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 best ways to keep your furnace running smoothly is to keep up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a few basic 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 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 can lead to problems in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room then goes to other rooms in your house, making an imbalance and causing your system to run less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your furnace isn't running as it should be, the problem is very simple - drained batteries in your thermostat. Normally, your thermostat will provide a warning approximately a month before the battery stops working, but if you missed it, that could 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 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" versus "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 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. Changing your furnace filter is the easiest way to help possibly extend the lifespan of your heating system and avoid furnace repair.
Along with these easy 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 arrange an appointment by giving us a call at 812-825-8695.