Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair This Winter
Winter has reared its head and right now you're relying on your furnace more than ever. One of the easiest ways to keep your furnace running efficiently is to maintain appointments for annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a few simple 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 wrong information out there 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 may lead to problems 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 running as it should be, the problem is very obvious - drained batteries in your thermostat. Typically, your thermostat will provide a warning about a month before the battery runs out, but if you missed it, that might be the cause of your heating problems.
Are your vents blowing chilledair instead of heated? There could 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 notice 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 change your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter – A gross filter is the most common reason a heating system stops working. 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 potentially extend the life 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 schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 715-301-0256.