HVAC

Winter in Southern California and Southern Nevada looks a little different. Days hover around the low 60s, nights cool off just enough to flip the furnace on, and most homes rely on short heating cycles rather than nonstop use. But that stop-and-go pattern, especially after the holidays, is exactly what causes many furnace issues to show up this time of year.

After weeks of guests, cooking, late nights, and fluctuating thermostat settings, we often see furnaces struggle not from extreme cold but from inconsistent use and lack of maintenance. Here are five common furnace problems that tend to spike after the holidays, even in our mild climate.

1. Dirty Filters from Increased Indoor Activity

Even without freezing temperatures, holiday traffic takes a toll on your system. More people inside means more dust, pet dander, and debris circulating through your furnace. Dirty filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder during those cool evening cycles, leading to inefficiency and unnecessary wear.

2. Short Cycling from Temperature Swings

In naturally warmer areas, furnaces often turn on at night and shut off quickly once the sun comes up. This frequent on-and-off cycling can strain components like the ignition system and blower motor. Over time, short cycling reduces efficiency and increases the likelihood of breakdowns.

3. Ignition Problems from Infrequent Use

Unlike colder regions where furnaces run constantly, local systems may sit idle for long stretches. When they finally kick on during cooler nights, ignition parts that haven’t been used regularly can fail. This is one of the most common reasons homeowners experience “no heat” calls after the holidays.

4. Blower and Airflow Issues

Even mild heating use still relies on the blower motor to move air through your home. If airflow feels weak, rooms heat unevenly, or you notice new noises, it may be a sign that the blower is struggling. These issues often go unnoticed because the system isn’t running long enough to completely fail until it suddenly does.

5. Safety Issues That Fly Under the Radar

Because furnaces here aren’t running all day, safety concerns like loose electrical connections, aging components, or combustion issues can go unnoticed. These problems may not trigger obvious symptoms but can still affect performance, efficiency, and safety when the system does run.

Why a Furnace Safety Check Still Matters in a Mild Climate

Even in a 60-degree winter, your furnace plays an important role in home comfort. A safety check ensures your system turns on when you need it, runs efficiently during cool nights, and doesn’t surprise you with an unexpected breakdown.

Catching small issues now is especially important where furnaces can sit unused for months and then suddenly be expected to work again when temperatures drop.

$79 Furnace Safety Check

If your furnace has been cycling on and off during those cooler winter evenings, now is a great time to have it checked. Our new HVAC Home Services division is here to help, now servicing homes exclusively throughout the Inland Empire in Southern California. Our $79 Furnace Safety Check is designed to make sure your system is operating safely, efficiently, and reliably for the rest of the season.

Call 951-370-2220 today to schedule your furnace safety check and enjoy peace of mind during those cool Southern California nights.