place, your HVAC system struggles to pull air in. Dust and dirt become caked onto the filter’s fibers. Your system works too hard, increasing your energy bill and causing weak airflow.
3. Defective Thermostat
A faulty thermostat causes lots of HVAC problems in winter. Most thermostats work by sending electronic signals about the temperature. When your thermostat sends the wrong signals, your HVAC system may overwork or not work at all.
Common problems with your thermostat include old or bad wiring. Your thermostat placement can also contribute to your HVAC problems.
For example, a thermostat placed in direct sunlight sends the wrong message about your home’s warmth. Meanwhile, the rest of the house remains chilly.
In the above situations, you need an HVAC repair service to tackle the problem. However, some situations require a simple battery change or refined thermostat settings. You can perform these tasks yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Faulty Furnaces
When you regularly use your furnace, several components eventually break down.
Belts snap or shift out of place. Refrigerant leaks can occur. Other components get fractures from wear and tear.
When your HVAC system’s parts start failing, you will hear strange noises or notice increased humidity. Sometimes, HVAC systems short-cycle, which means shorter cycles with little temperature change. A qualified HVAC technician can diagnose the problem and find a solution.
5. Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide (CO) leaks cause life-threatening hazards for you and your family. This toxic gas occurs when your furnace’s natural gas doesn’t complete its combustion cycle. Since you can’t smell or see CO, it creates a deadly danger to your home.
If your HVAC system requires natural gas to function, install CO detectors. These gadgets sense CO’s presence in your home. They will alert you to any CO exposure.
6. Flame Sensor Obstruction
Flame sensors send information about your pilot light to your HVAC system. It detects a pilot light’s presence. Sometimes, dirt, ash, and other debris cover the flame sensor. The flame sensor doesn’t pick up on the pilot light as a result. Your HVAC system won’t work when it can’t detect a flame’s presence.
With the help of the manufacturer’s instructions, locate the flame sensor’s location. If possible, remove and clean it off. If the flame sensor appears too dirty or otherwise damaged, you need to replace it with a new one. If you feel uncertain about the state of your flame sensor, get in touch with us for help.
7. Limited Airflow
When you have a problem with the airflow, you notice the briskness or chill just won’t go away in your home. You may also notice less airflow from your vents during HVAC cycling. Your HVAC system has limited or restricted airflow, which prevents your home from reaching an optimal temperature.
Limited airflow usually occurs because something blocks air passages and ducts, so you should check your release and return vents. Blockages happen because debris, dust, and other obstacles become lodged in the ducts.
Sometimes, sticks, cardboard, or other large objects make their way inside. Other times, your ducts need deep cleaning.
8. Lack of Periodic Upkeep
If our HVAC technicians don’t check your system once or twice a year, schedule your routine appointments today. Avoiding regular upkeep from professionals creates bigger and more expensive problems in the future.
Without routine maintenance, small issues that you could fix with a quick repair can escalate into more severe problems, eventually requiring more drastic solutions.
During routine visits from qualified professionals, you’ll learn what to keep an eye on and what components need mending. However, when you forgo periodic upkeep, you risk paying higher energy bills and expensive repair costs down the road.
Our heating maintenance and tuneup services keep you covered throughout the year. When your HVAC system stays in perfect working order, it doesn’t work too much to keep you warm. You also do your part to keep your family a little safer.
Call Us to Get Maximum Comfort From Your HVAC System
Avoid HVAC problems in winter by getting Maximum Comfort in El Cajon, CA, on your side. We have affordable service memberships that keep your system in optimal working condition year-round.
Book your routine service with us today for cost-effective maintenance, repair, and part replacement. Call us at (619) 403-2823 to learn more.