Having a well-working HVAC system in your home provide comfortable living; and if you’re remote working, then the more the advantage. However, mother nature often changes throughout the year, revealing different seasons. Cold seasons can potentially affect your HVAC system. Therefore, it vital to have a know-how of expected impacts on your HVAC system during cold weather and the necessary mitigation strategies to take beforehand or when the effects finally show up.
Cold weather means the HVAC has to work harder to keep your interiors warm. This also means an additional requirement of auxiliary heating element for homes using a heat pump. Typically, the system’s efficiency is affected, and it’s imperative to have regular cleaning and maintenance to avoid breakdown or damage.
Common HVAC Hitches During Cold Weather and How to Troubleshoot
#1 Airflow Isn’t Right
The air filters or exhausts are clogged if you’re experiencing decreased airflow and the air feels less warm than expected. Snow or ice build-up makes it harder for streamlined airflow and dirty filters and blocked exhaust make it even worse.
The HVAC system requires an efficient airflow to work correctly. Check your filters to establish they’re clean and ascertain that all vents and exhaust aren’t blocked. Regularly clean your filters and be sure that all vents are open. Change them monthly to lengthen the system’s life.
#2 Heat Pump Isn’t Working
If your household is using a heat pump, it might temporarily shift to defrost mode to prevent icing. Expect relatively cold air when it in this mode. Nevertheless, it might be a problem with thermostat settings. You’d want to check that the thermostat is set correctly according to desired temperatures. Due to overworking, the thermostat might have damaged and needs replacement. The heat pump might also stop working altogether due to failure to defrost or the wrong automatic defrost settings. Be sure that defrost mode is set to Auto.
In the case that all mitigation tactics seem unfruitful, call an HVAC technician to check and repair any problem with your heat pump. A certified CMC HVAC expert will ensure the comfort at your home is restored professionally and timely.
#3 My HVAC is On and not Working
There’s a high level of humidity during the cold season. Therefore, the heating system doesn’t only need to keep the inside warm but also to drive excess moisture outside. This means more work and more energy consumption. In the process, the system may shut down unexpected and any efforts to jumpstart proof futile. What do you do in such an event?
Commonly, the fuse might blow due to a power surge. If it has, be sure to turn OFF the system before replacing it. Also, you may want to check if the circuit breakers (meant to protect the system from short-circuiting) have automatically cut off the power supply. If the two solution doesn’t solve your case, call an expert electrician to help.
#4 Frozen Pipes
Even if you’re living in fairly warm places like South Louisiana, you can’t eliminate the possibility of your pipes freezing entirely. This can happen when ice is allowed to build in the pipes and can sometimes cause bursting. If your HVAC system ever falls into such a situation, turn off the water to your home and call your HVAC technician for repairs.
An HVAC system that isn’t working well can lead to increased utility bills while also compromising your home’s luxury. We recommend seeking maintenance services immediately you notice poor results from your HVAC, especially before winter to avert future breakdown.
Experience Superior Services With CMC
Coastal Mechanical Contractors has been helping homeowners over the years with all HVAC, plumbing and electrical needs. Our team of experts will find out what the problem with your HVAC and help you out. We also love to provide home-tailored solutions for new houses to give them installations that precisely fit them. Contact us today for more info.