As we all know, winter is the season of hot cocoa and cozy sweaters, but sometimes, the cold becomes unbearable, which is why we turn to our furnace whenever it happens. During the winter, the furnace is our best friend because it provides heat throughout the home. For this reason, it’s vital to maintain the furnace.

Taking care of your furnace is essential, especially during the winter months since it works more at this time. If it’s not well-maintained and it happens to break right when winter starts, then you’re in for a freezing winter season. 

It’s even harder to get it fixed during those months because furnace repair workers would have to encounter heaps of snow and the cold first. To save yourself the trouble, you should know how to spot issues in your furnace.

In this article, we’ll be talking about issues in furnaces that can occur during the winter. Read on below to learn more.

#1 – Frozen Pipes and Coils

Parts of your furnace can freeze up during the winter, especially its pipes and coils. Frozen pipes and coils are often attributed to a broken HVAC system. The freezing happens when the temperature drops and ice forms in the system, preventing hot water and steam from passing through.

If left unattended, there’s a risk of pressure build-up, which can cause extensive damage to the furnace. To fix this, turn off your water supply and manually remove the ice.

#2 – Clogged and Dirty Filters

A furnace’s heat must reach every corner of your home. If some parts of your home are colder than others or the air isn’t circulating properly, the culprit is most likely your furnace’s filters. 

Whenever cold spots and poor air circulation occur during the winter, it’s usually a sign that your furnace has either clogged or dirty filters. To solve this problem, simply replace or clean the filter.

#3 – Pilot Light Issues

A furnace’s pilot light is considered the most crucial component of any HVAC system. If the pilot light isn’t staying lit with an intense flame, it could be a dirty or malfunctioning sensor.

If you see the pilot light flickering or if it’s out when it should be on, turn off the furnace and clean your sensor. If that doesn’t work, then it might be time to replace it.

#4 – Carbon Monoxide Leaking

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and lethal gas. Carbon monoxide leaks occur in homes with heating systems, which means that they can happen anytime.

To prevent a deadly situation from happening in your home, you have to place carbon monoxide detectors. Aside from that, you also need to make sure that your furnace is looked at by a professional.

#5 – Thermostat Problems

The thermostat is a crucial part of a heating system because it controls the temperature. If it’s not working correctly, it may be forcing your furnace to work too much. When this happens, it can lead to a sudden spike in your energy bills, which doesn’t come cheap.

To know whether your thermostat is working correctly or not, set the thermostat according to the temperature of your preference. Take note if it’s following your command or if it’s turning off and on. If it’s the latter, it’s a clear indication that there are problems with it.

Conclusion

Regardless of how well you maintain your furnace, it’s bound to run into problems. Your best course of action would be to contact an HVAC technician because they can properly diagnose the problem and provide solutions. 

If you’re looking for HVAC services, Good Guys Home Services has got your back! We have a team of experienced and knowledgeable technicians who can help you fix any problems with your ventilation system so that you can get back to living comfortably in your home. Contact us and get a quote now!