HVAC issues and repairs are very common during the winter months, and this is particularly the case in frigid climates like the one in northern Utah. Salt Lake City is known for being one of the snowiest cities in the entire country, and with all that snow comes frigid temperatures and all sorts of household dilemmas.
The HVAC experts at ProService Utah have supported us by providing the below list of the most common wintertime plumbing and HVAC problems that occur in cold areas like Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah region.
So, check out the wintertime plumbing and HVAC problems that commonly occur in cold states by reading the below sections!
Frozen Pipes
It’s normal for cold, mountainous climates like northern Utah to experience harsh, freezing temperatures for prolonged periods of time each winter season.
Although this is normal, it’s crucial for homeowners to remember that these frigid temperatures can often lead to plumbing issues like frozen pipes—especially at night and while you’re on vacation.
Whether it’s gradual or sudden, pipes can experience pressure buildup that leads to deep freezes. And once pipes have fully frozen, it can pose all sorts of serious plumbing issues that can be rather difficult to resolve without professional help.
And when something serious like frozen pipes occurs within your property’s plumbing system, it generally necessitates a comprehensive HVAC system examination as well. This is because frozen pipes can have a negative ripple effect throughout your entire property!
Uneven Airflow Throughout Your Home
There are many reasons why your home might be experiencing uneven airflow during the winter months, and the most common culprits include blocked air ducts and vents.
It’s important for Utah homeowners to remember that there are many different types of airflow blockages that might impact their property’s indoor comfort, and it’s also important to remember that clogged vents will undoubtedly lead to HVAC system inefficiencies.
So when you’re noticing that one room in your home feels noticeably warmer than another, it’s a warning sign that your HVAC system needs to be professionally inspected.
Dirty HVAC Air Filters
Similar to when your property experiences blocked ductwork, your home’s HVAC air filters can also become clogged or dirty. Dirty air filters can lead to many HVAC system repairs and dilemmas, and it’ll undoubtedly leave your home feeling less comfortable during the coldest days of the winter.
This is one important reason why every homeowner needs to keep track of their air filter changes and inspections. Your home’s furnace relies heavily upon this type of maintenance and upkeep, and the good news is that it’s generally very easy to replace your system’s air filters.
And when you change out your HVAC air filters on a regular basis, you’ll ultimately maintain the long-term efficiency of your plumbing and HVAC system!
Thermostat Repairs & Malfunctions
Most HVAC thermostats are very durable and can last a long time, but there’s no such thing as an infallible thermostat. Over time, thermostats wires get loose and sensors can start to malfunction. This even applies to state-of-the-art thermostats and computer chip failures as well.
When your home’s thermostat calibration has been negatively impacted, it’ll change how your thermostat controls indoor temperatures within your home. Thermostat issues are very common in cold climates, and a lot of people might not initially realize why their home has suddenly turned into an icebox in the middle of January until it’s much too late.
And what’s even worse is that thermostat issues can have a negative ripple effect on your entire property, because lower indoor temperatures can potentially lead to plumbing dilemmas rather quickly!
Flickering Pilot Lights
When a pilot light starts to flicker, it usually means that it’s on the verge of failing. This issue is usually caused by two main issues, including drafts and flame sensor issues.
Drafts are a top reason why pilot lights flicker and sometimes go out, and this is why it’s incredibly important to ensure that your furnace room is fully sealed from winter winds and cold temperatures.
Flame sensors often get clogged or damaged, which subsequently leads to pilot light repairs and malfunctions. When your home’s furnace is experiencing a damaged flame sensor, it’s incredibly important to invest in a pilot light replacement or professional cleaning appointment.
It’s also common for homeowners to require a water heater repair appointment when they’re going through pilot light issues as well!
Damaged Heat Pumps & Furnaces
It’s normal for HVAC appliances like heat pumps and furnaces to need routine repairs and maintenance inspections about once per year, but it’s unfortunately also normal for homeowners to neglect this type of maintenance until they notice serious issues in the middle of the winter.
Heat pumps and furnaces are undoubtedly prone to malfunctions like heat exchanger cracks, belt breaks and leaks—and this is especially the case during the coldest days of the year.
This is why it’s typically best for homeowners to invest in seasonal maintenance appointments in the fall, because this is one of the best ways to prevent a mid-winter breakdown that leaves you freezing inside your home!
Reach Out To ProService When You Need Plumbing & HVAC Support In Utah!
There are a lot of property owners in cold states like Utah that simply don’t understand just how dire situations can get when they go through plumbing and HVAC malfunctions during the winter.
Utah is known for being a very cold state, and this is particularly the case in the northern region near Salt Lake City. Although preventing all household issues is essentially impossible, there’s a lot that homeowners can do from a preventative maintenance standpoint. But you also need to have a reliable HVAC service provider in your contacts when things inevitably go wrong.
One of the top-rated HVAC and plumbing companies in Utah is ProService, and you can learn more about how they support their customers during the winter when you check out their website by clicking on the link located at the beginning of this article!
