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6 Common Furnace Problems in Cold Weather

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Posted by admin on January 18, 2016

The dark and cold winter months don’t have to be miserable, in fact it can be a great time of year just as long as you have a nice warm home to get back to. Your snug and cozy chamber can make the difference in winter, but if something goes wrong with your furnace, it’s a different story. Here are a few of the most common furnace problems in cold weather. 

Only Blowing Cold Air

Blocked or excessively dirty filters can be the root cause of some of the most common furnace problems in cold weather. Blocked filters impede the free flow of air and therefore your furnace has to work a lot harder. Not only is this bad economically, but it means your home will stay cold for longer. Make the sure the filters are inspected regularly. Ideally they should be cleaned or replaced every 1-3 months. If in doubt, consult one of our specialists who can show you how to clean and replace your filters. 

If your furnace is only blowing out cold air it could also be a problem with your air ducts. They may be inefficiently insulated leading to an uneven airflow and need sealing. 

Uneven Airflow

If some of the rooms in your home remain freezing cold while others are adequately heated, it is likely that an uneven airflow is occurring due to the wrong system having been installed for your home or the air ducts need attention. Inconsistencies in room temperatures could also indicate insulation and draft problems and that cold air is being allowed in rather than a fault with your furnace itself. On the other hand, if there are no insulation issues, then airflow may be the problem and the vents may need adjusting. Consult a specialist to locate the problem.

Excessive Cycling

If your furnace is switching itself on and off frequently, this could be an indicator of a blocked filter, impeded airflow, or an inappropriate thermostat setting. It could also be a sign your house is leaking air.

Carbon Monoxide

This is potentially a very serious issue. It is imperative you have a carbon monoxide detector fitted to safeguard against leakage. If you have an old furnace, it may have developed minute cracks from which this lethal gas can get into your living space. If there is such a leek then consult a professional.

Loss of Power & Heat

This one is easy to spot in the depths of winter. Possibly a loss of power to the furnace, faulty pilot light or ignition system could be the problem. Anything to do with broken pilot lights and ignition systems really need to the help of an expert. 

Furnace Won’t Turn On 

This could depend largely on the age of your unit and how well it has been maintained. Check the thermostat is set appropriately to “heat” and the fan to “auto”. Check your circuit breaker to see if the circuit has tripped.

These are just some common furnace problems in cold weather and some of the issues are more serious than others. Call Climate Experts today to make sure your furnace is in perfect working order this winter.

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