Your home’s heating system directly affects your indoor comfort and financial savings during the winter. To improve the efficiency of your heating system and save money on your utility bills, it’s important to follow smart troubleshooting approaches. This article discusses the 10 best HVAC troubleshooting tricks for the winter, including checking insulation, adjusting thermostats, and changing filters. Keeping your house warm and cozy throughout the cold winter months without breaking the bank is possible if you follow these suggestions.
1. Check the Power Supply
If your heating system won’t turn on, the first thing you need to check is the power source. For electric furnaces, this requires checking the breaker box to make sure there isn’t a flipped switch causing the system to fail. For gas furnaces, you’ll need to contact a reputable gas provider or utility company in your area.
2. Check the Furnace Door
Many furnaces have a safety setting that keeps them from turning on if they detect an open service panel door. Perhaps the last person to perform repairs on the heating system left the service panel open. Shutting the door may fix your problem. Having a licensed technician perform furnace repairs allows you to avoid this problem.
3. Calibrate the Thermostat
Calibrating the thermostat right before winter ensures your heating system can provide precise temperature regulation. As a result, you’ll prevent excessive heating, which helps you avoid unnecessary energy consumption and reduces heating costs.
Some of the factors that affect a thermostat’s calibration are:
- Placement near heat sources
- Obstruction by furniture or decor
- Dust and debris accumulation
- Aging or wear and tear
- Faulty sensors or components
4. Clean the Filter
Cleaning the heating system’s air filter at least once every four to six weeks improves heating efficiency. A clean filter allows the system to maintain consistent heat output, which prevents strain on the system, reduces energy use, and results in fewer costly repairs. Changing the filters regularly throughout the winter months also improves the quality of air in the home.
Several scenarios can cause dirty air filters, such as:
- High levels of particulates in the home
- Inadequate ventilation
- Construction or renovation work
- Improperly sealed ductwork
- Neglecting regular replacement
5. Reset the Heating System
Check the owner’s manual to learn how to reset the heating system. If you don’t have the manual, you can always call one of our technicians and ask for instructions by giving us the model number. There are numerous reasons for needing to reset a furnace or heat pump, including:
- Power surges
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Safety shut-off
- Thermostat settings
- Maintenance or repairs
- System errors
6. Clean the Vents
As dust and particles accumulate on air vents, this causes the furnace to work harder to push air through the blocked vents. Over time, this greatly reduces efficiency and can even cause the system to overheat. Cleaning these vents regularly throughout the winter makes it easier for the heater to keep your home warm.
7. Check the Insulation and Ductwork
Loose seals and holes in your home’s insulation and ductwork are detrimental to the heating system. Did you know that as much as 30% to 40% of your home’s warm air can escape through these cracks and crevices? This makes the heater work in overtime mode to keep your home at your desired temperature. The best way to combat this problem is by investing in regular ductwork and insulation inspections. A certified technician can spot and fix all air leaks, which prevents heat loss. It also reduces drafts, lowers energy consumption, improves indoor air quality, and prolongs the lifespan of the heater.
Some of the most common reasons that insulation and ductwork will have holes are:
- Aging and wear
- Pest activity
- Improper installation
- Accidental damage
- Environmental factors
If you still need help troubleshooting your heating system, give Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC a call. We have been in business for over 30 years and are a second-generation owned and operated HVAC company. We also help residents in Billings with AC repairs, maintenance, and installations, as well as air quality testing and fireplace installation. We are excited to offer new cleaning technology with Laundry Pro & Water Detector. Contact us now if you’re experiencing any type of problem with your HVAC system.
Today!
