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Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips & Signs of HVAC Problems

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Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips & Signs of HVAC Problems

Are you ready for winter? Don’t let winter weather sneak up on you and your family! Although the official start to winter is a few weeks away, ensure your heating system is ready with some HVAC maintenance tips.

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Why?

An inefficient HVAC system costs money because it does not effectively heat your home. For example, do you have rooms that are not heated or colder than you set the thermostat? This is an inefficient HVAC system at work. Additionally, older HVAC units might have trouble heating your entire home, which means you may have to repair or replace the HVAC system.

If you are not ready for winter and are looking for a few HVAC maintenance tips, then you are in the right place.

Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips

How do you avoid heating system issues this winter? Schedule an annual inspection and tune-up!

“The very best idea for central heating maintenance is to have a service professional out to give your system a checkup. HVAC contractors regularly handle these exact tasks, and they can provide you with a thorough check of your system and ensure that it will run effectively all winter.”

warning signs to consider repair vs replace HVAC systems

Plus, according to equipment manufacturers, an annual tune-up is something your system requires at least once a year. As a result, your heating system performs at peak delivery and your equipment maintains manufacturer warranties.

However, for the DIY crowd, there are a few HVAC maintenance checks you can perform before winter strikes.

  • Test the heating system before the first frost. Contact a professional if you do not have any warm air flowing from the vents.
  • Check the pilot light for a clear blue flame if you have natural gas. Yellow or orange flames could be a warning sign.
  • Ensure there are no drapes, furniture or plants blocking the vents. Allow the heat to flow into your open space by ensuring the vents are not blocked.
  • Change the furnace filter. Dirty filters cause the unit to work harder to push the warm air through the filter, causing your unit to run less than efficiently and possibly break down.
  • However, there may be some signs that you have bigger HVAC issues that need to be solved by a technician, which is what we’ll outline below.
  • Signs Your Home Has HVAC Problems

  • 1. Inconsistent Temperatures

    man checking a thermostat that's having issues

    With an HVAC system, your home should remain at an even temperature throughout the day. If you notice a change or feel like your system has been sluggish, call and schedule a professional to come out and have a look at it. Your HVAC system may need a repair or it may need to be replaced.

    2. Strange Odors

    woman experiencing an odor in her home

    As with many things in life, if there is a strange smell coming from your HVAC system, it probably needs repair. There are a few different smells that mean different things.

    If you smell rotten eggs coming from your HVAC, this could be a sign of a natural gas leak. Do not do anything except turn your HVAC system off and then notify the gas company. Never try to meddle with gas.

    Another odor sign that signals possible HVAC problems is the smell of something burning. If you smell burning hair or something like burning food coming from your HVAC, turn it off and call a professional to have a look. There may be times that a slight burning smell is normal, such as when you turn it off after having it on all winter or summer, but that smell should dissipate within a day. If, after 24 hours, you can still smell something burning near your HVAC system, then it is a problem and you should contact a professional.

    3. Leaks Where There Shouldn’t Be Any

    leaks signal hvac problems

    Your unit should never have water leaking from it. There are parts on your HVAC that keep any occurring condensation from leaking or dripping. If you see water, then there is a good chance those parts need repair.

    Leaks from your HVAC may not be the obvious leaks you see from your faucets. These will be more like condensation, though dripping can happen. If you see water collecting near vents, under the unit, or from any exhaust ports, you will need to turn off the unit and take a look. Remove the vents and look inside. Is there water? Then you will need to call a professional to have a look. Mold is another sign that your HVAC may have a leak and needs to have someone come look at it.

    There are other things that can happen to your HVAC, as with all machines, that can mean there is a leak. Sometimes the fix is simple, other times not. If you see water where it shouldn’t be, it’s better to be safe and call a professional to come and have a look.

    4. High Energy Bills

    high energy bills signal HVAC problems

    For the most part, you know what you’ll be paying each month in energy costs. It may spike with the change of seasons, but you prepare for that. However, if you notice a change in energy costs in the middle of the winter when you haven’t changed the temperature in your home for months, then you may have a potential HVAC problem. If you notice a change, especially if the bill is higher than usual, you will want to contact your trusted HVAC tech to check on your HVAC system.

    5. Unusual Noises from Unit

    odd noises signal HVAC problems

    Machines are built to run as smoothly and quietly as possible. When your car squeaks, you know there’s a problem and it needs to be taken care of. The same goes for your home HVAC system.

    If you hear a loud scraping sound, like that of nails on a chalkboard, you may be looking at a broken blower wheel in the motor shaft. Loud thumps, humming, and rattling are all indications that there are HVAC problems. Loud rumbling may indicate something more serious if your system is gas or oil-fired. In any of these situations, turn off your system and call a professional to help. Our professionals are able to perform repairs or regular maintenance to make sure your system is running correctly.

Furnace Maintenance Checks

What happens during HVAC maintenance checks by one of our technicians? HVAC maintenance checks involve the furnace filter. It is important to check and change the furnace filter. In particular, monthly filter maintenance makes sense during winter and summer because the HVAC unit works consistently during this time.

Why?

Furnace filters screen out unwanted pollens and debris from your heating and cooling systems. Plus, they also increase HVAC efficiency and productivity. Therefore, by changing the filter, your air stays clean and healthy!

technician installing a heating unit

How to Change or Replace a Furnace Filter

  • First, turn off the HVAC system and locate the service panel.
  • Next, locate the furnace air filter near the intake-outtake blower.
  • Check the dust level.
  • If the filter is difficult to see through, then it needs replacing.

Types of Furnace Filters

There are permanent (fiberglass or metal framing) or disposable (cardboard framing) furnace filters. Disposable models are cheaper but require monthly replacement. Permanent brands are more cost-effective due to their reusability but require more work.

Additionally, all furnace filters come with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) Rating, which reports the product’s capability to trap particles. The MERV rating allows homeowners to compare the performance of different brands. For example, the higher the MERV rating, the more productive the filtration.

Typical HVAC Maintenance Plans

First and foremost, consider working with a local HVAC technician. Professional technicians spot problems before they arise and will help increase the longevity of your heating and cooling system.

How?

Many simple maintenance techniques help increase the runtime of your existing system. For example, SolvIt offers protection plans that provide annual maintenance for all of your home comfort systems including plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and more!

solvit protection plans provide routine HVAC maintenance inspections

We provide ongoing maintenance and expert repairs for:

  • Furnaces
  • Boilers
  • Heat pumps
  • Ductless air systems
  • Baseboard heating
  • Radiant heating
  • Hydro-air systems
  • Electric and oil systems
  • Natural and LP gas systems

Plus, during SolvIt tune-ups we employ many steps to provide a comprehensive inspection and tests. We aim to leverage modern technology, such as infrared cameras that identify leaks and cracks before they cause major damage.

In addition to improved performance, our expert maintenance work will help provide:

  • Longer system lifespan!
  • Reduced cost of operation!
  • Cleaner indoor air!
  • Even temperatures from room to room!

Make sure you are ready for winter and complete some of these HVAC maintenance checks today. For any questions, contact SolvIt!

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