Common Winter Heating and Cooling Problems to Watch For in Edwardsville, Illinois
As winter closes in on Edwardsville, IL, it is time to switch off the air conditioning and turn up the heating. When you fire up the furnace, you might notice some common winter heating problems. Here are a few ways in which your heating and cooling system can malfunction over winter — and what you can do about it.
1. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that can be produced by a malfunctioning furnace. You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide gas, so it is very important to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Call an Edwardsville home heating service right away if the detector detects even a tiny trace of carbon monoxide.
Furnaces are most likely to leak carbon monoxide when they are more than a decade old. If your furnace is very old, or you are not sure of its age, it is a good idea to get it inspected ahead of winter to keep your family safe.
2. Heat Cycling
Heat cycling is a common problem where the heater switches itself off and on again more often than it should. This way of operating is inefficient and can therefore increase your household bills, so it is worth addressing.
The cause of heat cycling is often a dirty filter or a thermostat that is not working properly. Both of these faults can cause the heater to switch off as a safety feature against overheating. You can try cleaning or replacing the filter to see if that helps. If you cannot solve the problem, call a heating and cooling specialist in Edwardsville, IL.
3. Excessively Dry Air
Some homes in Edwardsville, IL suffer from dry air over winter. Dry air can cause a lot of health complaints, such as itchy or sensitive skin, irritated airways, and itchy eyes. It also makes your heating system work less efficiently, as dry air does not hold as much heat as air with higher moisture content. If you notice that the air in your home is too try, consider using a humidifier to add more moisture to the air.
For help with all your heating system problems this winter, contact Dixon Heating & Air Conditioning. Our furnace repair service can help to keep you cozy all winter long.