While some homeowners use a furnace to heat their home, many homeowners use HVAC systems like heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and electric heaters. These systems are quite common, and highly functional for heating a home. HVAC heaters like these work differently from a furnace, and may not face the same problems when heating a home or space. In this article we’ll discuss some of the issues you may come across using your HVAC heating system and some solutions to help fix them.
We want to remind you that It’s vital to keep your HVAC heating system working and fix any concerns before the winter season. Cold temperatures without a functioning heating system can be very dangerous. Especially in places like Texas, where weather can be unpredictable.
1. Heat Pump Struggling to Switch from Cooling to Heating Mode
Problem: Heat pumps are used on a year round basis. Since they provide both heating and cooling they can get a lot of wear and tear over time. In some situations they may have trouble switching from heating to cooling vice versa. This could be caused by a reversing valve malfunction.
Solution: In this situation scheduling regular servicing and maintenance to prevent your system from adjusting to cooler weather. Have your registered HVAC technician check your reversing valve to make sure it’s working as effectively and efficiently as possible.
2. Dirty Air Filters
Problem: Air filters can get obstructed with dirt, debris, etc. with continuous use. This not only restricts airflow, but it also causes your system to work less efficiently and reduces air quality.
Solution: Regularly clean or replace your air filters in your HVAC system. Doing this at the start of the cold weather season can help your system transition to cooler weather smoothly.
3. Heat Pump Icing Issues
Problem: While temperatures are not yet freezing over the fall season lower temperatures at night can cause issues with your heat pump. This can cause your heat pump to freeze block and/or a malfunctioning defrost cycle.
Solution: Contact your registered HVAC technician to unit check for any obstructions and the defrost cycle during routine maintenance.
4. Thermostat Calibration Issues
Problem: When switching from warmer to cooler weather thermostats can have issues calibrating to the right temperature. An uncalibrated thermostat can make it difficult to warm your home or space.
Solution: Have your HVAC technician recalibrate your thermostat or consider a potential upgrade. A new thermostat can be programmable to have a smooth transition to cold weather.
5. Electrical Issues in Electric Heating Systems
Problem: When using electrical heaters and heat pumps there could be potential electrical issues after transitioning from warm to cool weather. Wires can become damaged or loose resulting in your HVAC system malfunctioning.
Solution: Have your registered HVAC technician inspect all electrical components. If there is any damaged or loose wiring, they can do any necessary maintenance to ensure things run smoothly.
6. Inconsistent Heating Due to Zoning Issues
Problem: When using multi-zone systems you may have trouble switching from cooling to heating temperatures due to your system's zone settings. This could result in uneven heating throughout your home or space.
Solution: Have your HVAC technician inspect and adjust your systems zone settings. Make sure there is even heating throughout your home or space.
7. Blocked or Closed Vents
Problem: Closed vents and registers can reduce efficiency to your HVAC’s heating system. If you closed any vents during the summer they could prevent heating from reaching specific areas within your home or space.
Solution: Make sure all vents and registers are open and unblocked to evenly distribute heat throughout your home or space. If any vents need repair contact your HVAC technician for help.
8. Dust & Debris on Coils
Problem: During the summer dust and debris can accumulate on the coils of your outdoor unit. When switching from your HVAC system from cooling to heating this could cause difficulties in heat transfer in your unit. Which will keep your system from working efficiently.
Solution: Make sure the coils on your unit are clean and inspected with the seasonal change. Any dust, debris, leaves, or obstructions should be removed to allow for proper heating in your home.
Conclusion
If you are not using a furnace this fall weather you may encounter these unique issues we discussed in this article. To be prepared for colder weather it’s vital to have everything inspected to ensure things are running smoothly. Make sure to work with a registered HVAC professional that knows what to look for. If you have any questions contact us at Air-Mart AC & Heating to learn more.
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