Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair This Winter
Winter has showed up and right now you're counting on your furnace more than ever. One of the best ways to keep your furnace running smoothly is to keep up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also some basic things you can check on yourself that might keep you from being left in the cold and in need of an emergency furnace repair.
- Keep Air Vents Open - There's a misunderstanding that exists about closing off vents in vacant rooms. In theory, it makes sense that it would save on energy bills. However, closing off vents actually puts an unneeded strain on your system that could lead to issues in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room leaks to other rooms in your house, leaving an imbalance and causing your system to operate less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your furnace isn't running properly, the problem is very obvious - drained batteries in your thermostat. Normally, your thermostat will provide a warning approximately a month before the battery doesn't work, but if you missed it, that might be the cause of your heating problems.
Are your vents blowing coldair instead of hot? There may be a simple explanation for it. Check and make sure your thermostat is set to "heat" instead of "cool". You never know who has been messing around with the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you realize that your system is constantly blowing air, you might have your fan set to "on" rather than "auto". The "on" switch always keeps your fan blowing, regardless if your furnace is currently heating. The "auto" switch only keeps the blower running when the furnace is heating your home. Keep in mind, if you keep your switch set to "on" you'll have to exchange your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter – A dirty filter is the most common reason a heating system quits running. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that could possibly cause your furnace to overheat. Replacing your furnace filter is the easiest way to help potentially extend the lifetime of your heating system and avoid furnace repair.
Along with these simple tips, the best advice is to keep up with annual, scheduled furnace maintenance. If you haven't scheduled your annual furnace service yet, you can easily arrange an appointment by giving us a call at (815)914-6197.