Handling These Winter HVAC Concerns 

When it’s chilly outside and time to turn on the heating system, it’s also time to be mindful of certain situations that can crop up with your heating. The best way to deal with them is to schedule fall HVAC maintenance prior to turning on the system, so your heating will be in good shape and ready to keep you warm through Orlando’s occasional cool spells.

Learn about some of the winter HVAC concerns a homeowner should look out for.

No Heat

This is the worst case scenario in the wintertime, but before you panic, check to see if the thermostat is set where you want it. Also make sure the controls are on “heat.” Turn the fan from “auto” to “on” to make sure it’s working. Also check the breaker, fuse or anything else to do with the power supply. If you still haven’t gotten the heat to come on, call for help.

If you have a heat pump, make sure its defrost cycle is working and the outdoor unit isn’t freezing up. You may need service to correct a failure to defrost.

Short Cycling

This is when the unit turns on and off continuously without reaching its thermostat set point. Several things can cause this, among them:

• dirty blower
• dirty filter (change it)
• faulty thermostat
• furnace capacity too large for home

If changing the filter doesn’t help, call your HVAC company.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

You may not even know CO, a deadly gas, is leaking from your furnace unless you have a CO detector. Always keep CO detectors in good working order on every level of your home, and in bedrooms. Monitors should have a digital readout so you know if CO levels are rising. Call your gas company and your HVAC tech in a CO emergency.

Dry Air

Your furnace can dry out the air, even in our humid climate. If you’re experiencing static buildup or your skin and mucous membranes are too dry, consider running a humidifier.

Want to learn more about winter HVAC concerns in your Orlando home? Contact Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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