Since it’s getting colder outside, shut off your AC and turn on your fireplace. What beats sitting under a blanket on a cold winter night while watching a movie with their family?

But, there’s no guarantee your heater will work this year. So, it’s best to learn how to fix those problems before you start up your heater.

Keeping reading to find out 5 common heating issues homeowners face during wintertime.

1. Carbon Monoxide Leaks

You can’t taste or smell carbon monoxide. So, won’t know it’s inside your home. Well, first thing’s first: install a carbon monoxide detector. Buy one for each room with a heater.

Also, it’s important to know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Dizziness
• Malaise
• Shortness of breath

There are a few other symptoms as well, but these are the most common ones. Leaks of carbon monoxide are most likely to occur if your furnace is over a decade old. 

2. Lack of Heat

It’s very disappointing when your heater isn’t working, especially during winter. If your heater isn’t working no matter what you try, call a professional.

If you own a heating pump, make sure there isn’t a build-up of ice and snow on top of it. Turn on your heat pump’s defrost setting, that way, it’ll keep up with the ice and snow.

3. Short Cycling

Short cycling happens when your heater turns on and off after a short while. Short cycling is one of the many common heating issues you might face.

Your heater keeps turning on and turning off after a short period of time, check the thermostat. Short cycling is a sign that there might be an issue with your heater’s thermostat. A thermostat that’s positioned directly under light might heat up too fast, hence why it’s short cycling.

4. Dry Air

Dry air isn’t good for sensitive skin or your heater. Low humidity affects the heating system in your home. Dry air doesn’t hold as much heat as humid air, so it takes time for the temperature to rise.

There are a few things you can try to combat dry air in your home. Try adding a bypass humidifier to your heater or furnace. You can buy a portable humidifier, too.

5. Dirty Filters

During periods of low usage, the filters inside your heater will collect dust and grime. If you don’t want heating issues, clean the filters.

If there’s a blockage inside the filter, it’ll stop heat from wafting throughout your home. If the air inside your home isn’t circulating, that’s a sign of a blocked filter. 

Before fixing the issue, make sure the fan and motor are working properly. Remove the blockage if there is one. If the filter inside your heater is bent or discolored, replace it.

What Should I Do if I Have Heating Issues?

Dealing with heater and HVAC problems isn’t fun for any homeowner, but there are a few things you can do. First, target the problem before it starts. Check your thermometer or thermostat to make sure it’s working.

Dry air, a clogged filter, and short cycling are a few common heating issues. If you can’t solve them yourself, it’s best to call a professional right away.

For more articles about heating issues, check out our website today. And contact us to learn more about our services and expertise.