Your heating system is the ultimate tool for creating ideal temperature conditions in your home during winter, but what do you do when it stops working properly? Uneven heating can be a sign of system damage, but it’s not always caused by the same fault. Luckily, we’re familiar with the usual suspects.
If you’ve noticed uneven heating throughout your house, here are 5 potential issues usually at the heart of the problem.
Clogged Air Filter
This air filter is responsible for preventing dust, dirt, and other debris from entering your HVAC system. However, over time, these particles build up and can eventually clog the filter. This restricts airflow, leading to uneven heating. Replacing a clogged filter doesn’t just open up airflow again, it’s an important part of general maintenance.
Air filters generally need to be replaced every three months or so, but environmental factors can shift that timescale. The more particles it has to filter out, the faster it’ll clog, so don’t neglect yours!
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your heating system needs accurate information from its thermostat to properly regulate heating. A malfunctioning thermostat taking incorrect readings can lead to uneven heating even if the unit is otherwise in good condition. Thankfully, that makes this one of the easier problems to fix. A licensed professional can recalibrate a thermostat pretty quickly, or replace it if it’s damaged.
Air Handler Issues
All types of forced-air heating systems have a component called an air handler. This is the indoor unit that either pushes air through your ductwork and then into your home, or directly from a conduit, if we’re talking about a ductless HVAC system that has multiple air handlers.
A problem with an air handler can cause uneven heating as the hot air may not be able to reach the back of your home. Whether it’s a busted blower fan, a worn-down motor bearing, or something else causing a problem with the air handler, our team can fix it quickly.
Damaged Ductwork
Furnaces and boilers rely on ductwork to distribute heated air. Ducts form extensive networks, and if there’s a leak somewhere, heat can escape before it reaches a given room. Damaged ductwork reduces efficiency and may lead to a higher bill at the end of the month.
As always, it’s best to call an HVAC technician to locate and seal any leaks so you can enjoy your system’s full capacity.
Short-Cycling
Short-cycling is when a unit switches on and off before it can finish heating or cooling the air in the system. When this happens, air doesn’t move through the ducts at the right temperature, making it difficult to regulate the house. Short cycling can be caused by many of the same faults that lead to uneven heating like clogged air filters, leaks, and malfunctioning thermostats.
Deterioration over time and heating with the wrong-sized furnace can also contribute to short-cycling. Whether it’s an electrical fault or compound damage, you’ll need a professional to get your unit cycling properly again.
Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. is your trusted resource for furnace service in Kent, WA. Contact us today!