The cold is here once again in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield (IL). Ideally, most of us have already had our furnaces cleaned and inspected as the system gets ready for the next few months of peak operation.
If you haven’t already completed your furnace maintenance for winter, you can still schedule it with Air Dynamics now – when it comes to keeping comfortable and warm, a little late is still always better than never!
Because we’re now in the initial phase of the cold, now is also a good time to review some of the furnace issues that can be common in winter. Furnaces are typically made to reliably serve for many years, but like any other machine, they can eventually develop wear and tear, especially as they get older.
Winter Furnace Repair: Inefficiency Because of Filter & Ductwork
A clean filter and debris-free ductwork are the healthy heart and lungs of your system. They ensure the full and smooth passage of heated air to the rooms of your home.
If the filter or ducts are dirty or clogged, your furnace will often have to work extra hard to move heated air. More impurities can be pushed into the air you breathe as well.
Because they prevent air from circulating properly, dirty ducts and filters also can cause cold spots in rooms in addition to ice build-up on evaporator coils. They further can lead to worn components requiring repair or replacement or even cause a system failure.
Be sure to check and replace the air filter regularly so it can do the work it’s designed for. If you haven’t had your ducts inspected and cleaned in a while, just let us know at Air Dynamics – we specialize in air duct cleaning!
Winter Furnace Repair: Gas Leak
Gas leaks can be caused by factors such as faulty valves, improperly fitted gas lines or cracks in the unit’s heat exchanger. Even a minor leak can present a major problem such as a fire risk or carbon monoxide poisoning and should be repaired right away.
If you suspect there could be a gas leak, or you’re uncertain because your furnace hasn’t been inspected for some time, be sure to contact us. Your safety is important. For that reason, also always be sure your house is equipped with correctly operating carbon monoxide sensors with fresh batteries.
Winter Furnace Repair: Thermostat
The thermostat is the command center for precisely and thoroughly heating your home in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora, or Plainfield. If it is malfunctioning, it can strain the furnace, cause incorrect heating cycles, fail to fire up the unit and increase energy use and expense.
A thermostat repair might address a wiring issue, a miscalibration, a compromised power supply or a replacement of worn or aged components. In some cases, a new unit might be needed or, together with the homeowner, we’ll determine that a replacement thermostat would better serve heating goals and efficiencies.
You can be proactive about proper operation by setting the therm to your preference and then noting how your heating system responds. Does it turn on and off a lot or not turn on at all? Also be aware of whether your home feels too hot or cold or shifts between the two.
Whatever the case might be, Air Dynamics can provide efficient support in the event you need thermostat repair or inspection.
Winter Furnace Repair: Pilot Light
A failed pilot light is one of our most common winter repairs. The pilot is the small flame that ignites the gas to your furnace. You hear this ignition when the system starts up and clicks to light the pilot, which then remains aflame while your home is being heated.
When the system clicks for ignition but doesn’t catch, the issue can often be the pilot, without which there won’t be heat. Symptoms of a faulty pilot might include a weak or flickering light or a flame that is out when it should be on.
Calls for repair can often involve a broken component or a dirty flame sensor. Unless you have proper training, you shouldn’t try to fix a pilot-light problem yourself. Simply call us and one of our specialists can help you!
Winter Furnace Repair: Frozen Coils & Pipes
Air Dynamics will often respond to service calls involving frozen pipes in winter.
Pipes can freeze when the temperature drops and ice forms over the hydronic system, which is one that uses a fluid such as water as a heat-transfer medium. The ice can keep steam and hot water from passing through the pipes. If too much air is blocked from clear passage, extra pressure can build up in pipes and burst them as well.
If you see or suspect frozen pipes, you can help avoid a more-serious issue by turning off the water supply to the pipes and removing the ice. If you don’t know how to do this or you have questions or need further support, just give us a call.
Your system’s evaporator coils also can freeze because of insufficient airflow caused by dirty filters or low refrigerant levels. The ice will restrict the heat-exchange process, reducing the system’s efficiency or making it stop altogether.
Air Dynamics can address frozen components and implement preventive measures for safeguarding your furnace in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield.
Winter Furnace Repair: Other Symptoms to Watch For
Beyond common winter furnace repairs, you can be familiar with other symptoms that, if overlooked, can develop into a needed repair.
As you’re staying warm this winter, be alert of any signs such as the following.
Less heated air. If you’re noticing cool instead of warm air from your vents, start by first checking your thermostat to ensure it’s not on the Fan setting. Also confirm the temperature setting wasn’t changed from where you meant it to be.
If the settings are correct and the air from the vents isn’t warming, the furnace may have an issue, such as with the burner, gas valve or flame sensor.
Strange noises. Odd noises can indicate an underlying furnace problem that’s common in winter. Pay attention to any rattling, banging, squealing or grinding sounds. Rattling can suggest loose components or unsecured ductwork. Banging could involve complications with the ignition. Squealing can often mean there’s something wrong with the blower motor or the shaft bearings need lubrication. Grinding noises often originate from worn-out or damaged components, such as a failing motor bearing.
Uneven heating. If heat distribution isn’t balanced, there might be poor insulation, which lets heat escape; a dirty air filter, which can restrict airflow and alter heat distribution; or leaks or obstructions in the ductwork, which can likewise create uneven distribution. The furnace also could be starting to malfunction because of a bad part (e.g. faulty blower motor or heat exchanger).
Short cycling. A common furnace issue in winter, short cycling happens when a furnace turns on and off regularly rather than completing a full heating cycle. It can be caused by factors such as an oversized furnace, a malfunctioning thermostat or problems with the heat exchanger or flame sensor.
Winter Furnace Repair: Contact Us Today
Air Dynamics is and will remain an HVAC service provider fully dedicated to comfort, warmth and air quality for your Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora, or Plainfield (IL) home in winter. If you haven’t yet scheduled your furnace maintenance, or if you have questions or concerns about a furnace repair, just give us a call at (630) 731-1550!
