Here in Warren County, and all of Ohio for that matter, having a fully functional furnace is a necessity!
As such, if your furnace is struggling to keep up with the cold, we at Lebanon Heating & Cooling, present the following list of things that could be causing the problem:
You’re losing warm air
For starters, you want to make sure you don’t have cold air coming in and warm air leaking out. Air leaks and air drafts send heat (and hard earned cash) right out the door — or window.
This can put a serious strain on your home heating system, making it harder and harder to provide the heat you are paying for. As such, if you question whether this could be the issue or if you aren certain about your home’s insulation levels, you should do some checking around.
When it comes to losing warm air, “usual suspects” include doorways, ductwork, windows, chimneys, pipes or anything else that is “penetrating” the structure of your home, (like dryer exhaust vents, spickets, etc). In any case, for future reference, these are all items we recommend doing before winter to winterize your residence.
Your air filters are blocked
If you have not done so in recent weeks, check your furnace’s air filters to make sure they aren’t preventing air from flowing freely. During the winter, furnace filters should be checked every month. Depending on how many people and pets are in the house, what type of air filter you have and your furnace’s make and model — air filters need to be changed on a regular schedule. Furnace filters like to gather dirt, dust, pet dander and other particles over time. Sooner or later, these particles build up and can clog the air filter, which slows down and hinders airflow. This can be really hard on a furnace.
Essentially, clean air filters are a must because they remove this stuff from the air before it goes through your HVAC system and back into your home and the air you breath. During the winter they can get dirty fast, especially if you have pets and multiple people living in the home. If there’s been any structural changes in the home or major work done, this is also something you should be mindful of.
If you’ve had any recent home restoration or renovation work, you should check them when the project is complete as this can cause filters to become blocked.
Your thermostat isn’t working properly
This problem can be an extremely easy one to fix.
If your thermostat isn’t working properly it can cause heating problems. This could be the result of bad wiring or a mechanical issue or it could need cleaned out inside. It could also be the battery or the power source. In any case, if you discover your thermostat is the source of the problem and it needs replaced — now is a great time to look into upgrading to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats are very smart-home friendly. You can adjust your temperature remotely via your smartphone. In general, Wi-Fi thermostats, smart thermostats and programmable thermostats are excellent money-saving options that are very cool looking and surprisingly affordable!
Did you neglect maintenance?
Our home heating units are intricate and expensive systems that work hard for us throughout the winter months, keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe and comfortable when it’s raging cold outside. Because repairs and replacement costs are so much, and because it costs so much in energy to use them, keeping up with seasonal maintenance is a must.
It is essential homeowners have their furnaces serviced, inspected and cleaned heading into the cold season. Not only will it reduce wear and tear and keep it performing like it should, effectively and efficiently, for years to come, but it will also help keep heating costs from climbing too high and avoid problems from developing in the first place. Maintenance gives a professional an opportunity to address these issues before they cause serious problems.
Furnace not keeping up with the cold? Give us a call right away!
When it comes to our home’s expensive heating equipment, there’s simply no substitute for the assistance of a certified HVAC professional. Our trusted, friendly furnace technicians perform maintenance quickly and affordably. In addition to keeping your system running smoothly like it should, this will give you peace of mind you can’t find anywhere online.
To give your heating equipment the TLC it deserves and needs, call Lebanon Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1773, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
We look forward to hearing from you and even more so look forward to helping you!
