Common Winter Heating Problems and Solutions

During the winter, your furnace provides heat so your family can enjoy a comfortable and safe indoor environment. Heating problems can cost you extra money or cause stress when your home isn’t as warm as you’d like. Knowing how to solve some of the most common problems that affect home heating systems will ensure your holiday season is filled with warmth and cheer.

High Heating Bills

A spike in your utility bills is always a cause for concern when you’re trying to save money. If your furnace or heating system isn’t functioning efficiently, it could be costing an extra seven to ten percent to heat your home. High heating bills can occur if your furnace is turning on more frequently or running longer than necessary. To solve this problem, check your thermostat—dirt and dust accumulation can affect thermostat readings, so you may need to clean it. Additionally, older thermostats are difficult to set accurately. If your thermostat is very old or your have a hard time setting it to the temperature you desire, consider replacing it with a more user-friendly digital model. A programmable thermostat allows you to customize your heating program to coincide with your family’s schedule. This will prevent heating your home when it is unoccupied and maintain a more consistent temperature all season long.

Dry Air

Cold winter air is drier than the warm air that accompanies summer weather. Additionally, home heating systems frequently dry out indoor air as they heat it. Low humidity can cause skin discomfort and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Air that is too dry also damages the interior of your home, causing wood paneling and furniture to warp or crack. Dry air holds less heat, making your home feel cooler. You can increase the ambient humidity in your home using humidifiers, which inject water vapor into the air. Humidifiers can be purchased as standalone units for use in a single room or incorporated into your home’s heating system to distribute moisture to every room via your forced air system.

Pilot Light Problems

A pilot light provides the necessary source of ignition for your furnace’s burners each time the system turns on. If the pilot light goes out, your furnace will not produce heat. If you are experiencing furnace problems, check the pilot light first—if the light is out, you will need to relight it following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, the assembly may be clogged. Turn off the gas to your furnace and clean out the nozzle with a piece of wire before relighting the pilot light. If you are still having trouble with your pilot light, contact and HVAC repair expert for service.

Common winter heating problems don’t need to affect your comfort this winter. We invite you to explore our Learning Center to find out more about your home’s heating system and how to maintain it. If you need the help of an HVAC expert in the Columbus area, visit our website to contact us and schedule repairs at any time, including 24/7 emergency service.