Although it doesn’t seem that way in the moment, winter heating problems in Mokena, IL are not the end of the world. However, when you expect your home to be cozy and warm, they are a major inconvenience. Below is a list of common winter heating problems and how to diagnose them.
1) Your Heater Suddenly Doesn’t Heat
Of course, you’ll check your power, as a power outage or surge is usually the first thing people think of when their furnace suddenly stops. If you haven’t lost power, check your fuse box to make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped and you still have power going to the furnace. A malfunctioning pilot light or ignition system may also be the issue. Ignition and pilot light work is not a DIY job, you’ll need to call a professional as soon as possible.
2) Furnace Not Cycling Heat
When a furnace is working properly, it automatically turns on when the air is too cold. If this is not happening, check your filter—a clogged, dirty filter or blower can cause inadequate air flow. This may cause your furnace to shut on and off frequently as it heats up too quickly. A faulty thermostat can also cause this issue. You may need to have a home heating expert inspect your furnace and resolve these issues.
3) Inconsistent Room Temperatures
Drafts—Make sure doors and windows are sealed and your insulation is in good repair. These are the main culprits when it comes to drafts in your house. An energy audit can also help. Making these repairs sooner rather than later will also save you money.
Unbalanced air flow—Another source of inconsistent temperatures is unbalanced air flow. Try adjusting the vents first, this may be a simple solution. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may have dirty coils or filters.
4) Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a major risk for home owners— this can’t be stressed enough. Dubbed the silent killer, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. You have a higher risk of having a rusted heat exchanger if your furnace is 10 to 15 years old. This means the possibility of tiny cracks in the heat exchange that can leak carbon monoxide.
These cracks can sometimes be very difficult to find, so if you have an older gas furnace, installing a carbon monoxide detector is a smart, safe idea. Be certain to have a professional in Mokena, IL inspect your HVAC for potential carbon monoxide leaks whenever you have these experts at your home for heating maintenance, repairs, installations or other work.