Winter’s chill brings with it mixed emotions: excitement for cozy days curled up with a blanket and a book, joy of watching the kids play in the snow, and dread of the slippery roads and gray afternoons. We were lucky to have a few more warm fall days than usual this year, and count every moment we can spend outside as a bonus!
As we’re getting ready to spend more time indoors keeping warm, it’s time to check on your furnace and make sure it’s in good condition to keep you cozy all winter long.
How to Fix the 5 Most Common Heating Issues
We’ve already taken a look at strategies for lowering your heating bills, so today we’re examining some of the most common heating issues you might come across as a homeowner.
Here are some problems you may encounter:
1. Malfunctioning thermostat. A thermostat is essentially a thermometer that tells your HVAC system to warm or cool your home. Thermostats used to be mechanical in nature, but many of today’s newer thermostats are digital and wirelessly controlled. With these newer models, connectivity issues, dying batteries, and other problems could prevent you from keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
Other common problems include:
The thermostat receives direct sunlight. This could warm the device and cause it to keep the house at a cooler level.
The thermostat is unlevel. Older homes can shift as they settle. If you have an unlevel mercury bulb thermostat, they may no longer function properly.
The thermostat is dirty inside from years of dust.
The fix: While you can try to clean the thermostat and check that it’s level, you should generally call an HVAC technician for anything more complex. Check our neighborhood reports for a technician near you!
2. Dirty filters. A clogged or filthy air filter may restrict airflow, preventing warm air from pushing through the home. This also causes the rest of the system to work harder, using more energy.
The fix: Replacing an air filter is generally relatively easy, but you should do so more often if your home has excess pet dander, smoke, or aerosols.
3. Lack of maintenance. Your heating system is complex, and ignoring it for even one or two years can be a costly mistake. Regular maintenance keeps your entire system running smoothly and allows you to replace parts before they wear out and leave you in a cold home during a Pittsburgh winter!
The fix: If you haven’t had a technician come to service your heating system this year, do so now! Their schedules typically fill up quickly in the fall and winter months, so call soon!
4. Airflow issues. Airflow issues can stem from numerous problems. You could have a leaky vent, a worn fan motor, a broken belt—the list goes on and on. Beyond the complexities of your HVAC system itself, placing a large appliance in front of a vent or radiator could create additional airflow issues that trap the heat in place instead of allowing it to distribute throughout the home.
The fix: Regular maintenance can prevent many airflow problems, but so can a regular visual inspection of the exposed portion of your vents (to look for cracks and leaks). You can also do a quick scan of each room to make sure radiators and vents aren’t blocked off.
5. Suddenly high energy bills. Price hikes definitely hurt your wallet, but they are also an indicator that something could be wrong. If your heating is suddenly sapping more electricity or gas from your system than in previous winter months, it could indicate that there’s a problem within your HVAC system.
The fix: Pay attention. If you have your utilities set up to automatically withdraw from your account, be sure to log in regularly to check how much is being deducted—and check your account with your utility provider! If you see a sudden spike in pricing, you know something is amiss. Follow the list above to run a quick inspection, then call an HVAC technician if necessary.
Keeping your home running smoothly is a big responsibility. We’re here to help. If you have any issues with your home (or if you think that it’s time to look for something different), email us at theblocks@theblocksintheburgh.com or call at 412.926.7976.
Cheers,
Julie & Ted