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 stay up on annual maintenance and tune-ups. There are also a few 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 unused rooms. In theory, it sounds like this would save on energy costs. However, closing off vents actually puts an increased strain on your system that could lead to issues 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 operating properly, the problem is very simple - dead batteries in your thermostat. Typically, your thermostat will give a warning approximately a month before the battery runs out, but if you missed it, that might be the cause of your heating troubles.
Are your vents blowing coldair instead of heated? 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 changing the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you see that your system is constantly blowing air, you could have your fan set to "on" instead of "auto". The "on" switch continually 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 exchange your filters more often. This then leads to...
- Change Your Air Filter – A gross 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. Swapping your furnace filter is the easiest way to help try to 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 479-308-8176.