Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair This Winter
Winter has showed up and right now you're trusting your furnace more than ever. One of the easiest ways to keep your furnace running efficiently 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 a misunderstanding that exists about closing off vents in vacant 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 can lead to concerns 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 working correctly, the problem is very simple - depleted batteries in your thermostat. Usually, your thermostat will give a warning about a month before the battery doesn't work, but if you missed it, that could be the cause of your heating issues.
Are your vents blowing coldair instead of hot? 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 changing the thermostat.
Your thermostat has a fan setting. If you see that your system is consistently 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 exchange 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 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 614-879-9091.