Did the Recent Cold Snap Expose Issues With Your Heating System?

Snellville and the surrounding Gwinnett County area saw temperatures dip lower than usual last week and for many homeowners, it was the first real test of their furnace, mini-split, or heat pump this season. If your home struggled to stay warm, made strange noises, or simply couldn’t keep up, you’re not alone. Sudden cold weather often exposes underlying problems that were easy to miss during milder fall temperatures.

Below, we’ll break down the most common heating symptoms we’re seeing across Snellville right now, along with a few safe troubleshooting steps you can try before scheduling service.

Common Signs Your Heating System May Be Failing

#1 Weak or No Airflow

  • Vents blowing lukewarm or cold air
  • Mini-split heads producing very little output
  • Heat pumps stuck in “fan only” mode

Possible causes: clogged filters, blower motor issues, restricted ductwork, frozen outdoor unit.

#2 Strange Sounds From the Furnace or Air Handler

  • Rattling
  • Grinding
  • High-pitched squealing

What it could mean: loose parts, worn belts/bearings, or a motor beginning to fail.

#3 Short Cycling (Turns On and Off Frequently)

This puts major strain on your system and usually points to:

  • Failed sensors
  • Dirty filters
  • Thermostat issues
  • Oversized or stressed equipment

#4 Burning Smells or Electrical Odors

A dusty smell at the start of the season is normal. But if you detect:

  • A burning plastic smell
  • Strong electrical odor
  • Smoke from vents – turn off the system immediately – this can indicate dangerous overheating or electrical failure.

#5 Outdoor Heat Pump Running Constantly

Heat pumps will run more during extreme cold, but they should not freeze over or stay stuck in defrost mode. Signs of trouble:

  • Outdoor coil covered in thick ice
  • Loud whooshing or grinding
  • System never reaches the thermostat setting

Troubleshooting Tips You Can Try First

Before calling for service, these quick checks may help restore heat—or at least help you understand what’s going wrong.

✔ Check and Replace Your Air Filter: A dirty filter is the #1 cause of weak airflow and furnace shutdowns.

✔ Inspect Your Thermostat: Make sure it’s set to HEAT, replace the batteries, try raising the temperature 3–5 degrees to force a cycle.

✔ Look at Your Breakers: A tripped furnace or air handler breaker can instantly kill heating.

✔ Check the Outdoor Heat Pump Unit: If it’s iced over gently remove leaves or debris. Do not chip away ice (this can damage the fins). If the entire coil is encased in ice, you need professional service.

✔ Verify Your Mini-Split Mode: Mini-splits can easily be bumped into COOL, DRY, or FAN mode. Make sure the remote shows HEAT, auto fan and a temperature above room temp.

✔ Listen for Your Furnace Ignition: If your furnace tries to start but clicks repeatedly or shuts down quickly, the ignition or flame sensor may be dirty.

When It’s Time to Call a Professional

If your home still isn’t warm, or if your system is running nonstop, making loud noises, or giving off unusual smells, it’s safer to turn it off and let a licensed technician diagnose the problem. The recent cold snap pushed Snellville heating systems hard, and even small issues can escalate quickly in winter weather.

Aire Central Heating & Cooling is here to help.
Stay Warm – Schedule Your Heating Service Today

Whether you’re dealing with a furnace that won’t start, a struggling heat pump, or a mini-split that can’t keep up, our certified technicians can diagnose and repair any heating issue quickly and safely.

📞 Call Aire Central Heating & Cooling at (678) 580-1753
Or send us a message for fast, local service in Snellville and surrounding areas.