Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair this Winter

January 27, 2016

Simple Ways to Avoid Calling for Furnace Repair This Winter

We always trust our furnace in the winter, whether we recognize that we are or not. To ensure that your furnace doesn’t shock you with any halts or issues for the rest of the winter, check that you are up to date with regular 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:

  1. Checking your thermostat - your furnace issues could be as plain as drained batteries in your thermostat. While your system will generally give you a month’s caution before the battery dies, it’s easy to miss the beep or light signal. If you check and your batteries are fine, ensure that your thermostat is turned to “heat” instead of “cool.” It can also be easy to not recall to change this setting during the changing of the seasons, and you never know who’s been touching your thermostat. Still no luck? You may have to adjust your fan setting to “on” as opposed to “auto.” This will keep your fan blowing air, despite if your furnace is heating. But keep in mind if you complete this switch, you must also remember to…

  2. Change your air filters - furnace troubles are usually caused by dirty filters-- from the dust and particles that collect on your filter. This can force your furnace to overwork and can even discharge a gross, burnt smell when starting up. Swapping your furnace filters are the most painless way keep your furnace operating well.

  3. Keeping your air vents open – 1.many people think that shutting vents to unused rooms is wise and it seems like it would save you money. But closing off vents often makes your system to overwork and can cause injury on your furnace. Temperatures in heated rooms will escape into other unheated rooms through internal, uninsulated walls and create unevenness in the comfort of your home.

By following these straightforward pieces of advice and keeping up with your planned furnace service, your furnace should operate easily and efficiently all through the season. If you haven’t scheduled your furnace maintenance yet for this year, give our professionals at H&C Heating and Cooling in Laurel a call at 301-960-3247.