Winter puts your heating system to the test, and when temperatures drop, even minor issues can quickly turn into major breakdowns. Many homeowners are caught off guard when their heater suddenly stops working during the coldest weeks of the year. The good news is that most winter heating failures are predictable, and preventable. Understanding the most common breakdowns and how to avoid them can save you money, stress, and chilly nights without heat. Today, we at AirForce One Heating & Cooling would like to share the common heating breakdowns and what you can do to avoid them.
Frozen or Clogged Air Filters
One of the simplest yet most common causes of heating failure is a dirty or clogged air filter. When the filter becomes packed with dust and debris, your system has to work harder to pull air through. This strain causes the heater to overheat and shut down for safety. In severe winter weather, restricted airflow may even cause the system to freeze.
Prevention: Check your filter every 30 days and replace it at least every 1–3 months. If you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty environment, more frequent changes may be necessary.
Ignition & Pilot Light Failure
Gas furnaces rely on a working ignition system or pilot light to turn on. In winter, issues like dirty burners, moisture buildup, or worn ignition components can cause failure. If your furnace clicks but doesn’t start, or if the pilot light goes out repeatedly, the ignition system may be failing.
Prevention: Annual professional cleaning and inspection keep burners clear, reduce soot buildup, and ensure the ignition system works reliably. This one service alone prevents many winter no-heat calls.
Thermostat Malfunctions
Many broken heater calls actually turn out to be thermostat problems. Faulty wiring, dead batteries, or inaccurate temperature sensors can cause the system to short cycle, run nonstop, or fail to turn on at all. Winter demand often exposes these weaknesses.
Prevention: Replace thermostat batteries once a year, keep the thermostat clean, and consider upgrading to a smart model if yours is outdated. A technician can also recalibrate the thermostats during routine maintenance.
Faulty Blower Motors
When the blower motor fails, warm air can’t circulate through your home. You may notice weak airflow, unusual noises, or hot air inside the furnace but little output from the vents. Winter places heavy demand on blower motors, making worn parts more likely to fail.
Prevention: Lubricating moving parts, cleaning internal components, and checking electrical connections during annual service helps extend blower motor life and prevents unexpected mid-winter failures.
Frozen Condensate Lines
High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation that drains through a small pipe. In freezing weather, these lines can freeze and block the flow, causing the furnace to shut down for safety.
Prevention: Ensure condensate lines are insulated, properly sloped, and kept warm. You can also have a technician install heat tape or reroute the drain to prevent freezing.
Lack of Annual Maintenance
The majority of winter heating breakdowns can be traced back to skipped maintenance. Dust buildup, worn components, loose connections, and small issues go unnoticed until cold weather puts the system under stress.
Prevention: Schedule a heating tune-up every year before winter. This is the most effective way to catch problems early, boost efficiency, and avoid emergencies.
Furnace Maintenance, Repair & Replacements in Liberty Lake, Cheney, Airway Heights, and Medical Lake & Greater Spokane, Washington
Winter heating breakdowns are frustrating, but almost always preventable. With routine care, timely filter changes, and professional inspections, you can keep your home comfortable and your system running smoothly all season long. Reach out to AirForce One Heating & Cooling when you need heating services.
