Your home’s HVAC system is often one of the most unappreciated modern inventions we have until something goes wrong. During Ramsey’s coldest months, the temperature will drop well below freezing. While your system may be working great for you all year long, despite its lack of service, a sudden drop in outdoor temperatures can cause a variety of problems for your unit.

Today, the techs at Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® discuss some common problems your home’s furnace or HVAC unit may be experienced during the frigid winter, as well as some easy-to-follow guidance when it comes to troubleshooting your unit.

Don’t Be Afraid to Touch the Thermostat

First of all, it’s important to note that professionals across the board recommend dropping your thermostat temperatures 3-5 degrees Fahrenheit less than your normal temperature when the colder months arrive. Doing this alone reduces the strain you put on your home’s heating system.

Double Check Your Vents

If you’re dealing with HVAC problems during the winter, a good place to begin troubleshooting is your home’s vents. Your home’s HVAC system has a vent that opens to the outside of your home. If you don’t know where this is, you should. It’s important to keep your outdoor vent free of snow or ice buildup, as well as other natural debris that may have entered. This can quickly clog your vents and cause a host of problems such as restricted airflow.

Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure your air filter is cleaned regularly. A filter that is clogged with dust, pet dander, dirt, and other microparticles will cause your HVAC or furnace to work harder due to the decreased airflow into the unit. This can cause problems for your wallet and home’s temperature. When you change your filter monthly, you can reduce your home’s heating costs, as well as ensuring your home will be able to perform when you need it to.

Extreme Temperatures Cause Unusual HVAC Performance

Depending on how cold it is outdoors, your system may not work exactly as expected no matter what you do. From cleaning filters to ensuring your vents are clear, nothing may be working. This means that you may not be able to run your thermostat up as high as you would like. Space heaters can prove to be very useful during Ramsey’s colder months, as well as keeping small rooms cozier by providing extra warmth all while saving you on your monthly utility bills.

When you’re running your air conditioning unit in the cold, your air conditioner may freeze. In order to run properly, your HVAC will begin to blow air that is around twenty degrees colder than the temperature in your home. Combined with near freezing temps outdoor, your home’s unit may freeze over. If this occurs, or you have noticed ice forming inside or on your unit, your home’s air conditioner should be given a short break. If this does not help, give our professionals a call!

Call Our HVAC Emergency Professionals

If you’re ever experiencing an HVAC issue in an emergency, such as extreme cold or heat and your troubleshooting has failed, give our team a call. Our Ramsey emergency services are provided 24/7, as an HVAC emergency can happen at any time – even in the dead of winter. Our team is here to provide you with the trustworthy HVAC services you need, around the clock.

Additionally, our preventive maintenance service continues to be the best tool to fight against unbearable and uncomfortable indoor temperatures. Not only does routine maintenance preserve your manufacturer’s warranty, but it allows our team of Ramsey heating experts to provide you with all the services needed to have a warm winter season indoors. No matter the make or model of your heating unit, be sure to turn to our expert team at Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® for reliable HVAC repair, tune-up, installation, and replacement service!

Give our team a call at (763) 284-8639 or contact us online to schedule your local HVAC service today!