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6 HVAC Tips to Help You Stay Warm This Winter

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As the winter chill descends, it’s vital to ensure your home remains cozy and comfortable. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is sudden HVAC issues during a cold winter night. To ensure you stay warm this winter and get ahead of the chilly weather, we’ve compiled a list of six helpful tips to help you avoid unexpected HVAC malfunctions.

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#1. Heater Troubleshooting

If you want to stay warm this winter, you’ll need to ensure your heater is functioning optimally. If it’s not heating your home effectively, consult the manufacturer’s manual for instructions or try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Check the thermostat: Make sure your thermostat’s settings are correct. If it uses batteries, try replacing them.
  • Inspect the power source: Verify that the heater is receiving power by checking the circuit breaker or fuse box. If you have a gas heater, make sure the gas supply is turned on.
  • Examine the pilot light: For a gas heater, check to see if the pilot light is lit.
  • Reset the system: If your system has a reset button, try resetting it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you’ve tried everything you can think of and your heater still isn’t working, it’s time to call in a professional HVAC technician. With their advanced skills and expertise, they can identify the problem and provide effective solutions.

#2. Furnace Tune-Up

overusing your furnace use your furnace / stay warm

Staying on top of HVAC maintenance is instrumental in preventing major problems, keeping your home warm all winter long and saving you money on costly repairs. One way to do this is by seeking out a yearly professional furnace tune-up to ensure your heater is able to operate safely and efficiently. This is ideally done before the freezing temperatures arrive, but it’s an essential part of HVAC maintenance regardless of the season. 

Tune-ups allow HVAC technicians to inspect your furnace for anything that may be amiss, including wiring issues, corrosion, leaks, insufficient airflow, and debris. If they identify any problems, they can provide you with prompt repairs, ensuring your furnace remains in tip-top shape for years to come.

#3. Eliminate Drafts

Believe it or not, your windows and doors can have a significant effect on your HVAC system’s performance. They are a major source of heat exchange, which means that in the winter, they let heated air out and cold air in. Because of this, your heating system will have to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, therefore increasing your energy bills and leading to premature wear and tear on system components. 

If you want to optimize your HVAC system’s performance, check each of your windows and doors for drafts. If you detect any cold air coming in, you can utilize weatherstripping or caulking to seal the gaps and enhance your home’s insulation.

#4. Upgrade Your Insulation

Your home’s insulation is another factor that can influence your HVAC system’s performance. If your home lacks proper insulation, it will be challenging to stay warm when outdoor temperatures drop, so you may want to consider investing in an upgrade. Proper insulation acts like a warm blanket, keeping the warm air inside your home and the cold air out, making a substantial difference in your level of comfort.

#5. Clean Your Air Ducts

Over time, your air ducts have likely accumulated a buildup of dust, dirt, debris, and pollutants. Not only does this negatively impact your indoor air quality, but it also affects your HVAC system’s effectiveness in maintaining your home’s temperature. All that debris decreases airflow, putting undue strain on your HVAC system and leading to premature wear and tear. 

If your air ducts could use some attention, professional duct cleaning services are an effective way to ensure your HVAC system is taken care of, helping you stay warm indoors despite the winter chill outside. 

#6. Utilize Space Heaters and Fireplaces

gas fireplaces furnaces cheaper / stay warm

If you need a little extra coziness in one area of your home, space heaters and fireplaces can be an excellent way to stay warm. However, they are not to be used as a replacement for a central heating system. Gas fireplaces are technically cheaper to run than central heating, but they are less effective at providing warmth. Space heaters can save you money if you only need to heat one room of your house, but they can cause your energy bills to rise if you use them in tandem with a central heating system. 

If you find that you’re overly reliant on a space heater or fireplace to stay warm, it’s a good idea to get your furnace looked at by a professional to ensure it’s working properly.

Stay Warm With Services From R&D Heating and Air

At R&D Heating and Air, we are dedicated to helping Utah homeowners stay warm during the chilly winter months. If your heater or furnace needs a tune-up or repairs, don’t wait until you freeze — call us today to schedule a service appointment with one of our experienced technicians.

5 Common HVAC Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them

To maintain a comfortable home environment, a properly-working HVAC system is essential. Many people take their heater and air conditioner for granted and only notice them when they’re not working properly. 

As a homeowner, it’s important to know the basics of HVAC maintenance so that if things go wrong, you can try to fix it yourself. Of course, there are some problems that need professional help, but if you’re experiencing issues with your HVAC system, there are many things you can do to troubleshoot the problem and get your home back to normal.

#1. Uneven Heating or Cooling

If you’ve noticed that some rooms of your home are significantly warmer or colder than others, even when the HVAC system is running, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Check your air filters. If air filters are dirty or clogged, they can restrict airflow, which leads to uneven temperature distribution throughout your home. In order to improve your home’s air circulation, air filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly.
  • Check for blocked vents. When curtains, furniture, or other objects are obstructing the supply or return vents, air cannot flow properly, making the HVAC system more effective in some areas than others.
  • If your thermostat is placed in direct sunlight, drafts, or heat sources, it may take inaccurate temperature readings and function improperly for the actual temperature of your home. 

If you’ve tried all these tips and your HVAC system is still heating or cooling your home unevenly, contact a professional HVAC technician for further help.

#2. HVAC System Not Turning On

If your HVAC system refuses to turn on, leaving your house uncomfortably hot or cold, try these troubleshooting steps:

  • First, check the power supply. Make sure the HVAC system is receiving power by checking your home’s circuit breaker and ensuring the power switch is turned on.
  • If the power supply is not the issue, the next step is to check the thermostat. Verify that it’s set to the correct temperature and is in the correct mode (cooling in the summer and heating in the winter). If your thermostat is battery-powered, replace the batteries.
  • You should also check your home’s air filters. When filters are severely clogged, it can trigger safety mechanisms that prevent the HVAC system from turning on. If the air filter is in bad shape, clean or replace it.

If, after trying these troubleshooting steps, your HVAC system is still not turning on, the problem may be due to something more serious. A professional HVAC technician can diagnose and fix the issue to get everything back in working order.

#3. Strange Noises Coming From System

If you hear banging, clanging, grinding, or squealing coming from your HVAC system, troubleshoot the issue by taking these steps:

  • First, listen closely. See if you can identify the source of the noise by paying attention to its source. If there are loose components or debris in the vents, they can move around when the air is turned on and cause strange noises.
  • If the noises are particularly alarming, turn off your HVAC system to prevent further damage and contact a professional technician. 

#4. Troubleshoot Leaking or Dripping Water

5 Common HVAC Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them

When water is leaking around your HVAC system, it can be indicative of problems that require attention.

  • Check the condensate drain line. If it’s clogged, water can back up and leak. Carefully clear any blockages and see if that fixes the problem.
  • Additionally, refrigerant leaks can also cause water to leak from your system. If your refrigerant levels are low and you suspect a leak, get help from a professional technician. They can safely handle the refrigerant leak and recharge the system.

#5. Continuous Cycling On and Off

If your HVAC system turns on and off frequently, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Verify the air filters are not clogged. Clogged filters can cause your system to overheat and perform improperly, so clean or replace them as needed.
  • If your thermostat is calibrated incorrectly or is located near a heat source, it can read your home’s temperature inaccurately and lead to short cycling. 
  • Low levels of refrigerant can also cause short cycling. Refrigerant issues are harder and more dangerous to fix on your own, so if this is the case, enlist the help of a certified HVAC technician.

HVAC Maintenance from R&D Heating and Air

Roy Utah AC Repairs

If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting tips and your HVAC system still isn’t functioning properly, it’s time to call in the professionals at R&D Heating and Air. As a fully licensed and insured HVAC maintenance company, we provide high-quality services to all our customers throughout Northern Utah. Our technicians can repair, maintain, and replace heaters and air conditioners, clean out your air ducts, repair gas fireplaces, and even fix appliances. 

To ensure your home’s comfort, contact R&D Heating and Air to schedule a service appointment today. We can’t wait to hear from you!

There’s nothing quite like the relief of finding refuge in your cozy, warm home after being out in the frigid cold and snow. However, if your furnace is blowing cold air, your home is no longer a comfy, safe haven, but yet another place you need to bundle up in order to stay warm. The last thing that you want is to waste energy by running your furnace if it’s blowing cold air instead of warm air. 

Fortunately, if your furnace is blowing cold air, this is typically something that can be fixed. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air and what you should do if this happens to you.

#1. Your Furnace Isn’t Warmed Up Yet

furnace is blowing cold air

If there’s cold air coming out of your vents instead of hot air, there’s no need to panic just yet. Like your body when you work out, your furnace may simply need some time to warm up before it starts working properly. Think of your car, and how it can take a few minutes for it to start heating up in the cold. That can also occur with your furnace, especially if it’s the first time that you’re turning it on in the season.

However, if your furnace is blowing cold air after 10 to 15 minutes, you likely have another issue on your hands. 

#2. Your Thermostat Is Set To On

This is an easy mistake to make, but one that’s just as easy to fix, no need to call an HVAC technician at all! You may have set your thermostat to ‘On’ instead of ‘Auto’ because you want the heat going. However, when you do this, this means that even after your home has reached the desired temperature, your furnace will continue to blow air. Since it’s already heated your home, the air it then blows is cold. 

You want to ensure that you set your thermostat to ‘Auto’ instead of ‘On’. That way, it only runs when it needs to, and the air it blows will be nice and hot. 

replace your thermostat Thermostats Replacement Roy Utah

#3. Issues With The Thermostat

While we’re talking about thermostats, it’s important to note that the reason why your furnace is blowing cold air could also be because your thermostat needs repairs or replacement. If your thermostat is old or sends incorrect signals, this can cause issues in how your furnace runs. 

You’ll want to check that your thermostat is set to your desired temperature. If it is and your furnace is blowing cold air, you may want to contact an HVAC technician to come out and take a look. 

#4. Your Air Filters Are Dirty

If your furnace filters are clogged, dirty, or in need of replacement, this can impact the functionality of your furnace. This is because it affects the airflow. If your furnace can’t blow enough air across the coils, this can cause your furnace to blow cold air, rather than hot air. 

Fortunately, furnace filters are easy to clean and replace. You may also consider having your ducts cleaned, for optimal airflow and indoor air quality.

#5. Your System Is Overheated

This plays into the point above, because if your furnace doesn’t blow enough air across the heat coils, this can cause your furnace system to overheat. There are a few other factors that can result in your system overheating and shutting down, too. 

If your furnace is blowing cold air, this could be because there’s dirt built up inside its moving parts. This could also be do to mechanical failure or lack of maintenance. It can also occur when your furnace is reaching the end of its lifespan and is due for replacement.

If your furnace is overheated, it may blow cold air and then shut off. You can contact your local HVAC technician to come out and see what’s going on.

#6. There Are Issues With The Gas Supply

This applies if you have a gas furnace, because these types of furnaces need gas in order to generate heat. If there are issues with the gas supply and it’s either not producing enough gas or not producing any at all, this can cause your furnace to still run, but without heat. Ergo, your furnace is blowing cold air. 

If you have a gas furnace, you can check other gas appliances in your home to see if they are also having problems. Depending on whether the issue is contained to your furnace or not, you will want to contact either an HVAC professional or your gas company. 

furnace is blowing cold air

Is Your Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

These are but 6 of the most common reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air. If you’re struggling with this issue, the experienced professionals here at R & D Heating And Air can help! Contact us today to schedule your furnace repair and let us get your home warm again!

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