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Winter HVAC strain comes with the season — the heating season, that is. To sustain desired indoor temperatures in winter, a furnace heating cycle runs about 10 to 15 minutes and typically averages two to three cycles every hour.
Furnace components incur wear and tear as long as the unit's running. The cumulative effects of winter HVAC strain may take their toll after many seasons of use. Here are some of the causes and consequences of stress and strain on your heating system:
Heat Loss and Strain Gain
Heat generated by the furnace is continuously seeping out of the house through structural gaps, as well as radiating through building materials. To compensate for this loss, the furnace runs longer cycles and strain escalates. To reduce heat loss:
Check for gaps around doors and windows caused by worn or missing weather stripping. Replace with new material.
Winter heat loss into the attic is common. Look for cracks in joints between exterior walls and ceilings in rooms, as well as around ceiling light fixtures and attic stairs. Fill openings in joints and around lights with caulking; use weatherstripping to seal attic stairs.
Have a qualified HVAC contractor check the amount and quality of attic insulation per Department Of Energy recommendations. If required, additional insulation may be added atop existing layer(s).
Furnace Wear and Tear
Certain furnace components may be vulnerable to wear as heating seasons and winter HVAC strain adds up. Here are some potential weak links:
Cracked heat exchanger. This critical safety component keeps toxic fumes out of the system airflow. Exposed to high temperatures and rapid expansion and contraction, heat exchangers may crack any time after they've been in use for 15 to 20 years.
Defective igniter. This component ignites the burner gas flow when the thermostat signals for heating. Igniters typically require replacement every five to seven years, depending on its average hours of heating.
Blower motor. The HVAC blower circulates heated air when the furnace cycles on. Over time — a blower motor's average life expectancy is 15 years — the powerful electric motor may require replacement.
For more about minimizing winter HVAC strain, talk to the pros at Air Assurance.