Heating your home - the Keystone Way
As winter unfolds, we at KeyStone HVAC & Climate Systems are actively ensuring families stay warm and comfortable, especially those without adequate heating. Just last week, we repaired a faulty boiler in a 15-unit apartment building, highlighting a common concern: many of our customers may not know what to expect or how to effectively manage heating issues during the colder months. The drop in temperatures brings its share of challenges, which we are fully equipped to handle. Here are some of the most common heating issues you might encounter and how we at KeyStone address them:
1. Frozen Pipes: A Common Winter Woe As temperatures plummet, unprotected pipes can easily freeze and burst, causing significant damage. To prevent this, we recommend insulating pipes in colder areas of your home and maintaining consistent heating. If you suspect your pipes are beginning to freeze, contact us immediately before a minor issue escalates into a costly disaster.
2. Balancing Act: Solving Uneven Airflow If one room in your home is comfortably warm while another is uncomfortably cold, you may be experiencing blocked ducts or vents. This is often due to simple obstructions such as furniture or accumulated debris. Regular duct cleaning and strategic vent management can alleviate these issues, ensuring uniform warmth throughout your home.
3. Keep it Clean: The Importance of Fresh Air Filters A dirty air filter can reduce your furnace’s efficiency and overstrain your heating system, leading to discomfort and higher utility bills. At KeyStone, we emphasize the need to change your air filter regularly—typically every one to two months—to maintain optimal air quality and furnace performance.
4. Thermostat Troubles: Ensuring Accurate Performance Thermostats are pivotal in controlling your home’s heating but are not immune to problems. Issues such as aging wires, failing sensors, or calibration errors can lead to significant heating inefficiencies. Our team can swiftly diagnose and rectify these problems, ensuring your thermostat accurately regulates your home's temperature.
5. Maintenance Matters: Heat Pumps and Furnaces Regular maintenance is essential to prevent mid-winter breakdowns. Our KeyStone technicians excel at maintaining your heat pumps and furnaces, identifying and resolving potential issues during our spring and fall maintenance routines.
6. Carbon Monoxide: Silent but Deadly Carbon monoxide poisoning poses a serious risk with malfunctioning heating systems, especially those powered by gas. The importance of installing CO detectors and ensuring your heating system is regularly inspected for CO leaks cannot be overstated—these leaks can be fatal.
DIY Tips for Winter HVAC Troubles While it's crucial to have professional service, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot common heating issues:
Check the thermostat settings: Make sure it's set to "heat" and the temperature setting is appropriate.
Replace the air filter: A clean filter promotes better airflow and efficiency.
Inspect vents and registers: Ensure they are open and not obstructed by furniture or curtains.
Check the circuit breaker: Reset if tripped, but contact us if the issue persists.
Listen for odd noises: Unusual sounds can indicate mechanical issues that require professional attention.
Examine the outdoor unit: Keep it free from snow, ice, or debris to ensure efficient operation.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, don’t hesitate to call KeyStone HVAC & Climate Systems for a routine maintenance visit if you are unsure how your home is keeping up with the cold. We are committed to providing quality service and ensuring your home remains warm and safe all winter long.
