5 Common Winter Furnace Problems

5 Furnace Problems You May Experience in Winter

It is inevitable – as a homeowner, you will have a problem with your heating system at some point, even if you have it maintained on a regular basis. A non-functioning furnace can be a serious problem during the cold winter months, and this winter, you may need to make some repairs. If your furnace is damaged, you may need the help of an HVAC contractor in Sonoma and Marin County. Here are just a few of the problems your furnace may face this winter, but fortunately, most can be solved with professional help.

1. Some Rooms Are Colder Than Others

Have you noticed that some rooms in your home are colder than others? If you have, your heating system may not be functioning properly. If you need help with this problem, an HVAC specialist can help you by examining the various parts of your heating system and finding out what the problem really is. There are numerous reasons one room may be colder than the rest, and sometimes, the heating system may not be the problem. Air leaks around windows and doors can let cold air into an otherwise warm room.

2. Frozen Pipes and Coils

The water inside pipes and coils can freeze when exposed to extremely low temperatures. Frozen water can prevent the heating system from functioning properly, leaving your home uncomfortable and cold. In many cases, the water inside the coil or pipe can expand, causing it to burst and creating even more problems. Repairing a burst pipe or coil can be expensive and time-consuming. If you believe your heating system is being damaged by frozen water, you should turn off the source of water immediately and contact an HVAC specialist.

3. Faulty Thermostat

Thermostats help regulate heating systems. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, the heating system will follow suit. Often, a malfunctioning thermostat only needs to be calibrated or cleaned, but they can break. If you have a non-programmable thermostat that needs to be replaced, it may be time to choose a more modern programmable replacement for your home or business.

4. Damaged Pilot Light

If you heat by propane or oil, your system will require a pilot light to ignite properly. Older systems often have a pilot light that runs constantly, while newer systems only utilize a pilot light when the system is turned on. If your system’s pilot light isn’t working, it may have a damaged or dirty flame sensor. Fortunately, if this is the problem, an HVAC professional can clean or replace the sensor for you with relative ease.

5. Furnace Blowing Cold Air

Is your furnace not heating at all? Sometimes, a system will blow cold air if it is not working properly. There are many issues that can cause this problem including:

•  Faulty electrical wiring
•  A damaged or dirty pilot light
•  Malfunctioning thermostat
•  Natural gas problems

An HVAC professional can help you figure out what is wrong with your system if it blows cold air during the winter.

Contact Us

Next Level HVAC can help you keep your heating system in excellent condition all winter long. We specialize in helping homeowners keep their furnaces up and running all year. Contact Next Level HVAC today to learn more.