During the winter, Missouri homeowners use heat around-the-clock to make sure their families stay warm and cozy. This constant use can cause HVAC problems, as excess use can place strain on the unit and lead to premature wear on various components. Here are four common issues that homeowners experience with their heaters during the colder months.

HVAC Problems that Occur During the Winter 

1. Frozen Pipes

Many people assume that frozen pipes are just a plumbing problem. However, geothermal or radiator heat may fail, and units can freeze if other pipes are compromised.

Always keep the indoor temperature above 60 degrees to prevent this issue from happening. You can also insulate pipes with barriers or thermal tape. Get annual HVAC inspections to keep the system in top shape and diagnose any problems that could cause system failure that may lead to frozen pipes. 

2. The Carbon Monoxide Detector is Alerting

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is deadly to humans and animals. People often forget about their CO2 meter until it’s alerting that carbon monoxide levels are too high – usually from 51 parts per million or greater. If you hear that telltale beeping, get your family – including pets – outside right away and contact an HVAC expert. There may be an issue with the gas lines or the pilot light that requires professional care. Don’t re-enter the home until HVAC or other gas experts have cleared the building. 

3. Some Rooms are Warm & Others are Drafty

Uneven heating is often due to inefficient HVAC systems or inadequate weatherproofing. If the heater is over ten years old, invest in a new system. The latest technology better uses energy to heat the house, providing improved energy efficiency and heating the entire home instead of a few rooms. You can also better regulate the temperature of individual rooms. If you have added on to the house recently, you may also want to install a new system to handle the additional load.

Annually inspect and update weatherproofing around the doors and windows to mitigate air exchange. Install foam strip adhesives or film around windows and re-caulk yearly to stop any gaps that may lose heat.

4. Miscalibrated Thermostats

Faulty wiring or an old system may lead to an incorrect reading, making it difficult to set the temperature correctly. Every year, an HVAC specialist should calibrate the thermostat to ensure your heater adjusts on par with the settings on the control device and the interior and exterior temperatures.

Homeowners who need HVAC repair in St. Charles County, MO, should contact Air Rescue to get the best service from knowledgable experts. The local, family-owned company is bonded, licensed, and insured to provide heating and cooling services. Visit their website for more information on their 24/7 emergency service, or call (636) 764-0700 today to schedule a free estimate in the O’Fallon, MO, area.