We’re about midway through winter, how’s your furnace been holding up?
Have you noticed that something is not quite right? Hopefully, you had your system professionally tuned-up in the fall. Professional maintenance ensures that your system works as effectively and efficiently as possible for as long as possible.
But what if even though you had maintenance done, you notice that some rooms feel cooler than they should. What is this uneven heating about? There are a number of potential culprits. Read on to learn what they may be!
Damaged Ductwork
If airflow through your furnace’s ventilation system is blocked or being diverted due to damaged ductwork, it can certainly lead to uneven heating. Say, for instance, you have pinhole leaks that are allowing heat to escape out.
This means that heated air isn’t fully reaching the room that receives heat from that particular duct. Not only will you notice the room is cooler, but you’ll probably notice that the airflow coming from that particular vent doesn’t seem as strong either.
Short-Cycling
Short-cycling is a name given to the process where a furnace shuts off and turns back off rapidly, never completing a full heating cycle. This same problem can impact air conditioning systems as well, and can lead to uneven temperatures throughout the home. This is because the HVAC system isn’t getting the opportunity to fully do its job.
Short-cycling almost always leads back to an electrical fault of some kind. It’s also a potential sign that your HVAC system is too large for your home. If this is the case, however, you will have noticed the problem right after installation, rather than years or even months down the line.
Thermostat Trouble
Sometimes, perceived furnace problems aren’t furnace problems at all, but instead issues with the thermostat. A miscalibrated thermostat could result in your furnace running at the wrong times, leading to poor heat distribution. This can also happen if your thermostat is installed in the coolest area of your home—it will cycle on even though that bedroom with the south-facing window doesn’t need heat at all.
An Aging System
Uneven heating from a furnace is something a warning sign that your system is nearing the end of its service life. As heating power declines, you may notice that rooms further down the ductwork system aren’t receiving the heat levels they’re supposed to.
This can be the result of a blower fan and motor not working as powerfully as it used to, in order to get the heated air distributed through the whole house. Or it can be a sign that you have damaged ductwork. These are problems that are more likely to happen with a furnace that’s about 10-15 years old, versus one that’s brand new.
Whatever the issue is with your furnace that’s causing uneven heating, you won’t be able to resolve it until you give our team a call. We can adequately diagnose the problem, then make recommendations to get your heater back on track.
Looking for great heating in Tacoma, WA? Contact Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. today! We take your comfort as serious as you do.