Experiencing a heating problem can be ROUGH. Here in Chicagoland, we get some cold winter nights where it pays to have a high-performing, reliable heating system in place. When that system isn’t working or is causing issues for you, you may worry about the comfort and safety of your family members and your home structure. On the other hand, repairing or replacing your heating system can also be a burden. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most common complains from homeowners during the winter months and provided advice for how to prevent or handle these issues.
Problem: My Heater Kicks On Constantly
There are two reasons that a furnace or heating system “cycles” or kicks on and off constantly. First, check your thermostat to be sure that it’s working properly. A faulty thermostat, or one that has been programmed ineffectively, can cause your heater to signal that it’s time to turn on just moments after it turns off. Another reason your heating system may cycle is that inadequate air flow is heating your home in patches, or less than desired, so that your heater must work constantly to keep temperatures up. If this is the case, your filter and/or blower could be dirty or clogged, causing heat to disperse unevenly or sparsely into your home OR your home may be leaking at the windows, doors, or foundation. A professional can diagnose any one of these issues.
Problem: The Air in My Home is Too Dry!
This fix is simple – your HVAC system needs to be upgraded with a home-wide humidifying component. If you’re reading this from our local California area, you’re familiar with the dry air we can experience here, especially in the winter months.
Problem: My Home Smells When I Run the Heater
Unwanted odors can appear when your heating system is run for the first time in the winter – stagnation can cause this to happen. However, if you have operated your system multiple times and still experience odors, you could have unwanted debris in your ducts or vent casings, or you may simply need to change out your filter!
Problem: It’s Warm in One Room & Freezing in Another
The best way to avoid this problem is by scheduling routine duct cleanings and replacing your air filter routinely. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a dirty filter or heating coil. Other times, you may be experiencing excess draft in one room – say, one with a lot of windows – and plenty of trapped heat in another room. Winterizing your windows and doorways can help with this problem.
Problem: My Heat topped Working Entirely
Unless you have lost electricity to your home or experienced a surge, a complete loss of heat is not normal. Check your fuse box first to make sure you haven’t simply lost power. Next, you will want to check your pilot light or ignition system if you have one. If this has gone out, it’s best to consult with a professional – tampering with your furnace or other heating system can be dangerous.
Problem: My Energy Bill is Astronomical
There are a lot of steps you can take to ensure that you’re keeping your electric bill as affordable as possible. Winterize your home by sealing windows and doors, open your curtains on sunny days to help warm up your home naturally, and keep your home cooler at night, when you’re all wrapped up in bed. This will ensure that you’re not wasting precious energy.
For more tips on how to prevent and remediate heating issues this winter, call your trusted HVAC technician at Bartlett Heating & Air or shoot us a question on Facebook or Twitter!
