Why Does Your Heating System Break Down in Winter?

The winter months can be unpredictable. One day, there’s sunshine and the next, you get bitter cold snaps. During cold winter days you want to stay indoors and keep yourself warm in the comfort of your own home. But what if your heating system suddenly breaks down in the middle of winter?

This is a common problem among homeowners, and it can be very frustrating, especially if you don’t know what to do about it. With installing a heating system, it’s important to know what can cause a break down and how they can be avoided.

Here are the most common reasons a ducted system breaks down in Winter.

Frozen coils and pipes

If it is perfectly warm and cosy in your living room but freezing in your bedroom – this can be extremely frustrating when the heat is not spread evenly throughout the house. This usually means your heating system is not doing its job properly. 

This problem is usually caused by frozen coils and pipes that disrupt proper water and airflow, especially for steam radiators and water heaters. As the temperature drops during winter, ice can accumulate within these pipes and cause clogging, which could eventually lead to burst pipes due to increased pressure. If this happens, you may need to replace your ducted system, which could be a lot of hassle, especially during the winter when you urgently need heating in your house.

Uneven temperatures also be caused by different issues like a blocked vent, dirty filters, or a defective fan motor. If you start noticing that some areas in your house are cooler than others, then it’s time to call Ambience Air to have the problem checked or start looking into new heating systems to know your options.

individual snow flake portraying cold weather and frozen pipes

Wear and tear

If you’re living in an older house where the ducted system is at least a decade old, you’re more likely to experience breakdowns during winter than if you had a brand new heating system. Like any other appliance in your house, your heaters also experience wear and tear, especially during winter when they are working overtime to keep your household warm. 

Although you can extend the life of your heating system with regular maintenance, experts would still recommend that you replace your heating system after 15 years, to avoid spending more on repairs and maintenance. 

If you are looking at buying a new heating system, it’s best to go for products that feature new technology like ducted reverse cycle heating that’s more economical, heats different rooms at once, and highly energy-efficient. Make sure to look at your options before investing in a new heating system. 

Overworked heaters

Even if you’ve only had your heating system for a few years, there’s still a good chance that it could break down during the winter, especially if it’s overworked or not maintained properly. Problems can start with strange noises and smells from the vents that may eventually lead to uneven temperatures and high energy bills.

Malfunctioning blower fan

It’s not uncommon for cold air to blow out from your vents when you first start your heater. But if that continues after a while, then it could be a sign that your blower fan needs looking at. This could also be an indication that the fuel source that heats the air in your ducted system could be having some issues. If the system is still blowing cold air after you change the temperature settings, then it’s time to call a technician or consider replacing your unit with a reverse cycle heating system. 

Poor maintenance

There are many homeowners who forget about maintaining your heating system. When this happens, you may start to notice that your ducted system is not as efficient as it was before. This is due to excess dust in the vents, frozen pipes or coils, issues with your unit, and a lot of other common problems that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. 

Experts usually recommend having your heating system tested, cleaned, and maintained at least every year to ensure that everything is running smoothly and that you won’t encounter serious and costly problems in the long run. Also, if you plan to replace your heating system with a new unit, make sure to practice this habit to ensure that it will last longer this time.

someone removing filters from air con for maintenance

How to choose the right heating system

If you’re constantly having problems with your heating system, maybe it’s time to replace it with a new ducted system. But to make the right investment, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:

  • Think about efficiency. If you want to invest in a heating system that will last you for a long time, it is vital to choose a system that operates at high-efficiency levels because this usually translates to better savings due to lower operating costs.
  • Think about the power source. Depending on your needs and , you could choose from natural gas, fuel oil, electric or propane. Check out these options, or talk to an expert to determine which type of power source would suit you best.
  • Think about the cost. Of course, you can’t forget about your budget when narrowing down your list of heating systems to choose from. By choosing Ambience Air, you’ll have many great options within your budget, and some of the most efficient heaters are not the most expensive.

Visit one of our locations today.

At Ambience Air, we specialise in some of the top air conditioning and heating systems in the country. We are the industry leader in top quality ducted, reverse cycle and air conditioning units that offer cool air in the summer and heating in the winter months. Our mission is to provide our clients the best quality products for both heating and cooling appliances.

In terms of your heating needs, Ambience Air has an extensive range of heating products that include ducted gas heating that offer efficiency while reducing your heating costs significantly. When you work with us in finding your heating system, we will make sure that you get the best experience possible from the moment you choose your heating product up to installation. 

Ambience Air 30% Off Ducted System offer

So, if you’re looking for a new heating system for your home or office, check out your nearest Ambience Air location:

Baldivis

Opening Soon

Bibra Lake 

53 Discovery Drive Bibra Lake WA 6163

Accessible via Spearwood Ave or Northlake Road.

Clarkson

Opening Soon

Gosnells

3/2163 Albany Hwy Gosnells WA 6110

A 3-minute walk from Gosnells Train Station.

Joondalup

2/9 Wise Street Joondalup WA 6027

Access via Joondalup Drive (South).

Mandurah

2/315 Pinjarra Rd Mandurah WA 6210

Find us opposite the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Midland

2/48 Farrall Rd Midland WA 6056

Located in the Midland Business District, enter Farrall Road from Great Eastern Highway (East).

Osborne Park

Opening Soon

Rockingham

2A Livingstone Road Rockingham WA 6168

A 5-minute walk from Rockingham Centre.

Willetton

Unit 4/4 Whyalla Street Willetton WA 6155 Australia

Access via Leach Hwy and 10-minute walk from Willetton Reserve Pavilion.

Get in touch with one of our specialists for some professional advice on the perfect heating product for your home or office. Get a FREE in-home quote and have the most efficient heating system in your space.