You expect a lot from your HVAC system during winter. Hopefully, a well-maintained system will provide comfort without any significant problems. However, this is not always the case. Being prepared for what can go wrong with your furnace or heat pump will help you to prevent it in the first place.

What Are Common Winter HVAC Problems?

1. Uneven Heating

A forced-air heating system works by pulling cold air from the home to heat and redistribute to all the rooms. When airflow is restricted, either by a clogged air filter or obstructions of the return vent, there isn’t enough air to warm. As a result, some rooms feel colder than others. Change the air filter every 30 to 90 days and always leave a clear area in front of the return vent to prevent this problem. 

2. Quick Cycling

When your heater turns on and off too quickly, it doesn’t have enough time to heat the home and wastes considerable energy in the process. Many times, this is due to a dirty air filter restricting airflow to the furnace. If changing it doesn’t work, it could be an issue with the thermostat.

3. No Heat

The worst problem your furnace or heat pump can have in the winter is producing cold air. If this happens, make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and that the fan setting is at “auto.” Next, check that the air filter isn’t too dirty. When this happens, the furnace will start to overheat, and once it reaches a specific temperature, the burner will automatically switch off to protect the heat exchanger. 

If the usual suspects aren’t to blame, it’s probably the pilot light. Try resetting it, but if it doesn’t stay lit, call an HVAC repair technician to inspect the problem further. 

Prepare your furnace or heat pump for winter by contacting the professionals at Barkley Blevins Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning for preventative HVAC maintenance. For over 125 years, this family-owned and -operated business has provided personalized plumbing, heating, and cooling services to homes and businesses in Lexington, KY. Their licensed and insured technicians arrive with fully stocked trucks to handle any situation. Call them at (859) 252-3519 for emergency service, and visit their website to learn more about their services.