Winter causes numerous issues for a home’s heating and cooling system, ranging from inconvenient to outright dangerous. They’re typically most noticeable when you first switch on the heat. Although it’s essential to schedule HVAC repairs when needed, it helps if you understand problem causes before calling an HVAC contractor.

Common Heating & Cooling Problems in Winter

1. Heat Cycling

Heat cycling, which occurs when a furnace turns on and off quickly, is caused by one of two issues. If your furnace is too big for your home, it’ll pump out more heat than is needed and cause the thermostat to shut it down early. Cycling may also be caused by a coil that overheads because of dirty air filters.

2. Carbon Monoxide Leaks

The combustion process that  generates heat creates a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide. If not properly vented away from the home, it’s extremely dangerous. It has no odor or taste. The only way to know if your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide into the air is with a detector. If yours goes off, open the windows, and call an HVAC contractor immediately.

3. Uneven Heating

If some rooms heat faster than others, the life of your furnace will be shortened. To fix uneven heating, inspect the vents. All should be open and have no obstructions in front of them. If the problem persists, replacing the filter and cleaning out the ducts will allow heat to circulate more efficiently and uniformly throughout the home.

4. Skyrocketing Bills

Heating a home is expensive, but it doesn’t need to be prohibitively so. If your utility bill seems higher than it should be, inspect the insulation. Inadequate insulation allows heat to escape and forces furnaces to keep running. Repair any damaged weather stripping, and use thick curtains on windows to trap heat inside.

 

If your heating and cooling system experiences any of these problems this winter, schedule repairs with the experts at Combs Heating & Cooling. For more than 10 years, this family-owned and -operated business has helped homeowners in Chillicothe, Waverly, and Circleville, OH, maintain their HVAC installations. They have the knowledge and tools needed to diagnose problems and provide fast and reliable repairs. Schedule an appointment by calling (740) 772-2233, or learn more online about their services.