Colorado Springs has chilly winters, seeing average highs of 43-44° F and average lows of 18° F. Without a working heater, those low temperatures can quickly become uncomfortable and outright dangerous. At Steamatic of Colorado Springs, our team of reliable HVAC technicians is available year-round to provide maintenance services so your home stays cozy and warm. We’re also here to help you prepare for the upcoming winter. Start by learning more about the common issues HVACs have during winter, how to prevent them, and how a professional can help stop malfunctions from becoming emergencies.
Common HVAC Issues During Winter
Knowing the most common issues and breakdowns can help you proactively prevent or recognize the problem faster. Look out for these problems:
- Furnace malfunctions: Your furnace may have sat inactive for the six months leading up to the first cold snap. Unfortunately, it may have dirt buildup, worn parts, or leftover problems from last season. It’s best to start winter with a professional servicing appointment to catch small problems before they grow.
- Ductwork issues: Heated air can escape through gaps and leaks in your home’s ductwork. It can also seep out if your home doesn’t have sufficient insulation in the attic or crawlspace.
- Air quality concerns: Indoor air quality can worsen during the winter because less fresh air flows through your home. HVAC technicians can help recommend the right filters, make sure your ventilation system has enough circulating air, and identify potential sources of air contamination.
- Frozen pipes: Uninsulated pipes and tubes can freeze once temperatures dip below freezing. This is primarily a risk for water pipes but can also impact the attachments to your furnace and ventilation system. If your furnace is in a closet, open the door so warm air can surround the unit.
DIY HVAC Maintenance Tips
Preventive maintenance is the best option for uninterrupted heating—it’s also more cost-effective than emergency replacement services. We recommend scheduling a servicing appointment at the start of the cold season and when you turn the furnace off for summer. Professional interventions are critical for prolonging the lifespan of your unit and reducing the risk of a malfunction when you need it most.
Along with servicing appointments, there are some DIY maintenance tasks homeowners can complete to keep the HVAC in great working condition. Consider:
- Replacing the HVAC filters frequently. Depending on your unit and the type of filter you purchase, replace the filters quarterly or monthly.
- Use smart HVAC settings. Modern thermostats can recommend temperature settings based on exterior temperatures and your activity cycles. Use these settings to protect your HVAC from overworking. Overworking can wear out parts early and lead to breakage.
- Monitor your HVAC. Visually inspect the unit from time to time. Also, stay alert for odd sounds, unpleasant smells (especially burning), and low airflow or low-temperature differentials.
Staying vigilant on top of small but frequent maintenance tasks can keep your unit running smoothly through several winters.
When to Call a Professional
However, for severe or recurring issues, it’s important to call in a professional HVAC technician who can determine the source of the problem. Severe problems include:
- No heat
- A growing number of small malfunctions, which can indicate the unit is starting to fail
- Grinding and screeching noises that indicate mechanical failure or misalignment
Professional technicians can safely assess your unit and troubleshoot problems. They also provide warranties for parts or labor. When you call in a professional as soon as possible, they can stop problems before they devolve into larger-scale emergencies or failures.
Stay Warm This Winter With Steamatic of Colorado Springs
Keeping your heater in great working condition is easier than ever with preventive maintenance and a team of technicians just a call away. Steamatic provides Colorado Springs homeowners with easy and convenient access to HVAC cleaning. Contact us today to schedule a servicing appointment.
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