Common Heating Issues in Winter and How to Prevent Them

Common Heating Issues in Winter and How to Prevent Them

Winter brings a high demand for heating systems and a strain on your HVAC. We all want our heaters to work seamlessly, but there are common issues in winter that can leave you feeling chilly indoors. The team at Martel Plumbing & Heating sees some common issues that hit homeowners. Get our pro tips for preventing and resolving them or give us a call anytime you need HVAC maintenance in Lincoln, Rhode Island, and the surrounding area. 

1. Uneven Heating Throughout the Home

When you experience uneven heating in your home, it can leave you feeling cold and frustrated. The issue usually stems back to duct leaks, thermostat settings, or blocked vents. You can take a few steps to avoid the issues by:

• Make sure vents are fully open and unobstructed.
• Schedule HVAC tune-up to inspect ductwork and look for potential leaks.
• Check your thermostat settings, reset the system, swap out the batteries, or call us to install a new smart thermostat to optimize the temperature of your home.

2. Clogged or Dirty Air Filters

Dirty HVAC filters will dramatically restrict your airflow and put unnecessary strain on your system. You’ll notice your home isn’t as warm as it used to be, and if the problem gets bad enough, your entire HVAC system can shut down. You’ll also see your utility bills rise month-over-month. Check and replace filters every 1 to 3 months, especially during an especially cold winter or if you have an older system. The team at Martel’s is also here for all of your HVAC maintenance needs, including filter changes.

3. Thermostat Malfunctions

When your thermostat malfunctions, it can cause chaos in your home. Suddenly your home is getting chilly at the wrong time, isn’t warming up properly, or is overheating. The results are poor-performing HVAC. Put it to the test by double-checking your thermostat settings and ensuring nothing has changed. You can also replace the batteries and use a thermometer to see if the room reading is similar to the thermostat. If you’re still having issues or want more control over your system, it may be time for an upgrade. Call the team at Martel Plumbing and Heating for a smart thermostat installation that lets you optimize your heating and see the impact in your energy bills.

4. Short Cycling

When your HVAC is turning off and on without any reason, it’s experiencing a short cycling issue. You may have dirty air filters, an airflow obstruction in your ducts or in front of your vents, a thermostat issue, or something else going on inside of your system. Go ahead and change out your air filter and move away obstructions from the inside and outside of your system to see if it resolves the situation.

If you can’t resolve the issue, it’s crucial to schedule regular HVAC tune-ups to identify the root cause of the issue. The heating experts at Martel’s will prevent your system from working overtime and compromising its integrity. Maintaining your system also helps extend its lifespan and avoid premature replacements or unexpected breakdowns. 

5. System Breakdowns

An HVAC breakdown will quickly spiral into a nightmare in the middle of winter. Preventative maintenance is essential to stay on top of growing issues before they shut down your entire system and leave you out in the cold. Our Rhode Island HVAC technicians will come out to inspect your worn-out parts, leaks, clean up your system, run tests, and resolve anything that could lead to a breakdown. Don’t wait for an HVAC emergency! Schedule your winter tune-up with Martel Plumbing & Heating to get your system ready for the season.

6. Spiking Energy Bills

It’s normal for your energy bills to rise in the winter, especially after a snowstorm or when hosting a holiday gathering. But if you’re seeing consistent spikes for no reason, you may have a lurking issue, including: 

• Poor insulation
• Thermostat problems
• Dirty air filters
• Drafts and gaps around windows and doors
• Inefficient HVAC system

Keep your energy bills in check by sealing up any gaps and changing your air filters. You can also reset your thermostat and change out the batteries to see if your thermostat is working properly. Otherwise, schedule HVAC maintenance in Lincoln, RI, as soon as possible for a tune-up to address any issues going on with your system. We’ll get it back on track and help stabilize, or even lower, your energy bills.

Call Martel Plumbing & Heating for All of Your HVAC Service Needs

Understanding the common problems to watch out for and taking a few proactive steps can lower your energy bills and restore the efficiency of your heater. Give the team at Martel Plumbing & Heating a call for all your HVAC maintenance in Lincoln, RI, repairs, installations, and more. We’re always here to keep your home warm and cozy for a stress-free winter. Schedule your appointment today!