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.
Energy Efficiency Tips to Lower Heating Costs
Ensuring your furnace is in good working order is essential for avoiding emergency repairs. However, optimizing its efficiency helps keep your energy bills manageable. A well-maintained heating system operates more effectively, reducing unnecessary strain and preventing costly breakdowns. Here are some additional steps homeowners in Sea Girt can take to maximize their furnace’s efficiency and keep their homes warm all winter long.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Installing a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency. These devices allow you to set heating schedules based on your daily routine, preventing unnecessary heating when no one is home. Some models even learn your habits and adjust automatically to maintain comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
Seal Drafts and Insulate Properly
Even the most efficient furnace won’t keep your home warm if heat is escaping through gaps and poorly insulated areas. Check around doors, windows, and vents for drafts, and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any leaks. Adding insulation to attics and basements can also prevent heat loss and reduce the workload on your furnace.
Keep Vents and Ducts Clean
Blocked or dirty vents and ducts can cause uneven heating and force your furnace to work harder than necessary. Make sure all vents are open and unobstructed by furniture or curtains. Additionally, scheduling regular duct cleanings can improve airflow and indoor air quality, further enhancing your heating system’s performance.
Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
Ceiling fans should be set to rotate clockwise at a low speed which helps distribute warm air throughout your home. This simple trick can reduce the burden on your furnace, making it easier to maintain a consistent temperature without overworking the system.
By taking these proactive measures, homeowners can not only reduce the risk of unexpected furnace repairs.