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 depend on our furnace in the winter, whether we know we are or not. To ensure that your furnace doesn’t surprise you with any breakdowns or issues for the rest of the winter, inspect that you are up to date with annual furnace maintenance. Along with these routine tune-ups, there are a few straightforward tests that you can complete yourself on your furnace system and reduce the probability of emergency furnace repair, such as:

  1. Checking your thermostat - your furnace issues could be as simple as drained batteries in your thermostat. While your system will typically give you a month’s notice before the battery dies, it’s not difficult to ignore the beep or light signal. If you look and your batteries are good, double check that your thermostat is set to “heat” instead of “cool.” It can also be easy to forget to adjust this setting during the temperature changes, and you never know who’s been messing with your thermostat. Still no luck? You may have to change 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 complete this switch, you must also remember to…

  2. Change your air filters - furnace failures are typically caused by dirty filters-- from the dirt and particles that accumulate on your filter. This can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to and can even give off a gross, burnt smell when starting up. Replacing your furnace filters are the simplest way keep your furnace working well.

  3. Keeping your air vents open – 1.many people think that sealing vents to empty rooms is crafty and it seems like it would save you money. But sealing off vents often forces your system to overwork and can cause strain on your furnace. Temperatures in heated rooms will escape into other unheated rooms through internal, uninsulated walls and create a disparity in the comfort of your home.

By observing these simple tricks and keeping up with your scheduled furnace service, your furnace should run smoothly and efficiently all winter long. If you haven’t booked your furnace tune-up yet for this year, give our specialists at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning in Central Point a call at 541-286-6617.