14 Reasons To Contact A Plumber For Your HVAC Before Winter

Key Takeaways:

• Plumbers have the tools and equipment necessary to service your HVAC system properly.
• A professional can check for any leaks in your ductwork and repair them, preventing heat from escaping and keeping your home more comfortable.
• They can also clean your furnace and ensure it’s running correctly to prevent any safety hazards.
• If you have a gas furnace, a professional can check the pilot light and make sure it’s working correctly.
• They can also inspect your chimney and ensure it’s clear of any debris that could cause a fire.
• J & E Restoration Pros offers restoration and plumbing services to customers in Cumming, GA, and the surrounding areas.

The leaves are changing color and falling from the trees, which can only mean one thing: winter is coming. And with winter comes cold weather, which can be a real pain if your heating system isn’t working correctly. Contact a plumbing contractor if you’re unsure whether your HVAC system is ready for winter. J & E Restoration Pros will discuss 14 reasons you should get a plumber before winter sets in!

Winter Hazards for HVAC

1. Ice Dams

Ice dams can form on your roof during winter; when it happens, the water can back up and cause damage to your HVAC system. Ensure your gutters are clear of leaves and other debris so they can drain properly. You should also insulate your attic to keep the heat in and the cold out.

Also, read our blog to tornado-proof your roof.

2. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are another winter hazard that can damage your HVAC system. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause pipes to burst. To prevent this, you should insulate any exposed pipes and keep the heat on in your home, even when you’re away. You should also know where your main water shut-off valve is so that you can turn it off quickly in the event of a pipe burst.

3. Snow and Ice

Snow and ice can accumulate on your HVAC unit, causing it to overheat or breakdown. So, you should regularly clean off your unit and ensure that nothing is blocking the airflow. You should also consider investing in a snow guard to stop snow and ice formation on your unit.

4. Carbon Monoxide Leaks

If your HVAC system leaks carbon monoxide, it can be hazardous to you and your family. It can cause serious health problems, including death. A professional should inspect your HVAC system regularly to ensure no leaks. You should also install a carbon monoxide detector in your home so that you can be alerted if there is a leak.

Top 14 Reasons to Contact a Plumber for HVAC Before Winter

1. Your Furnace is More Than 10 Years Old

If your furnace is over a decade old, it might be time for an upgrade. A new furnace will be much more efficient than your old one and help keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long.

2. You’re Not Getting Enough Heat from Your Furnace

It could be due to several issues if you’re not getting enough heat from your furnace. It could be that your furnace is too small for your home, or something is wrong with its operation. Either way, it’s best to call a plumbing contractor to look and see the problem.

3. To Check for Carbon Monoxide

One of the most important reasons to contact a plumber for your HVAC before winter is to check for carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large quantities. A properly functioning HVAC system should not produce carbon monoxide, but a professional must check your system to ensure it works correctly.

4. To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive damage to your home. A plumber can insulate your pipes and ensure your HVAC system is properly vented to prevent freezing.

5. To Reduce Heating Costs

If your HVAC system is not operating efficiently, it can cost you high heating costs during the winter. A plumbing contractor can tune up your system and ensure it runs at its optimum level, saving you money on your energy bills.

6. To Prevent Water Damage

Another potential problem that can occur with an inefficient HVAC system is water damage. If your system is not properly draining water, it can cause water to build up and eventually leak into your home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, and floors. A plumber can ensure that your system drains properly to prevent water damage.

7. To Improve Indoor Air Quality

The air quality in your home hugely affects your health. If your HVAC system is not operating correctly, it can circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout your home, triggering asthma and allergy symptoms. A plumber can clean your ductwork and ensure your HVAC system is not recirculating dirty air.

8. To Reduce Noise Levels

If your HVAC system is making strange noises, it could indicate something is wrong with the system. A plumbing contractor can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs to reduce noise levels.

9. Your Energy Bills Are Too High

If your energy bills are higher than they should be, it could be due to inefficiency in your furnace. A new, more efficient furnace will help lower your energy bills.

10. Your Furnace is Making Strange Noises

If your furnace makes strange noises, it’s time to call a plumber. These noises could indicate a severe problem with your furnace and, if left unaddressed, could lead to even more severe problems down the road.

11. There’s Water Around Your Furnace

If you see water around your furnace, it’s time to call a plumber. It could indicate a severe problem, such as a gas leak, and should be addressed as soon as possible.

12. Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, you may find that it keeps going out. It can be due to many different issues, but regardless of the cause, it’s best to have a plumber look at it to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

13. You Smell Gas Near Your Furnace

If you smell gas near your furnace, you must call a plumber immediately, as this could indicate a severe gas leak. Gas leaks can be hazardous, so it’s always best to err on caution and call a professional if you suspect one may be in your home.

14. The Flame in Your Furnace is Yellow Instead of Blue

The flame in a gas furnace should be blue, with maybe a tiny bit of yellow at the tips. If yours is primarily yellow, that means there’s something wrong with the mixture of gas and air coming into the burner assembly, and it needs to be adjusted by a professional before igniting again -– otherwise, you risk an explosion when the flame ignites again on its own.

Related: HVAC and plumbing best practices.

Need Plumbing Services for your HVAC in Cumming, GA?

If you’re in Cumming, GA, and are experiencing a disaster or damage, contact J & E Restoration Pros. We have above 30 years of experience in restoration and plumbing services, so we know how to handle any situation quickly and efficiently. Our team is standing by 24/7 to help you stay warm in winter. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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