Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair This Winter
Winter has reared its head and right now you're counting on your furnace more than ever. One of the best ways to keep your furnace running effortlessly is to stay up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a few easy 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 some misinformation out there about closing off vents in vacant rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy bills. However, closing off vents actually puts an increased strain on your system that can lead to issues in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room will leak to other rooms in your house, creating an imbalance and causing your system to work less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your furnace isn't operating correctly, the problem is very obvious - drained batteries in your thermostat. Typically, your thermostat will offer a warning about a month before the battery stops working, but if you missed it, that might be the cause of your heating issues.
Are your vents blowing chilledair instead of hot? There may be a simple explanation for it. Check and ensure 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 notice that your system is always blowing air, you could have your fan set to "on" versus "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 change your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter – A gross filter is the most common reason a heating system quits running. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that may possibly cause your furnace to overheat. Replacing your furnace filter is the easiest way to help potentially extend the lifespan 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 arranged your annual furnace service yet, you can easily set up an appointment by giving us a call at 715-301-0727.