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 couple easy things you can check on yourself that may 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 empty 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 leaks to other rooms in your house, making an imbalance and causing your system to operate less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your furnace isn't operating correctly, the problem is very easy - depleted batteries in your thermostat. Normally, your thermostat will offer a warning approximately a month before the battery doesn't work, but if you missed it, that may be the cause of your heating issues.
Are your vents blowing coldair instead of heated? There might be a simple explanation for it. Check and be sure your thermostat is set to "heat" instead of "cool". You never know who has been changing the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you notice that your system is consistently blowing air, you may 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 utilizes 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 dirty filter is the most common reason a heating system breaks down. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that can possibly cause your furnace to overheat. Changing your furnace filter is the easiest way to help possibly 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 arranged your annual furnace service yet, you can easily arrange an appointment by giving us a call at 715-352-4052.