Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair This Winter
We always rely on our furnace in the winter, whether we recognize that we are or not. To make sure that your furnace doesn’t catch you off guard you with any halts or trouble for the rest of the winter, check that you are up to date with annual furnace maintenance. In addition to these annual tune-ups, there are some straightforward 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 issues could be as plain as worn-out batteries in your thermostat. While your system will typically give you a month’s warning before the battery dies, it’s easy to miss the beep or light signal. If you check and your batteries are A-OK, double check that your thermostat is positioned to “heat” instead of “cool.” It can also be easy to not remember to switch this setting during the temperature changes, and you never know who’s been messing with your thermostat. Still no luck? You may have to alter your fan setting to “on” rather than “auto.” This will keep your fan propelling air, regardless if your furnace is heating. But bear in mind if you make this switch, you must also remember to…
- Change your air filters - furnace troubles are typically caused by dirty filters-- from the dust and particles that gather on your filter. This can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to and can even give off a foul, burnt smell when turned on. Changing your furnace filters are the most painless way keep your furnace working well.
- Keeping your air vents open – 1.many people think that shutting vents to empty rooms is wise and it sounds like it would save you money. But shutting off vents often pushes your system to work harder and can cause distress on your furnace. Temperatures in heated rooms will leak into other unheated rooms through internal, uninsulated walls and generate a disparity in the comfort of your home.
By adhering to these simple pieces of advice and keeping up with your reserved furnace service, your furnace should operate effortlessly and efficiently all through the season. If you haven’t scheduled your furnace service yet for this year, give our specialists at B & G HVAC in Marshalltown a call at 641-316-3360.