Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair This Winter
Winter has reared its head and right now you're trusting 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 some 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 unused rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy expenses. However, closing off vents actually puts an increased strain on your system that could lead to concerns in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room will leak to other rooms in your house, leaving an imbalance and causing your system to run less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your furnace isn't operating correctly, the problem is very simple - dead batteries in your thermostat. Normally, your thermostat will offer a warning around a month before the battery doesn't work, but if you missed it, that could be the cause of your heating problems.
Are your vents blowing coldair instead of hot? There could be a simple explanation for it. Check and ensure 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 realize that your system is always blowing air, you might have your fan set to "on" instead of "auto". The "on" switch constantly 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 swap your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter – A nasty filter is the most common reason a heating system breaks down. Dirt and debris keep air from passing around your system and that could possibly cause your furnace to overheat. Swapping your furnace filter is the easiest way to help possibly extend the lifespan 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 booked your annual furnace service yet, you can easily schedule an appointment by giving us a call at 815-410-1128.