A finely tuned HVAC system in Brunswick, ME needs preventive maintenance at least once a year to continue to work correctly. Experts recommend that these tune-ups occur before the hottest and coldest seasons to minimize the need for repairs when temperatures are extreme, and HVAC is most critical. Let’s take a look at some common winter HVAC repairs and how you can avoid them.
A Malfunctioning or Nonfunctioning Thermostat
If your furnace isn’t turning on, it doesn’t mean that your entire HVAC system is malfunctioning. Sometimes, it just means that the thermostat needs upkeep or repair. The thermostat sets the heating level for your home, so when it’s not working, the HVAC system doesn’t know what to do.
If the thermostat settings are wrong, your home may not get the correct heat. Sometimes, the settings are fine, but the unit needs to be calibrated. The thermostat may be working to maintain a specific temperature, but it may be unable to do so because it is reading the ambient temperatures incorrectly. The sensor may be poorly placed in a location that is warmer or colder than the rest of the home, such as close to windows and doors, above air vents, or any place in the path of direct sunlight. This can cause issues in bringing your home to the right temperature.
In other instances, the thermostat may be broken completely. Common causes of a dead thermostat are:
- Faulty or loose wiring
- Component damage due to age
- Internal damage due to debris buildup
A Short-Cycling HVAC System
Short cycling occurs when your HVAC system, specifically your furnace, turns on and off more than it should. This prevents the heating cycle from completing fully and often results in overworking the furnace. This may be caused by a component that needs repairs or a furnace that is too small for the space you are trying to warm up. It could also indicate that you have insufficient airflow, clogged filters, or a thermostat that’s malfunctioning. This extra cycling could put more wear on your heating system, potentially leading to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for the appliance.
Cold Air Blowing From the Heating System
If your heating system is blowing cold air, there is an issue that needs attention. The problem could be that the blower fan is malfunctioning. Something may be preventing the fan from rotating, or the heating element may need repairs. It could also mean that the coils, the pilot light, or the ignition are malfunctioning.
Before the cold season hits, turn on the furnace to ensure that it produces warm air. If the furnace doesn’t light, or the air is cold, contact one of our team members at Dog House to troubleshoot the problem.
How to Avoid These Winter HVAC Issues
HVAC maintenance involves running all system components and checking their operation and efficiency. Your technician may disassemble parts to clean, check hardware and wiring connections, and replace items like filters.
Our team member may check the thermostat to ensure it is getting the right power and is functioning correctly. This may require replacing dead batteries, fixing loose or shorted-out wires, or replacing the device outright if there’s extensive damage.
If your system is short cycling, a qualified technician will thoroughly check it and address any issues. If the heating unit is too small for your living space, installing another one may be the solution to better heating this winter.
Preparing for Replacement
In addition to avoiding repairs, an annual maintenance visit can also give you early notice to when you may need to replace your furnace, heat pump, or cooling equipment. This can give you time to research replacement models and budget for the purchase.
Reach Out to an HVAC Company That Understands Winter HVAC Needs
In Brunswick, winters are very cold, so you need a professional who understands the cold weather HVAC needs of the community. At Dog House, we’ve been providing this kind of service to residents since 2010. We also specialize in plumbing, cooling, and indoor air quality. We’ll work hard to keep you comfortable all year round.
Schedule an appointment with Dog House today so that we can help you with your seasonal HVAC needs.
