How to Make Your Furnace Last and Avoid the Need for Furnace Repair
Thankfully, in southern California, our winters tend to start late and don’t last very long—when compared to the rest of the country. But when winter does hit, the last thing you want be worrying about is whether your home’s furnace and heating system are working. Follow these tips to ensure that you can stay warm and cozy all winter long.
1. Keep up with a regular furnace maintenance schedule.
Want to ensure that your furnace lasts for years to come and that it’s working when you need it? Keep up with a regular furnace maintenance schedule. By cleaning and inspecting your furnace throughout the year, you can be sure you’re never without heat.
2. Test your furnace before you need it.
The best time to test out your furnace is before you actually need it. Ideally, you should be testing your furnace in the off-season to be sure it’s in good working condition. That way, if you do happen to need a furnace repair or furnace replacement, you can get it out of the way before it starts getting cold outside.
3. Change your air filters at least once a month.
This isn’t the first time we’ve said it, and it certainly won’t be the last. If you want better air quality, increased efficiency, fewer furnace repair appointments, and lower energy bills, you need to be changing your air filters at least once a month. Changing your filters takes just a couple of minutes, and it will ensure the lifespan of your furnace and HVAC system.
4. Keep all of your air vents open when your furnace is in use.
You may have heard that closing your air vents in unused or seldom-used rooms can help save energy and lower your heating bills. Unfortunately, this advice is not a great idea. When you close your vents, you disrupt the balance of the airflow and create more pressure within the heating system. This actually makes your furnace and heating system work even harder, which could end up costing you money in the long run.
5. Get to know your home’s thermostat.
If your vents aren’t blowing out warm air, or they aren’t blowing out any air at all, the first thing you should do is check out your home’s thermostat. Your thermostat’s batteries may only last 3-4 years, and when they stop working, your heating system won’t operate correctly. If you suspect an issue with your furnace, try replacing your thermostat’s batteries first. What seems like a big problem could actually have a very simple fix!
Another thermostat-related issue could be with the settings. Your thermostat likely has two different settings: auto and on. The auto setting means that your furnace turns on when it’s needed and turns off when your home reaches the set temperature. The on setting means that the fans are constantly blowing no matter what—whether it’s warm air or room-temperature air. With the on setting, even though it may not seem like any warm air is coming out of the vents, it doesn’t mean the furnace isn’t working.
Our Furnace Repair and Maintenance Services
Stephens Plumbing has been helping homeowners live comfortably in their homes for more than 30 years. If you’re in need of a furnace repair or have a question about furnace maintenance, we’d love to help you. Learn more below.
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