The cold weather is upon us. As much as many of us avoid turning on the heat until we absolutely have to, at this point most of us are relying on our furnaces to keep us comfortable. The level of trust that we instill in our home appliances does not match the level of attention and care we provide these same machines. A furnace is the perfect example. Many homeowners don’t give a second thought to their furnace until it’s broken. However, with a little consideration and some easy maintenance, Sea Girt furnace repair can be avoided this winter. The cold season can be hard enough on a lot of us without having to deal with a broken furnace.
Maintenance Tips for Your Furnace
Not all maintenance steps need to be done by a professional. There are a few easy things homeowners can do to keep their furnaces running well and efficiently. No matter what maintenance steps you take on your own, it is still a good idea to have a professional inspect your furnace routinely. At least once a year is recommended, but twice a year in spring and fall is best.
Air Filter
Changing the air filter is very important. In order for a furnace to continue to provide heat, good air circulation is necessary. If you have pets, have recently had construction in your home, or live in a dusty area, it’s even more important to check your air filter regularly. The average recommendation is to change or clean your filter (if you have a washable one) every three months.
Check the Interior
If you are comfortable doing so, removing the combustion chamber door will give you access to the inside of your furnace. Before removing the door, be sure to turn off all the power to the furnace and shut off the gas as well. Once the door is off, get a flash light and inspect the interior of your furnace for soot. The presence of this fine black powder may be a sign of poor induction. After your inspection, you can vacuum the inside of the furnace.
Examine all the Parts
A further inspection of all the moving parts can reveal a lot about your furnace. Visually inspect the drive belt for wear and tear. If there are any cracks or thinning of the belt, call a Sea Girt furnace repair company like Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning. Doing so prior to the belt breaking or any other moving pieces failing helps you avoid an emergency.
Switch Your Dampers with the Seasons
Make sure the dampers are set correctly if necessary. If your ductwork serves both your air conditioning and heat and you have a multi-story home, you may have dampers on your ducts. It should be labeled where to set the dampers. What this does is focus more warm air downstairs in the winter and more cool air upstairs in the summer. This helps your furnace function as efficiently as possible.
What is a Sea Girt Furnace Repair Emergency
There are many signs that may give you a clue that something may be wrong or about to be wrong with your furnace. One obvious one is that your home is not reaching or keeping the desired temperature. If your furnace is not producing heat in the middle of winter, that’s an emergency. There are many less apparent red flags also. Loud, strange noises or noises like a buzzing or humming coming from your furnace when it is running is a signal that something may be wrong. Electrical issues, such as flickering lights and tripped breakers could be related to your furnace so it is best to get it checked as soon as possible. Lastly, if you notice any odors of gas in your home, turn off your gas main, vacate your home, and call for help.
Sea Girt Furnace Repair Isn’t Always Necessary
One of the best ways to avoid requiring emergency or routine repair is to have your furnace inspected by an HVAC technician at least once a year. Twice a year is preferable. Keeping up with the routine maintenance of your furnace like changing or cleaning the air filter regularly will help you avoid emergency service calls. Paying attention to your furnace while it is running is important as well. If you notice any strange sounds or smells coming from your furnace, they should be addressed as soon as possible. The best way to stay warm this winter is to avoid the need for Sea Girt furnace repair.