When the weather outside is frightful, all we want to do is snuggle inside with our nearest and dearest and enjoy the warmth of our cozy home. But what if our homes aren’t as cozy as they should be? Take a look at three of the most common HVAC issues to plague homeowners during the winter months.

Frozen pipes. There’s nothing worse than waking up to frozen pipes on a bitterly cold morning. Actually, there is something worse: waking up to burst pipes! The explanation for this occurrence is pretty straightforward – when the weather outside drops below freezing, the water inside your pipes freezes. As the water freezes, it expands, which can lead to increased pressure – and can cause the pipes to burst.

Airflow issues. Is one of the rooms (or floors) in your house much cooler than the others? If so, it might not be receiving proper airflow from your heating system. There are several possible causes: a dirty or obstructed vent, a dirty duct, or even problems with the filters or the blower motor in your furnace.

Loss of heat. You’ve cranked the heat up to 75 in your house, and you’re still freezing. What gives? Unfortunately, freezing cold weather (and ice in particular) can wreak havoc on your heat pump, making it difficult to maintain the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat. Other, more problematic causes include problems with your compressor, a malfunctioning pilot light, or a leak in the duct that is allowing cold air from inside to creep in.

Some of the above issues can be avoided with preventative measures, like making sure your HVAC is ready for the cold winter months. But some winter HVAC emergencies are inevitable – which is when you need the help of a qualified professional. Contact SSI HVAC with your winter HVAC woes, and let us help you!