Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair This Winter
Winter has arrived and right now you're trusting your furnace more than ever. One of the easiest ways to keep your furnace running effortlessly is to maintain appointments for annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a few simple 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 makes sense that it would save on energy expenses. However, closing off vents actually puts an increased strain on your system that can lead to concerns 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 simple - dead batteries in your thermostat. Usually, your thermostat will give a warning approximately 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 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 playing around with the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you realize that your system is constantly blowing air, you could have your fan set to "on" rather than "auto". The "on" switch continually keeps your fan blowing, regardless if your furnace is currently heating. The "auto" switch only runs the blower 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 can possibly cause your furnace to overheat. Replacing your furnace filter is the easiest way to help try to extend the lifetime of your heating system and avoid furnace repair.
Along with these three 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 schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 641-316-9803.