Middletown Heating & Cooling is available to assist you if your furnace unexpectedly quits this winter. Living in Ohio, we’re no strangers to frigid winters where furnaces get quite the workout. Understandably, your HVAC system will have a more difficult time during these months trying to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. As expected, HVAC systems have more issues this time of year due to furnaces being in such high usage. So, if you’re having some problems, ask yourself these questions to help identify the source of the problem. Keep in mind that any complex troubleshooting or repairs should always be done by a licensed professional.
1. DO YOU HAVE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IN YOUR HOME?
Unless you have a carbon monoxide detector, you won’t be able to tell if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home. This colorless and odorless gas leakage is more common during winter because furnaces are in such high use. Typically, this happens with older equipment. But it’s better to be safe than sorry and keep a carbon monoxide detector in your home anyways. By being proactive and installing a carbon monoxide detector, you can avoid these dangers. Additionally, they are also quite affordable, which is an added perk. You can easily find them at your neighborhood hardware store too.
2. DO YOU CHANGE YOUR HVAC AIR FILTERS EVERY 1-2 MONTHS?
Check your air filter if your HVAC system isn’t performing as it should. A buildup of particles can, over time, restrict proper airflow and cause the system to cycle or have restricted airflow. Therefore, homeowners should change the air filter every 1-2 months to prevent these issues.
3. DO YOU HAVE TO CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR THERMOSTAT?
If your HVAC system isn’t working, the first thing you should check is the thermostat. If it’s unresponsive or not turning on, try replacing the batteries first. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to call in a professional who can assess whether there is an issue with the wiring or another system-related issue.
4. DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A FROZEN HVAC PIPE OR COIL?
During the winter, HVAC systems are susceptible to frozen pipes. If it gets too cold, the water in your system’s coils and pipes can freeze and causes them to burst. This would be a costly repair that takes up a lot of time, which is why you should call us as soon as possible if you think this might be an issue for you.
5. DO YOU HAVE AN OIL-BURNING FURNACE?
Before winter arrives each year, we recommend you get a safety tune-up and check for your furnace in the fall. This is key for everyone, but especially if your furnace uses oil because it may not be working properly due to a low or empty fuel tank. Annual furnace inspections are essential to confirm whether your HVAC system will operate efficiently during the colder months. When you set up an appointment with us, our certified technicians will analyze different vital aspects, like fuel levels, to guarantee everything is running as it should be.
6. DO YOU HAVE A FURNACE THAT IS ONLY BLOWING COLD AIR?
A problem that often occurs with furnaces is when they start blowing cold air instead of heat. Some causes for this are the pilot light snuffing out or the blower not functioning properly. Checking to see if the pilot needs to be relit is a good place to start; if it does and you feel capable, try lighting it again yourself. However, if this doesn’t solve the problem, please give us a call.
7. DO YOU HAVE AN UNSEEMLY HIGH ENERGY BILL?
If your energy bill has jumped up over the past couple of months, don’t panic just yet. Energy consumption fluctuation is normal. However, if you consistently see a higher rate, this might be due to other causes like gaps and openings in ductwork or even windows. It could also be due to older HVAC equipment. So, if you suspect there is an underlying issue at hand causing your high spike in energy consumption, give us a call, and we will gladly help assess your heating and cooling needs.
Middletown Heating & Cooling is here to help you with anything and everything HVAC related so that you’re never left out in the cold. We know how important it is to have a functioning furnace during winter, so if your furnace ever acts up, we’ll be there to fix it as soon as possible! You can reach us at (513) 268-3789 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!