It’s definitely frustrating to turn up your thermostat in the winter in hopes of warming up your home, only to realize that you still feel cold. Whether it’s due to simple user error or a more serious HVAC malfunction, heating issues can leave you shivering during the colder months.
This summer, we took a look at why your home may not be getting cool, even with the air conditioner on. Now that it’s autumn and outdoor temperatures are falling, let’s go over some possible reasons your home isn’t warming up, expert troubleshooting tips, and how to know when it’s best to call an HVAC professional.
1. Thermostat Issues
If your home isn’t warming up, double-check your thermostat settings before assuming it’s due to a bigger issue. The first thing to check is whether the thermostat is set to “cool”, fan-only, or the wrong temperature. If it’s battery-operated, check whether the batteries are dead. Additionally, if there are wiring issues or the thermostat is faulty, it can’t communicate properly with your furnace, preventing heating.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters could be the reason your home isn’t warming up. Dust, dirt, and debris in your system can reduce airflow and make it harder for warm air to circulate throughout your home, leading to uneven heating, weak airflow, or higher energy bills.
The solution is staying on top of filter replacement — most manufacturers recommend replacing your filter every three months. If there’s significant dust buildup in your system, consider professional duct cleaning services to restore proper airflow.
3. Airflow Problems in the Ductwork
Dirt and dust aren’t the only things that can cause airflow problems in your ductwork, preventing your home from warming up. Leaky ducts allow warm air to escape before it reaches its destination, impacting your HVAC system’s efficiency
. Blocked or closed vents can also restrict heat, as can poorly designed ductwork.
If you suspect leaky ducts are to blame, it’s essential to seek professional inspection. If the technician finds cracks, corrosion, or improperly sealed joints, they can provide sealing services to improve heating and cooling performance.
4. Furnace Problems
Furnace problems may be to blame if your home isn’t warming up like it should. Pilot light or ignition issues prevent the furnace from producing heat. When the blower motor fails, warm air can’t get pushed through the ducts. Dirty burners reduce efficiency and cause uneven heating.
If the furnace isn’t cycling on or producing any heat, it’s time to call a professional to get your home warming up again.
5. Insulation and Drafts
Your home’s insulation has a significant impact on heating performance. Poor insulation allows heat to escape, making it feel like the system isn’t warming up your home. Drafty windows and doors let cold outdoor air in, undermining your heating efforts. The solution is adding insulation, sealing cracks, or upgrading your windows to promote better HVAC efficiency.
6. System Size and Age
Your HVAC system’s size and age may be the reason your home isn’t warming up. Undersized systems may not be able to keep up with heating demands, and oversized systems tend to short-cycle, causing hot and cold spots. That’s why it’s so important to seek installation services from HVAC technicians who understand how to calculate the proper size for your home.
As HVAC systems age, they become less efficient due to wear and tear and may struggle to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If your home isn’t warming up and your system is over 15 to 20 years old, consider a replacement.
7. Lack of Regular Maintenance
A lack of regular maintenance can affect your HVAC system’s performance, causing your heater to underperform when you need it most. Annual tune-ups give technicians the chance to catch small issues before they escalate into major breakdowns, therefore preventing efficiency loss and increasing the lifespan of your equipment. When your system functions optimally, it can lower your energy bills, as well!
Home Isn’t Warming Up? Call Genuine Comfort for Help
If your home isn’t warming up, don’t suffer in the cold. Call the experts at Genuine Comfort for help. Whether it’s a simple fix or a more extensive problem, our technicians are here to restore your heat and keep you comfortable all year round.
Contact Genuine Comfort today to schedule maintenance, repairs, or tune-ups and ensure your home remains warm all winter long.
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