Residents of Texas agree with Boy Scouts of America, “Be Prepared” is more than a catchphrase, it can save lives. Are you ready for winter weather and its challenges? Is your heating system? Scheduling a system inspection with RAS for peace of mind this holiday season.
Most of the common issues with heating systems in cold-weather months are easily avoidable with some proactive measures.
Top five most common heating system issues occurring in winter:
1. CO Leaks
Hundreds of people in the U.S. die from accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning every year. It is referred to as “the silent killer” because it can leak undetected into the home’s air. Breathing CO displaces oxygen in the blood, depriving vital organs of oxygen.
Depending on the amount in the air, CO exposure can cause confusion, headaches, dizzy spells, and nausea. At high levels, people will quickly and without warning lose consciousness and suffocate.
Be sure to install a carbon monoxide alarm to warn you if levels are unsafe (over 10ppm.) Some models of smoke detectors will also detect CO, while others can alert you to propane and methane gas in the air as well.
All fuel-burning heating systems are a potential source of carbon monoxide danger, but it is largely avoidable with regular maintenance and clean filters.
Proper Furnace Maintenance
Routine servicing of a heating system is an important proactive measure against the risk of CO leaks, among other things. There are a number of ways a furnace’s exhaust system can malfunction and leak CO into a home. Older and newer heating systems alike need routine checks for any damage, blockage, and signs of problems developing.
Replacing Filters for Adequate Airflow
Air filters remove impurities like pet dander and dust, improving air quality. But these particles can clog up filters quickly. Making a routine of changing out filters will help keep air moving unrestricted, avoiding a backup of airflow to your heating system. A general rule is to replace fiberglass filters monthly, or every three months if you use higher quality filters.
2. Iced Coils and Frozen Pipes
A frost may appear on A/C evaporator coils, but the defrost cycle of the HVAC system will quickly thaw it. If ice forms, there is a problem. Built-up ice on the coils will reduce heat output and use more energy to run the unit. In severe instances, it can also break fan blades, leak refrigerant, and more.
What causes iced-up coils can vary anywhere from blocked airflow, drain system issues, fan or blower malfunction, a refrigerant leak, dirty coils, to excessively cold weather.
To help prevent frozen pipes, keep the heat running in rooms that aren’t being used and all on floors of the home. What once was believed to be saving energy – leaving vacant rooms unheated – is in fact risky. Water supply pipes should be kept warm and airflow unrestricted.
A trained HVAC technician will test the defrost function and blower motor, as well as check fan blades and coils, reversing valve, refrigerant levels, and more, to make sure the risks of frozen pipes and iced-up coils are minimal.
3. Insufficient Airflow
The filter is the first thing to check when your system’s heat output is less than desired. Clean air filters foster both good airflow and air quality.
Dirty filters aren’t just less efficient, they can also cause the unit to short cycle. Short cycling is when the furnace turns on and off too frequently. It is always a sign that something isn’t working right, and leads to unnecessary wear on the unit, ultimately decreasing its lifespan.
An effective way to improve the performance of an HVAC system is air balancing. HVAC technicians can measure airflow in all areas of a building and adjust the volumes to correct any imbalance. Air balancing along with a static pressure check (to measure the airflow resistance throughout the heat pump, coil, filter, and ductwork,) will help achieve more consistent, ideal comfort levels in every room.
4. Faulty Thermostat
A properly working, routinely calibrated thermostat is essential for the efficient operation of an HVAC system. Older thermostats are less sensitive than modern ones, and prone to connectivity and accuracy issues. A malfunctioning thermostat typically causes a unit to use more energy and provides less than ideal results.
Strategic thermostat auto-settings can help stabilize utility expenses and deliver more reliable comfort. You get more than efficiency with smart thermostats, you also get the luxury of convenience. You can program customized daily schedules from any of your wifi-connected devices, so the temperature in your home is always and effortlessly ideal.
5. Low Relative Humidity
Relative humidity is a measure of the water vapor content of the air. During winter months heating systems are running for the majority of the day and night, resulting in indoor air that is excessively dry.
Dry air is the likely culprit when you have dry skin. It can also affect sinuses, trigger asthma, encourage viruses to linger, and, with enough time, will damage wood and paint in your home. It is important for many reasons to strive for proper humidity levels.
Fortunately, it is easy to control humidity in a home with a central humidifier. They work with the HVAC system and home’s plumbing to hydrate air when the humidity drops below ideal levels. 30-50% humidity is a standard range, with 40% average being a good goal.
Portable humidifiers have drawbacks and constraints. With central humidifiers, the water source is always fresh from water lines, reducing the potential of bacteria growth, and eliminating refilling hassles and spill risks. For healthy, comfortable, quality indoor air, consider having a central humidifier installed.
Have a cozy, safe holiday season
Enjoy your family gatherings and holiday celebrations knowing you and your heating system are prepared for winter’s hazards. Call RAS TX 713-266-2665 for a service appointment.
