Steers Heating & Cooling Offers Tips on Winter Heating Maintenance
Do you operate a business that welcomes customers in from the cold? Are you a homeowner dedicated to keeping your family warm and comfortable? Both homes and businesses need reliable heating during the winter months. In addition, both residential and commercial properties may encounter preventable heating problems. Steers Heating & Cooling offers timely tips on identifying and how to prevent heating problems.
Helpful Tips for Common Winter Heating Problems
Winter heating problems cover a variety of causes. Some of these can mimic those found in the spring, especially if the winter weather is severe. Here are some of the common HVAC or heating problems customers experience during the winter months:
Carbon Monoxide Leaks: These can be one of the most serious and dangerous problems, so it is first on our list. Homeowners may not be aware of unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide. It is a poisonous, odorless, and tasteless gas, which makes it hard to detect. The problem arises due to cracked or rusted heaters, particularly where the heat exchanger is. Older heating systems or those with inadequate ventilation tend to report the most problems with carbon monoxide leaks.
Way to Resolve: Steers Heating & Cooling wants all our customers to be safe and healthy, especially during the winter months. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector. Our trained technicians can check for defects in the heat exchanger and look for proper ventilation. We can look to clear any obstructions to ensure safe operation of the heating system.
Frozen Pipes: Temperatures plummet and important parts of the heating system could freeze and stop functioning properly. Hydronic systems that include hot water heaters and steam radiators may fail when water freezes within the pipes. Frozen pipes can be frustrating to resolve, as water pressure in the pipe could cause it to burst.
Way to Resolve: The easiest solution is to turn off the water source and call for a technician to check the system and repair any damage.
Uneven Airflow and Temperature: There may be more to the internal temperature and airflow problems than you imagine. If family members or employees report being too hot, too cold, too much airflow, or not enough airflow, these may require further investigation. Depending on the room’s location, there may be an HVAC-related issue that the technician can remedy.
Way to Resolve: Some problems property owners can check themselves include looking around doorways and windowsills for any cracks or holes. Sealing obvious openings will eliminate added cold drafts. If the problem persists, a Steers HVAC technician can inspect and clear any blockages or debris from vents and ducts.
Malfunctioning Heat Pump: Homes and some smaller HVAC systems rely on exterior heat pumps for warmth. Excessive snowfall and icy winds can damage these components and cause poor performance and malfunctions. Operationally, heat pump fan motors can break and coils experience blockage. Most heat pump malfunctions happen because they fail to defrost in the winter weather.
Way to Resolve: If the heat pump has an automatic defrost, adjust the setting so it can melt away before ice forms. If the defrost setting breaks, clear away frost build up by hand.
Dirty Heater Filters: Heater filters do get clogged with dust, dirt, debris, and various airborne contaminants. Blockages in airflow lead to reduced warm air moving through the structure. Homeowners may not equate why there is less air moving through the rooms.
Way to Resolve: Most heating systems require some amount of filtration, and make it easy to change filters regularly. Change out an older filter for a new one to see if circulation improves. If there is any question of the heater filter, motor, or any fan problems, call on Steers to check and repair any heater problems effectively.
Broken/Faulty Thermostat: Home and business owners must be aware that winter heating problems sometimes start with a broken thermostat. Older thermostats may require recalibration to ensure accurate temperature settings.
Way to Resolve: Replacing broken thermostats with a new one will not only control air temperature accurately but also promote energy efficiency. Newest models offer wireless remote technology for greater usage and energy monitoring.
Faulty Pilot Light: Certain heaters ignite only after a small pilot light ignites. This flame usually stays lit constantly for easier access to heat. Should the pilot light fail due to a dirty or damaged flame sensor, the heater will not work. Resolving a faulty pilot problem may not be easy. Depending on the unit, its construction may limit access to the pilot area. Trying to re-light the pilot without the proper tools or time to investigate can add frustration.
Way to Resolve: Call the professional heating technicians at Steers Heating & Cooling. We will help fix the faulty pilot or pilot sensor, or advise you if it may be time to purchase a new heater if there are significant problems.
Prevent Heating Problems in Winter with Professionals from Steers
As you can see, there are several heating problems that can develop with HVAC systems during the winter. Property owners can prevent heating problems with regular maintenance, such as changing the air filters. Most, however, do require the skill and expertise of trained HVAC technicians.
Property owners sometimes try to remedy winter heating problems on their own before calling in a professional. As you can see, these routine issues do require a level of training and proper tools to resolve. Fixing faulty parts that affect the safe operating of the heating system itself can be time-consuming. These are tasks better left to the professionals. Steers Heating & Cooling takes pride in identifying and solving issues to prevent heating problems for customers in Parkersburg, WV, and throughout the surrounding areas.
Trust Steers Heating & Cooling, Inc., serving the Parkersburg, West Virginia, region. We have provided excellence in HVAC products and services for more than 80 years. Call us today at (855) 226-9630 or contact us online to schedule residential, commercial, and industrial service to resolve winter heating problems and so much more.