If you are like many homeowners, you rely on your furnace to keep you warm throughout the winter. During freezing spells, the increased demand you place on your furnace can cause a breakdown if your heating system has performance issues. Prepare your furnace for winter to prevent expensive emergency breakdowns and ensure your home stays cozy all winter in Belleville, ON. There are some tasks you can perform yourself. However, you should leave more complex ones to an HVAC professional, most of which will get taken care of during their annual maintenance visit.
Pilot Light or Ignition System Issues
The pilot light is a crucial part of older furnaces, responsible for igniting fuel to produce heat. If the pilot light goes out or malfunctions, your furnace won’t start, leaving you without heat. Common issues with pilot lights include a flickering flame, which can indicate an airflow problem, or a weak flame that struggles to stay lit. These issues can be caused by debris blocking the pilot or a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple shuts off the fuel supply if the pilot goes out. During a maintenance visit, an HVAC professional will inspect and clean the pilot light and surrounding components, ensuring it stays lit and works properly throughout the winter months.
On the other hand, modern furnaces use electronic ignition systems rather than traditional pilot lights. These systems either employ intermittent ignition, which lights the burners as needed, or hot surface ignition, which uses an electrically heated element to ignite the fuel. While more efficient than pilot lights, ignition systems can still encounter problems. For instance, an intermittent ignition system might fail if the igniter doesn’t spark correctly. Alternatively, a hot surface igniter could crack over time, preventing the furnace from lighting. During a maintenance visit, an HVAC professional will inspect the ignition system, check for cracks or wear in the igniter, and ensure all electrical connections are secure to prevent malfunctions. They will also test the ignition process to verify the furnace lights are lit safely and efficiently.
Thermostat Problems
The thermostat is the brain of your furnace and tells it when to turn on and off. Your furnace will likely heat your home inconsistently when there is an issue with this device. To help avoid this, you will want to make sure your thermostat is in a location in your home that accurately reflects the indoor temperature. Avoid placing it in areas with drafts, direct sunlight, or near other heat sources. This placement will allow your thermostat to read the temperature in your home accurately.
Another common issue with thermostats is that they may be misreading your indoor temperature. To test a thermostat, you can tape a reliable thermometer to the wall next to it. Wait about 15 minutes. If the temperature readings are within a few degrees of each other, you know you do not have a calibration issue. A professional can recalibrate your thermostat if you find a significant discrepancy between the reading on the thermostat and the thermometer.
Clogged HVAC Air Filter
An HVAC air filter protects the internal components of your furnace by preventing dirt and debris from entering your heating system. It also plays an essential role in maintaining indoor air quality by capturing airborne contaminants that would otherwise recirculate through your living spaces. However, a clogged filter will reduce airflow to your furnace, decreasing your system’s efficiency. It can also cause a host of other issues that will place unnecessary stress on your heating system, such as excessive wear and tear on the blower motor.
When preparing your furnace for winter, starting with a fresh filter for the season ahead is always a good idea. You should also have a new one available when you need to replace it. Experts recommend changing out air filters at least every three months. However, you may need to replace yours more often based on how many people live in your household, the age of your furnace, and if you have pets. Many homeowners inspect their furnace’s air filter once a month to know when to swap it out.
Leaky Air Ducts
Leaky air ducts can cause several issues for your furnace. If there is a leak, the hot air generated by your furnace will escape before it reaches its intended destination and may be replaced by cold, unfiltered air from your crawlspaces or attic. This leakage will cause extended heating cycles as your furnace struggles to keep your home comfortable, resulting in higher utility bills. Experts suggest the average homeowner can lose up to 20% of conditioned air through faulty ductwork.
Gaps or leaks also allow dust and debris into your forced air system, affecting indoor air quality and straining your furnace. Additionally, leaky ducts can lead to uneven heating, with some rooms feeling too warm while others remain cold. During a duct cleaning service visit, an HVAC professional can inspect your ductwork, identify any leaks or gaps, and recommend sealing or insulation solutions to prevent energy loss and ensure your furnace operates efficiently throughout the winter.
Blocked, Closed, or Dirty Supply and Return Vents
Supply and return vents are critical components of your home’s heating system. Supply vents blow heated air from the furnace into your living spaces, while return vents draw cooler air from the rooms back into the system to be reheated. Keeping both vents open and unblocked is essential for maintaining proper airflow throughout your home.
The airflow through your home is restricted when supply or return vents are blocked by household objects such as furniture, curtains, or rugs. These obstructions can cause uneven heating. Restricted airflow also forces your furnace to work harder to distribute heat, decreasing efficiency. Additionally, blocked vents can lead to your furnace overheating, potentially leading to mechanical issues over time.
In addition to ensuring 18 inches of clearance around supply and return vents, keeping them clean is essential. When cleaning them, use a screwdriver to remove the grills. You can wash them with dish soap and warm water; a stiff bristle brush will be helpful to get off caked-on grime. While drying, use a vacuum inside the vent to clear dust and debris up to where your ductwork begins. After replacing the grills, ensure they are in the fully open position.
Contact Us To Help Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter
At Armour Home Comfort, we have been serving the residents of Belleville, ON, and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. We also encourage our customers to join our Armor Home Comfort Club. If you become a member, you get an annual furnace tune-up to keep your heating system operating as it should. You can also take advantage of a 15% discount on repairs and preferential emergency services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our talented team members.
