If there were a “worst” time to experience an issue with your HVAC system , it would be during Montreal’s extreme winters. Unfortunately, the cold months bring unique challenges to any heating and cooling system, so the likelihood of experiencing an interruption could be greater. Here are the top common issues you might encounter that disrupt your home comfort and how to troubleshoot them.
The 7 most common HVAC issues during winter
1. Frozen coils or pipes
January, February, and December are the coldest months of the year in Quebec. Although time temperatures occasionally rise above freezing, your HVAC system’s coils and pipes could freeze within a couple of hours of the sun going down.
It could be sudden or gradual, but the stark temperature changes could also cause pressure buildup in your pipes, causing them to burst wide open. Call a professional to assist you with winterizing your HVAC system before the winter months arrive.
2. Dirty or clogged air filters
Failing to check your air filters when winterizing your HVAC system could make your home feel cold and uncomfortable. Your filters need to be regularly checked and properly cleaned, especially before the colder months, to adequately facilitate a consistent airflow from your furnace. It’s great for your comfort and the longevity of your HVAC system.
3. Uneven airflow
As temperatures drop, you may notice that some of your rooms are cooler than others. This is common and particularly disruptive in the winter. There could be several reasons why your furnace is providing an uneven air flow, including:
- Clogged filters
- Leaking ductwork
- Blocked vents
- Insufficient return air
- Broken blower motor
- Undersized ductwork
Consulting a professional would be the best troubleshooting, as the underlying cause could vary and be quite subtle.
4. Thermostat issues
While they are durable, thermostats aren’t indestructible, especially if they’re old. Over time, the wires in your unit will loosen, the computer chips could fail, and the sensors will start to fail.
This will impact your system calibration and limit the thermostat’s ability to do its job. Upgrading to a smart thermostat or more sophisticated home automation system will help you better monitor your thermostat’s effectiveness.
5. Carbon monoxide detector malfunctions
Carbon monoxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless, potentially deadly gas. For homeowners who heat their homes with gas, one or more detectors should be installed in the home. A single chirp from the detector will indicate that the battery is low and needs to be replaced. If you hear four beeps and then a pause, it means CO2 has been detected, and you should evacuate and call emergency services immediately.
Battery replacement is an easy fix, and it is a problem that could happen at any time of year and shouldn’t be ignored. When people are inside more often in the winter, the motivation to leave and venture out into Montreal’s cold lowers, putting your family at greater risk.
6. Pilot lights flickering
If your house is heated with propane or gas, a pilot light ignites your heating system and keeps things comfortable. Many systems have a continuous pilot light, while others only light when the system boots up.
Either way, you’re left without heat without a properly functioning pilot light. The issue? It could be a malfunctioning or dirty sensor. Cleaning the sensor properly yourself could be intimidating, so it’s best to consult a professional team to do the cleaning for you and assess your system to determine if that is indeed your issue.
7. Heat pump or furnace damage
Your furnace or heat pump requires routine maintenance to extend the life of your system and make sure all components are working properly. When maintenance is put off or neglected, issues with your system can be compounded.
Belts can break, furnaces can leak, and exchangers can crack during winter. These issues, and more, could arise if you fail to schedule a maintenance visit. It’s recommended that you call your heating and cooling professionals in the spring and the fall, when the temperatures swing the most, so you can rest assured that your system is running optimally.
The bottom line
During Montreal’s harsh winters, it’s crucial that your HVAC system runs properly. Issues like frozen pipes and coils, uneven air flow, thermostat malfunctioning, and heat pump damage are all common occurrences in the colder months.
Fortunately, by scheduling regular maintenance with a team of professionals , you can avoid these issues and keep your home cozy all winter long.
Need a quote or maintenance visit in the Montreal area? Contact us today , and we’ll be ready to jump in and help.