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 know we are or not. To guarantee that your furnace doesn’t catch you off guard you with any halts or trouble for the rest of the winter, inspect that you are up to date with routine furnace maintenance. Along with these annual tune-ups, there are some straightforward checks that you can do yourself on your furnace system and reduce the chances of emergency furnace repair, such as:

  1. Checking your thermostat - your furnace issues could be as straightforward as worn-out batteries in your thermostat. While your system will usually give you a month’s warning before the battery dies, it’s not hard to miss the beep or light signal. If you look and your batteries are A-OK, double check that your thermostat is set 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 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 make this switch, you must also remember to…

  2. Change your air filters - furnace failures are usually caused by dirty filters-- from the filth and particles that gather on your filter. This can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to and can even emit a foul, burnt smell when turned on. Replacing your furnace filters are the easiest way keep your furnace running well.

  3. Keeping your air vents open – 1.many people think that shutting vents to vacant rooms is wise and it sounds 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 interior, uninsulated walls and generate an imbalance in the comfort of your home.

By adhering to these straightforward pieces of advice and keeping up with your reserved furnace service, your furnace should run smoothly and efficiently all through the season. If you haven’t set up your furnace service yet for this year, give our specialists at Age Heating & Cooling in Sandpoint a call at 208-578-4258.