A furnace is a vital appliance that provides heating and comfort to your home. However, it can also be affected by the weather conditions outside. In such a situation, it becomes important to rely on a professional HVAC company for furnace repair.
This blog post will explore how different weather factors can impact your furnace’s performance and maintenance needs.
Cold Weather And Furnace Efficiency
One of the most obvious effects of cold weather on your furnace is that it has to work harder to keep your home warm. This means that it consumes more energy and may increase your utility bills.
Moreover, cold weather can also cause some problems for your furnace components, such as:
- Frozen Pipes: If the temperature drops below freezing, your furnace’s water pipes can freeze and burst. It can cause immense water damage and prevent your furnace from working properly.
- Condensation: If your furnace is not properly vented, the cold air outside can cause condensation to form inside the furnace. It can corrode the metal parts and lead to rust and leaks.
- Pilot Light Issues: If your furnace has a pilot light, it can be blown out by strong winds or drafts. It can leave you without heat until you relight it.
To prevent these issues, you should:
- Insulate your pipes and check them regularly for signs of freezing or damage.
- Check your pilot light frequently and relight it if necessary.
- Call a furnace repair technician to install a vent cap or a draft hood to protect your furnace from wind and moisture.
Also Read: Common Mistakes To Avoid When Replacing Your Furnace
Hot Weather & Furnace Wear And Tear
You may think your furnace does not need much attention during the hot weather, but that is not true. Even if you are not using your furnace for heating, it may still be running to circulate air and provide cooling. This means that your furnace is still subject to wear and tear, such as:
- Dust And Dirt Accumulation: The hot and dry weather can cause dust and dirt to build up in your furnace filters, ducts, and vents. Moreover, it can significantly reduce the airflow and efficiency of your furnace and affect the indoor air quality.
- Overheating: If your furnace is not properly sized or maintained, it can overheat and shut down. Complete furnace shutdown means you won’t have any cooling or ventilation.
- Electrical Issues: The high temperatures and humidity can cause electrical components in your furnace to malfunction or short circuit. Ultimately, it can damage your furnace and pose a fire hazard.
To prevent these issues, you should:
- Clean or replace your furnace filters regularly and have your ducts and vents inspected and cleaned by a professional.
- Make sure your furnace is adequately sized for your home, and have it serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year.
- Hire professional furnace repair services to check your electrical connections and wiring and look for signs of overheating or burning.
Extreme Weather And Furnace Damage
Sometimes, the weather can be so extreme that it can cause serious damage to your furnace. For example, storms, floods, lightning, hail, and earthquakes can all affect your furnace in different ways, such as:
- Water Damage: Heavy rain, snow, or flooding can cause water to enter your furnace and damage the electrical and mechanical components. Furthermore, it can create mould and mildew growth.
- Power Surges: Lightning strikes or outages can cause surges that fry your furnace’s circuit board and other sensitive parts. Such power surges can render your furnace useless or unsafe.
- Physical Damage: Strong winds, hail, or falling debris can dent, crack, or break your furnace’s casing, fan, or motor. Moreover, physical damage can affect your furnace’s performance and durability.
To prevent these issues, you should:
- Elevate your furnace above the ground level and install a sump pump or a drain pan to prevent water accumulation.
- Install a surge protector or a backup generator to protect your furnace from power fluctuations.
- Rely on professional furnace installers to make sure they install the furnace accurately.
About Us
At Pro West Heating & Air Conditioning, we excel in providing comprehensive HVAC solutions, including furnace installation, repair, and maintenance. Our expert team of HVAC technicians ensures your satisfaction.
Since we specialize in central and wall-mounted air conditioners, heating systems, hydroponics, and humidifiers, you can rely on us as your trusted partner for year-round comfort. Schedule an appointment today to experience our exceptional services and ensure your furnace operates at its best. Your comfort is our priority.
Contact us today to optimize your furnace.