Why a Heating System Can’t Keep Up with Cold Temps

Thermostat problems are the most common reason a home’s heater doesn’t provide enough warmth.

When winter’s cold temperatures cause a chill in the house, most homeowners bump their thermostats up a couple of degrees. The heating system forces warm air throughout each room regularly and works just fine. The home’s occupants comfortably go about their business, regardless of the outside temperatures.

However, there may come a time when the air in the home is a little chillier than the homeowner believes it should be. The furnace is working but doesn’t seem to be doing its job of keeping the home warm. There may be a few reasons why the system isn’t meeting expectations.

Read more about why the heating system may not keep a home warm.

Faulty thermostat

Thermostat problems are the most common reason a home’s heater doesn’t provide enough warmth. Homeowners who continually bump up their thermostats and the furnace doesn’t heat or engage may be looking at a faulty thermostat.

An older mechanical thermostat may need to be recalibrated. Some thermostats may have wiring issues. With any thermostat repair, it’s best to call in a professional. Wiring and heating systems can be tricky, and an incorrect fix could put the home’s residents at risk. Check with an HVAC company to ensure the job is done correctly.

Damaged Coilers

If the system uses coilers to provide heat, such as with boilers and steam heating systems, and there is heat about half the time the furnace comes on, or there is no heat, the coiler is likely bad. It’s not unusual for coilers to wear out over time and need to be replaced.

Don’t attempt this as a DIY project, however. Boilers are complex mechanical systems, and it’s best to let a trained technician make any needed repairs. One small mistake could end up costing thousands of dollars.

Blocked ducts

Blocked ducts are another issue that can impair a heating system’s production. Over the years, the heating ducts can become clogged with dirt and debris from the system and prevent the free flow of warm air throughout the home. Regular yearly maintenance can prevent clogged ducts, but homeowners who haven’t maintained their system routinely may have blocked air ducts.

There are ways to determine if there is a clog in the air ducts. Perform a visual check of each vent to ensure there is nothing obvious blocking them. Then, turn on the heat and move from room to room, checking the airflow from the vents. A lack of airflow from one or more vents often indicates a block in the ductwork, and hiring a licensed technician to clean the ducts is the best solution.

Rely on professional services

Many homeowners put off calling a professional when their heating system falters simply because they don’t want to find out their system needs to be replaced. Though rare, sometimes the system can’t handle the job and may need replacing.

Problems with a home’s heating system’s output shouldn’t make the homeowner worry or live in a cold house. Contact a reliable, local HVAC services company to restore the system to good working condition.

Evenflow Home and Commercial Services of San Antonio offers impeccable house cleaning services, professional plumbing, electrician services, HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. Our technicians offer 24-hour emergency electrical and HVAC service for San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and more. Call us at (210)941-3503.