As a local HVAC company serving Dallas, Irving, and Cedar Hill since 1975– we know very well which heating and cooling problems homeowners run into every year when the temps drop. Today, our team has created the only winter HVAC guide you’ll ever need, and we’re going to break down six of the most common causes behind broken HVAC units in the winter season. Then, you can prevent them from happening with proper maintenance. This will save you a ton of time and money on repairs so make sure you read everything!
Frozen Pipes
Here in Central Texas, the temperatures drop and ice accumulates late in the winter. Some years we’re blessed with moderate weather for the entire season, but a lot of folks felt the pain of frozen pipes last February when Winter Storm Uri wreaked havoc on the Lone Star State. A lot of people’s pipes burst from pressure build-up and frozen components. Obviously, this affects a lot of things in your daily life, but it can also do some damage to the hot water heater and other hydronic systems.
Uneven Air Flow & Temperature
Don’t you just hate it when it’s so hot that you’re breaking a sweat, and then you cross the threshold into another room and it feels like you stepped into the ice age? Yeah, we do too.
This is generally a climate zoning problem and it can be incredibly uncomfortable until you get an HVAC technician out to do repairs. There isn’t always a complex cause behind this issue though, so our techs will inspect your home for cracks around ventilation points like windows and doors first, then they’ll inspect your vents and ducts for blockages. If everything looks good, we’ll perform an in-depth inspection to determine what the underlying problem is and begin repairs.
Malfunctioning Heat Pump
A lot of homeowners in the South rely on exterior heat pumps to warm their residences. Unfortunately, heat pumps aren’t very efficient if it gets too cold out, and they can stop working altogether in freezing temperatures. Having heat pumps hasn’t been a huge issue for Texans in the past because we have moderate temperatures, but as temperatures begin to fluctuate, more and more homeowners are noticing faulty heat pumps that require repairs. Some things homeowners frequently call us to fix are broken fan motors and coil blockages.
Heat pumps are an important part of any winter HVAC guide because they oftentimes fail to defrost when temperatures drop. For a heat pump to work correctly, its coils and fan must be clear of frost. Make sure your HVAC unit has automatic defrost settings before installing a new one so it can melt away ice before thick layers form. If this setting is broken or not included, you’ll need to manually clear away the frost buildup.
Dirty Heater Filters
It wouldn’t be a winter HVAC guide if we didn’t talk about air filters.
If you can’t identify the problem on your own, give Ellis AC Cedar Hill a call ASAP. The first thing our HVAC technicians will do when they arrive is to make sure your motor and fans are working. They’ll also clear away any obstructions surrounding the filter or change it if it’s past its best by date. Generally, this is all it takes but to ensure you’re all set for the rest of the winter we’ll check for any other possible damages or components that aren’t working flawlessly.
Broken Thermostat
When the HVAC hardware isn’t what’s stopping efficient heating, it’s generally the electronics aka the thermostat. If we discover that it’s not working properly, our team will begin repairs or install a thermostat replacement to help you better control your Cedar Hill home’s climate and promote energy efficiency. We will also check the wiring to ensure everything looks good on the backend too.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Most homeowners are aware of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide leaks, but they’re not really sure what causes them or how to keep their homes safe. For those who don’t know what carbon monoxide is, it’s a toxic gas that’s difficult to detect due to its tasteless and odorless nature. Unfortunately, if it’s not detected in time, it can suffocate anyone in your home.
Generally, this dangerous gas leak occurs due to a cracked heat exchanger in a heater and insufficient ventilation prevents carbon monoxide from exiting the home. If you start feeling dizzy, vomiting, experiencing headaches, or feeling confused– get your family out of the house and call emergency services. They will check on your family and you can also give Ellis AC a call to come and repair your heat exchanger once the area is cleared by your local fire department.
Ellis AC Winter HVAC Guide– Cedar Hill HVAC Company
When a winter HVAC guide just isn’t enough, call Ellis AC for prompt and reliable repairs.
The HVAC problems we discussed today can become very serious if left unattended. When you first notice the warning signs, give Ellis AC HVAC Repair a call right away! We’ll send out our trained and certified technicians to assess your system and make repairs so you can carry on with your holiday season.