The Most Common HVAC Problems During the Winter

Every season has its fair share of challenges. For your HVAC system, winter can be one of the most challenging. Here are the top five problems that can arise during the wintertime.

1. Freezing Pipes

As temperatures decrease and ice begins to form, coils and pipes can be subjected to freezing. This can result in a systemwide failure. Hydronic systems, like steam radiators and water heaters, could cause the water to stop flowing. And there is nothing worse than not having hot water during the cold winter months.

In extreme cases, the frozen pipes can burst, and the damage can be more catastrophic. This is why it is always important to double check your pipes and systems to ensure there is no freezing, and if there is, contact a professional HVAC company to come inspect it.

2. Inadequate Airflow and Temperature Regulation

HVAC systems that aren’t optimized and inspected for winter could lead to irregular temperatures in the house. Imagine the frustration when you discover one room is colder than the other. Uneven airflow isn’t always an HVAC problem, but if your windows and doors are properly closed, and there are no holes or leaks you are aware of, then it could be an HVAC issue.

3. The Heat Pump Could Malfunction

Not all homes are heated equally. Some rely on heat pumps that are usually outside. Winter weather can cause damage to them, such as coil blockage and broken fans. Another common issue is defrost failure. A properly working heat pump requires its fans and coils to be clear of frost and ice. Luckily, some options allow for automatic defrosting. But in older heat pumps (and malfunctioning ones) you may have to manually scrape the ice and frost off.

4. Heater Filters Need Cleaning

When a heater is overused, the filter can become filled with dirt, dust, and debris. A blocked filter will decrease the air flow, which means the home will be cooler. And unfortunately, not many people realize that they have poor air circulation.

5. The Thermostat is broken

At times, the issue isn’t with the hardware, rather, the thermostat itself. There could be some electronic issue, possibly a faulty wire. It can be a simple fix that can solve a huge problem! A functioning thermostat controls the temperature and can promote energy efficiency.