It’s a common dilemma during a Michigan winter: you hear the furnace start up, detect warm air coming from the registers, and the thermostat says your desired temperature has been reached. So why do you still feel chilly?
Sometimes the furnace itself is to blame, but not always. Issues with airflow, ductwork, insulation, thermostat placement, or a combination could all be impacting how well heat stays in your living spaces.
Here are seven areas to pay close attention to. Your HVAC contractor in Michigan can have a look at your furnace and let you know if the issue originates there.
1. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow through your HVAC system. When air isn’t getting through efficiently, the furnace itself may be operating fine but it can’t send that heated air to the spaces it needs to.
Check and replace your filter as needed. If that doesn’t work, go to the next step on the list.
2. Check Supply and Return Vents
Check the vents in each room of your house to ensure they’re not blocked by furniture, boxes, curtains, or toys.
Instead of closing vents in rooms you aren’t using, keep them open and unobstructed. If you close them, you’re not allowing your HVAC system to do the job is was designed to do.
3. Consider the Ductwork
Your furnace may be putting out plenty of heat, but that doesn’t mean much if the heated air can’t reach the rooms.
Damaged ductwork or ducts with poor seals can cause uneven temperatures or reduced airflow. Are you noticing that certain rooms are consistently colder than others? The duct system could be the culprit.
4. Check Thermostat Location
Your thermostat makes decisions based on the temperature where the physical device is located, and not how each room feels to occupants.
Check the position of your thermostat. If it’s near a heat source or in direct sunlight, for example, this can result in some rooms feeling chillier than others.
5. Don’t Forget About Insulation and Drafts
Your furnace heats the house; your home’s building envelope keeps that heat inside. Heat may escape at a faster rate due to inadequate insulation or air leakage around windows, doors, and attics. On especially cold or windy Michigan days, this problem can be exacerbated.
When you notice your furnace running frequently but the warmth is lost fairly quickly, fixing insulation and draft issues first is a wise move.
6. Check Furnace Sizing
Bigger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to heating equipment. Your furnace should be sized accordingly.
One that is too small for your house won’t be able to keep up with demands. One that’s too big will cycle on and off too quickly, detracting from comfort levels. Remember: proper sizing takes priority over square footage.
7. Consider the Furnace’s Condition
Sometimes, the furnace really is to blame.
Just because your system turns on and produces heat, there could still be a problem with one of the components. Maybe you just need maintenance or an inspection. Maybe the furnace is getting on in years and produces inconsistent results.
Whatever the case, it’s important to book a professional HVAC inspection in Michigan to get to the bottom of things.
Contact Warm or Breezy Heating & Cooling
Call Warm or Breezy Heating & Cooling at (586) 335-3044 to schedule furnace service before the cold of winter sets in. We can evaluate your heating system and find out why your home isn’t feeling as comfortable as it should.
