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Introduction
Ohio winters can be brutal, especially when it comes to cold spells. The extreme temperatures can take a toll on heating equipment like furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, or air handlers. If the heat goes out in the dead of winter, it can cause damage to your home and your health. Access to heat is a health and safety issue, so it's important to ensure your HVAC system is working well before any major winter weather hits.
Not Much Air From the Vents? Check the Furnace Filter
The most common issue we see is a dirty filter. When the filter gets too full of dust and dirt, it can prevent adequate airflow and cause the furnace to fall behind. If you notice little to no air coming through the vents, this is always the first place our technicians look. Pro Note: If you have an HVAC System, you have a filter. It may be a common disposable one, or you may have a reusable one. For our Beginner's Guide on Filters, click here.
Uneven Heating in The House? Make Sure the Vents Are Open
If air is not coming out of the vents, they're probably obstructed. Make sure all vents are open and uncovered. Registers should not be blocked by furniture or curtains, as this will result in uneven and inefficient heating throughout the home.
Note: Your registers and your air intake vent are different. The large ceiling vent pictured above is an intake vent and will not produce air. This takes air to the furnace to be heated. If the vent is larger and on a wall or a ceiling, it is most likely an intake vent. Be sure these are not blocked by furniture to ensure the furnace can breathe.
Not Heating Well? Replace the Thermostat Batteries
Most thermostats do not let you know how much life is left in the batteries. It's important to change these every so often so the thermostat is not trying to run on a limited amount of energy. When batteries start to die, they do not provide enough energy for the thermostat to do it's job correctly, and it may start acting weird, not calling for heat or not switching stages like it's supposed to.
Not Heating, But Air is Coming From the Vents? Check the Thermostat Settings
Another common problem we find is the thermostat being set incorrectly. If it's set to cool or fan, it will not heat the home properly and the temperature will drop below the set point. Make sure the thermostat is set to heat mode.
Not Heating Or Turning On? Check the Power to the Furnace
Occasionally, power may be the source of the issue. Double-check the breaker or switch on your furnace to make sure the power is able to go to the unit. If the unit has a plug, make sure it is plugged in.
Strange Sounds or Not Working Correctly? Check the Heating System For Ice or Soot
Occasionally, you may discover ice collecting inside the furnace or on the pipes connected to it. This usually indicates a more technical issue and should be looked at by a technician. When you call, be sure to mention the ice, where it is, and if the unit is still able to heat the home adequately.
When checking for soot, look in and around the bottom of the furnace, as well as the sides. You may notice rusted holes, soot, or excessive corrosion, and all are signs there is an issue with the furnace. Soot is the most common and usually the most serious. This means the unit is "burning dirty" and may not be burning the fuel source completely. Units that produce a lot of soot should be cleaned and checked by a technician every year. If you notice a lot of soot appear all at once, please call a professional to see what may be causing it. If the gas/fuel is not burning completely, it poses a health risk to any residents in the home.
Please Note: Rust around the surface of the unit will likely come with age, but if there are holes in the equipment, it's best to have it checked, especially if soot around the unit is visible.
Conclusion
Winter is a difficult time for homeowners. The harsh weather causes excessive wear and tear on HVAC and plumbing systems, both of which are necessary for the health and safety of your household. When something breaks, it's best to be prepared and know what to look for. There are some actions you can take as a homeowner to try and remedy the issue before calling a technician, and we encourage you to try these first.
Never be afraid to call your local heating professionals if you do not have heat. It is best to have an established relationship with your preferred heating company so you have someone you know and trust in high-stress emergency situations. You can establish this relationship through non-emergency projects, maintenance visits, or by stopping in to ask questions.
Please Note: Most service companies have a maintenance plan. This is usually the best way to establish a good relationship with the company.
Need a furnace repair near Tiffin, Ohio? Call Greene's! 419-443-8630
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