As much as you may have prepared your HVAC system for winter, there’s always the possibility of problems arising. The chilly weather can destroy the best of intentions to keep up on maintenance and the sturdiest of parts of your home.
Some of the most common issues we see on heating and cooling systems during winter can often be avoided, but occasionally there’s just nothing to stand between you and an HVAC disaster. That’s when repair companies like Precise Air Systems come in.
But, to avoid the top heating and cooling mishaps during wintertime, familiarize yourself with what usually goes wrong. Then, you’ll be in a better position to make the best decisions for your system and your home.
- Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most common HVAC problems that plague homeowners. When the temperatures plunge, ice accumulates on coils and pipes. This can cause pipes to freeze over completely and stop functioning entirely.Steam radiators and hydraulic hot water systems often fail when water ceases to flow through pipes. This can lead to more than just frustration for a homeowner. It can cause pipes to burst (which means a huge repair bill) due to pressure build up. - Heat Pump Malfunction
Many homes depend on outside heat pumps for warmth. This means that frigid temperatures and winds may damage essential heating components. In order for an exterior heat pump to function optimally, you should be aware of potential hazards like broken or compromised coils and fan motors.Heat pumps have to be clear of frost to work correctly, which means you should have an automatic defrost function on your unit. This will melt ice before it forms into thick layers that ruin your entire system. - Uneven Temperature and Air Flow
Having heat flowing in some of the rooms in your house and not the others can be irritating. Families don’t always congregate in the same area but they usually all want to avoid feeling chilled.You can remedy uneven temperature and air flow by taking action that is not even HVAC related. Throughout winter, check for holes and cracks around doorways and windowsills. Inspect ducts and vents for debris and blockages. Patch up and clear out all possible problem areas.To avoid common HVAC issues during winter, you should also regularly clean dirty heaters. Looking at your thermostat wiring could uncover problems as could recalibrating your unit.
If you need help diagnosing a winter HVAC issue, contact Precise Air Systems.
