When you’re right in the middle of a cold, Ohio winter, HVAC issues can be more than just inconvenient; they can be dangerous. Here are a few winter HVAC safety hazards to watch out for this season — and what to do about them.
- Short cycling. If your system cycles on and off quickly and repeatedly throughout the day, it can waste a lot of energy while making it difficult for your home to be heated properly. It could mean your furnace is too big for your home, the flame sensor may be corroded, or your thermostat could be malfunctioning or in a poor location. While not precisely one of the common winter HVAC safety hazards, this is an issue you need to keep an eye on.
- Inconsistent heating. Is one room too warm and the next too cold? First, check the vents and registers to make sure air is flowing properly. Then check the air filter and change it if it’s clogged. Finally, examine your ductwork for leaks. You might also consider a zoning system to adjust the temperature in different areas of the house individually and prevent this issue, one of the common winter HVAC safety hazards.
- Weather issues. Your HVAC system is designed to stand up to extreme weather conditions, but certain things can still affect it. If you have a heat pump with an outdoor unit, branches and leaves can obstruct it, impeding airflow. Make sure there’s at least 2 square feet of clearance on all sides of the unit. If there’s rain or heavy snow, you also may get overflow from the gutters, which can flood the outdoor unit. Make sure they’re directed to flow away from your HVAC system.
- Gas leak. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off or you smell rotten eggs in your house, get out immediately, and call 911 and then the gas company. This means that gas from your furnace is leaking, which can cause serious illness and death. The gas can also ignite and explode, damaging your home. To keep your CO detector working properly, replace the batteries every six months and the detector itself every five to seven years.
For help dealing with winter HVAC safety hazards, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We keep Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin homes safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area