When temperatures drop in Utah, your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable. However, several issues can reduce your heating system’s efficiency, cause safety concerns, or result in uneven or insufficient heating.
1. Weak Airflow
Two of the most common problems homeowners face in winter are cold spots and their heating system running constantly without their home reaching their desired temperature. These issues are often associated with poor airflow due to dirty air filters, blocked vents, or blower motor malfunctions.
Dirty Filters
An air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering your heating system and damaging its internal components. It also plays an essential role in maintaining indoor air quality by capturing airborne contaminants that would otherwise recirculate throughout your living spaces.
However, as a filter accumulates dust and particles, airflow through your system is reduced. This scenario can result in several issues, including uneven heating, longer heating cycles, and your system working harder than necessary.
Experts recommend replacing HVAC filters at least every three months. However, you may need to switch yours out more often. Factors that necessitate more frequent filter changes include whether you have pets, how many people live in your household, and how often your system runs. Many homeowners inspect their air filters once a month to know when to replace them.
Blocked Vents
Another issue related to airflow is blocked vents. Furniture, curtains, or other household items can obstruct airflow, making it harder for warm air to circulate throughout your home.
Keep at least 6–12 inches of clearance around supply and return vents. This clearance allows air to move freely, preventing strain on your heating system and ensuring consistent heating. Additionally, check that all your vents are open, even in unused rooms. Closing vents might seem like an energy-saving strategy, but it can create pressure imbalances in your HVAC system, reducing efficiency and potential damage over time.
Blower Issues
Your blower is a crucial component of your heating system, responsible for circulating air throughout your home. It pulls air into the heater and pushes it through the ductwork to various rooms, ensuring even heating. However, several issues with your blower can lead to poor airflow.
One common problem is a faulty capacitor, which provides the electrical boost needed to start and run the blower motor. If the capacitor fails, the motor may struggle to start, run intermittently, or stop functioning altogether. Electrical issues, such as loose connections, damaged wiring, or a malfunctioning relay, can also disrupt the blower’s operation, resulting in weak airflow. Additionally, mechanical problems like worn bearings can cause the motor to overheat. Grinding or squealing noises will often alert you to this issue.
When blower issues arise, a professional HVAC technician will perform a thorough inspection to pinpoint the cause. They may test and replace a faulty capacitor, repair or replace damaged wiring, or replace worn bearings.
2. Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious concern during the winter when furnaces are running more often, especially if there are hidden problems with your HVAC system. CO is produced as a byproduct when fuel burns in your furnace. Normally, the system vents this gas safely outside, but issues like a cracked heat exchanger or a clogged flue can cause it to leak into your home.
Since CO is colorless and odorless, you may not realize there’s a problem until you or your family members experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headaches, chest pain, confusion, or shortness of breath. These symptoms often improve when you leave your home and worsen when you return, which can clue you into the issue.
To stay safe, ensure your home has at least one CO detector on each floor, and test them regularly to ensure they work. Replacing the batteries as needed is also important. Scheduling regular furnace maintenance can help prevent problems that lead to carbon monoxide leaks. Keeping your system in good condition is the best way to protect your family.
3. Ductwork Issues
Faulty ductwork is a major contributor to home heat loss. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that up to 30% of heated air moving through duct systems is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. This heat loss forces your heating system to work harder, driving up energy costs and making it more challenging to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Professional ductwork repair involves a thorough inspection to identify cracks, gaps, and disconnections in your ducts. Technicians use specialized materials, such as duct sealant or mastic, to close leaks effectively. For more extensive issues, sections of ductwork may need to be replaced or reconnected. Professionals also ensure that ducts are properly insulated to prevent energy loss. By addressing ductwork issues, a trained technician can help improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and lower your heating bills.
4. Low Indoor Air Quality
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. This problem is more concerning in the winter because your household members spend more time indoors.
During the winter months, maintaining good ventilation becomes challenging since opening windows contributes to higher heating costs. As a result, pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and other irritants get trapped inside and circulate through your home and HVAC system, lowering indoor air quality (IAQ) and making it harder to breathe.
Your family may experience flu-like symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Allergies and asthma attacks can also become more frequent due to poor IAQ. Winter air also tends to be drier, which can lead to additional IAQ concerns. Signs of dry air include itchy skin, nasal congestion, and dry skin and hair.
To improve indoor air quality, use exhaust fans in areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room when they are in use. If the weather permits, briefly open windows each day to let in fresh air.
To further increase IAQ, you can contact a professional to install a humidifier and an air purifier. A whole-home humidifier will add moisture to your home’s air every time your heating system runs. Air purifiers work by filtering airborne contaminants out of your home’s air several times an hour.
5. Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat is essential for regulating the temperature in your home by controlling your HVAC system. Common issues include your thermostat not reading the temperature correctly and faulty wiring, which can interfere with its ability to tell your heating system when to turn on or off. A professional can check your thermostat’s wiring and recalibrate it to solve these issues. However, if your thermostat is older, you should talk with them about the benefits of upgrading to a smart thermostat.
Contact Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing Today
At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we have been serving the residents of American Fork, UT and the surrounding areas since 1910. We install, maintain, and repair heating systems and air conditioners systems. Additionally, we can help with all your plumbing needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
