When temperatures in St. Louis plummet, the last thing you want is a furnace that can’t keep up with the cold. If your heating system fails during extreme cold weather, quick action can prevent further damage and keep your home warm enough to stay safe. Follow this guide to troubleshoot furnace issues and know when to call for professional help.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Ensure your thermostat is set to the desired temperature and switched to “heat” mode. If you’re using a smart thermostat, like the ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential or the Nest Thermostat, make sure it’s properly programmed. A programmable thermostat might need adjustments, especially during extreme cold. If you suspect a faulty thermostat, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat-enhanced model for better energy efficiency and temperature control. Contact Design Aire to test or replace your thermostat if needed.
2. Inspect Your Furnace Filter
A dirty air filter can block airflow, causing your furnace to blow cold air instead of warm air. Replace the furnace filter if it appears clogged. Regularly replacing filters not only improves efficiency but also helps maintain air quality. Pairing your furnace with a smart thermostat can alert you when it’s time to replace the filter, saving you time and ensuring consistent heating.
3. Address Heat Loss in Your Home
Poor insulation or leaks around doors and windows can lead to significant heat loss, making it harder for your furnace to maintain the desired indoor temperature. While waiting for repairs, seal drafts and use a space heater safely. Additionally, a smart thermostat rebate may be available for upgrading to energy-efficient models that help minimize heat loss by optimizing temperature settings.
4. Inspect Your Heat Pump or Air Conditioning Unit
If you use a heat pump or hybrid system, check that the heat pump unit is operating correctly. Ice buildup or power issues can disrupt heating during extreme cold. Similarly, ensure that your air conditioning system isn’t accidentally set to cooling mode. Many smart thermostats, like the Amazon Smart Thermostat or ecobee Thermostats, can seamlessly manage both heating and cooling modes, ensuring your system runs efficiently.
5. When to Call for Professional Heating Repair
If you’ve ruled out basic issues but your furnace still isn’t producing enough heated air, it’s time to call a technician at Design Aire. Problems like a damaged heat exchanger, old or malfunctioning natural gas systems, or an older furnace nearing the end of its life require expert attention like furnace repair in St. Louis.
