If a Home Isn’t Warm Enough It Could Be One of These Three Problems
Fall and winter are seasons with unpredictable weather even in the best of times. Thus, it is easy to see why having a reliable heating system is key to enjoying the comfort that can only come from closely regulated temperatures. While most people love a crackling fire and a cozy blanket, no one wants them to be a requirement for warmth because of cold spots in the house or because the furnace can’t quite raise the temperature to the appropriate number on the thermostat.
If a home can’t seem to reach the temperature the homeowners want, there are three areas that a qualified professional may look for a solution to a home’s heating trouble.
Unit Size
The size of the HVAC unit in proportion to the house is a large factor in whether or not it can do its job properly. If there was a miscalculation in the original heater installation or renovations have changed the home in a major way, the heater may not keep up. It may also be too large and more than the home requires, leading to a different set of issues. An HVAC unit that is improperly sized to a home can cause the following:
- High energy costs
- Cold spots
- High humidity
- Poor indoor air quality
Issues with the Thermostat 
Here are a few of the reasons a thermostat may not be doing its job as it should:
- Improper Thermostat Installation: If a thermostat is not centrally located or is too close to the HVAC unit, it may be turning the system off before most of the house has reached the desired temperature.
- Needs Recalibration: The thermostat may not be reaching the correct temperature because the settings are off from the actual temperature in the home.
- Dusty: A buildup of dust can inhibit the inner workings of a thermostat.
- Too Old: If a thermostat has been around for a while, it may be malfunctioning simply due to old age and may need replacing.
- Batteries: Some thermostats actually use batteries and they may need to be changed.
Leaves and Sticks and Dirt, Oh My!
One of the easiest problems to fix is the problem of outdoor debris. The grates and vents exposed on an HVAC unit can easily become caked with grime that blows in with stormy weather. Leaves and branches can cover intake grates, and the unit will then have to work much harder to pull in air for the unit.
Filters become dirty and clogged, causing similar problems. When a homeowner has regular maintenance checks through a reliable central heating services company, techs will perform these cleaning tasks before they cause an issue.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
For more than 20 years, Barker Heating and Cooling has provided knowledgeable and reliable HVAC service for residential and commercial Livermore, CA and Tri-Valley Area locations. They even offer no extra charge after-hours emergency service. Call Barker today for HVAC service.
