Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair This Winter
We always depend on our furnace in the winter, whether we see we are or not. To ensure that your furnace doesn’t shock you with any halts or trouble for the rest of the winter, check that you are up to date with routine furnace maintenance. Along with these regular tune-ups, there are a few simple checks that you can do yourself on your furnace system and lower the possibilities of emergency furnace repair, such as:
- Checking your thermostat - your furnace problems could be as straightforward as drained batteries in your thermostat. While your system will usually give you a month’s notice before the battery dies, it’s not hard to miss the beep or light signal. If you examine and your batteries are A-OK, double check that your thermostat is turned to “heat” instead of “cool.” It can also be easy to not recall to switch this setting during the temperature changes, and you never know who’s been touching your thermostat. Still no luck? You may have to alter your fan setting to “on” rather than “auto.” This will keep your fan moving air, despite if your furnace is heating. But bear in mind if you make this switch, you must also remember to…
- Change your air filters - furnace failures are most often caused by dirty filters-- from the filth and particles that gather on your filter. This can force your furnace to work harder than it needs to and can even give off a funny, burnt smell when kicking on. Changing your furnace filters are the easiest way keep your furnace operating well.
- Keeping your air vents open – 1.many people think that shutting vents to unused rooms is crafty and it seems like it would save you money. But closing off vents often forces your system to work harder and can cause distress on your furnace. Temperatures in heated rooms will escape into other unheated rooms through indoor, uninsulated walls and create an imbalance in the comfort of your home.
By following these simple pieces of advice and keeping up with your planned furnace service, your furnace should operate smoothly and efficiently all through the season. If you haven’t scheduled your furnace tune-up yet for this year, give our professionals at Heartland Heating & Cooling in Des Moines a call at 515-344-3579.