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 basic 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 a misunderstanding that exists about closing off vents in empty rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy expenses. However, closing off vents actually puts an unneeded strain on your system that could lead to issues in the future. Interior walls are not insulated and the temperature in the room will leak to other rooms in your house, creating an imbalance and causing your system to run less efficiently.
- Check Your Thermostat - Sometimes when your furnace isn't operating as it should be, the problem is very easy - dead batteries in your thermostat. Usually, your thermostat will offer a warning approximately a month before the battery stops working, but if you missed it, that could be the cause of your heating problems.
Are your vents blowing coolair instead of hot? 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 see that your system is consistently blowing air, you may have your fan set to "on" versus "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 swap 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 could possibly cause your furnace to overheat. Changing your furnace filter is the easiest way to help potentially extend the life 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 scheduled your annual furnace service yet, you can easily arrange an appointment by giving us a call at (616) 319-1436.