Common Heating Problems and How to Prevent Them This Winter

When temperatures start dropping, there’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, cozy house. However, being warm and comfy depends on how well your heating system works when you need it most. 

Nothing can throw a wrench in your winter plans quite like issues with your heating system. So, we’re going to look at some of the most common heating problems and some heating system maintenance tips, so you can keep your home comfortable all season long.

Common Winter Heating Problems Homeowners Face

Winter often brings challenges for your heating system, but recognizing the signs of furnace problems early can save you from discomfort and costly repairs. From uneven heating to strange noises, these common issues are preventable with proper maintenance.

Uneven Heating Throughout the Home

This is by far one of the most common heating issues in winter we see with our clients. If some of your rooms are warm and comfortable while others feel like the Arctic, you might be dealing with uneven heating. The problem here is often either poor insulation, blocked vents, or a thermostat that isn’t doing its job.

Preventative Heating Care Tip: Make sure your vents aren’t being blocked by furniture. Also, seal off the drafts around your doors and windows, and have a professional come in to check the thermostat if it seems off.

Thermostat Malfunctions

Thermostats that don’t give correct readings or don’t respond to internal temperatures can be major issues. While the answer might be as simple as replacing some dead batteries, other times, it’s a bigger issue.

Preventative Heating Care Tip: Replace your batteries and clean your thermostat regularly, or consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat.

Frequent Cycling On and Off

If your furnace keeps turning on and off, it’s likely because it’s working harder than it needs to. This can result in wasted energy, which can cost you more in the long run.. This issue is usually due to a dirty filter or poor calibration.

Preventative Heating Care Tip: Have a professional HVAC tech inspect your system. You can also make it a point to replace your filters routinely so that your furnace is always operating at its best. 

Cold Air Blowing from Vents

It’s hard to think of something home-related that’s as salt-in-the-wound as vents blowing cold air during the winter season. If you’re getting cold air form your system, you might have issues with the pilot light, blower, or thermostat.

Heating System Repair Tips: Schedule an annual inspection with your local HVAC tech to make sure everything is running smoothly and address potential airflow issues before they get worse.

Strange Noises Coming from the Furnace

If you’re hearing banging, rattling, or squealing noises coming from your furnace, it’s probably because you have loose or damaged parts. Worse off, if you ignore them, they can lead to bigger, costlier problems.

Preventative Heating Care Tip: Get a professional HVAC tech to check your system regularly. Catching minor issues early can save you tons of problems down the line.

Simple Maintenance Tips to Avoid Costly Heating Repairs

Lucky, you can take a few simple steps to maintain your heating system. This will save you from having to spend extra money on a winter heating repair later on.

Change Furnace Filters Regularly

One of the best ways to keep your maintenance costs low is by cleaning your filters keep air, so that your heating system runs more efficiently. Dirty filters can put your furnace under a lot of stress, which can make them more likely to break down.

We recommend replacing your furnace filter every 1–3 months during winter to avoid heating breakdowns.

Check and Clear Vents and Registers

When your vents are blocked, it can force your system to work harder. Just like your regularly change your filters, make sure to routinely check your vents and registers for dust or debris. Keeping them clear allows air to flow evenly throughout your home.

Inspect Insulation Around Windows and Doors

As you already know, poor insulation allows warm air to escape and cold air to sneak in, putting extra pressure on your heating system and driving up energy bills. This is why it’s always a good idea to check for drafts and seal off any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. 

You might also consider upgrading your current insulation to keep your heat more consistent.

Test the Thermostat Before Winter

When you have a thermostat that’s working properly, it can keep your home at the temperature you want it at. When fall rolls around, it’s a good idea to set your thermostat to heat mode and adjust the temperature. If it doesn’t respond quickly or accurately, clean it, replace the batteries, or call a professional to inspect it.

Speaking of…

When to Call a Professional

Even if you have a strong DIY mentality when it comes to furnace troubleshooting, there are some things best left to the professionals, such as:

• Persistent cold air blowing from your vents, even when your thermostat is set at the right temperature

• Loud or unusual noises coming from your furnace.

• An unresponsive thermostat

• High energy bills with no clear explanation

Best of all, when you get regular inspections from a professional technician, you can catch small issues before they turn into expensive problems down the road. 

Take Advantage of Efficient Home Heating In Winter

Trust us when we say that you’ll enjoy winter a lot more this season knowing that your heating system is running as it should. As we always say, take the steps to prevent issues now, so you can save yourself from stress later on.