We are often taken by surprise by how fast the temperature drops after the summer is over, and when it’s time to pay a visit to the basement and check on the old furnace, you may find that you need a heating system repair. Fortunately, for most simple problems there are easy do-it-yourself steps you can take to make sure your home heating system is running and you are nice and cozy during the pumpkin season and beyond.
1. Simple Furnace Tune-Up For Proper Heating System Operation
We don’t need to know all the intricacies behind our home HVAC systems, but we do want them operating smoothly. The following checklist is a good starting point for ensuring that your furnace is safe to turn on, and will not require extensive technical home heater repair knowledge. Some of us may need more detailed directions on performing a thorough furnace tune-up for heating systems, but this is a good place to start:
- Make sure the thermostat controlling your heating system is functioning properly
- Locate the filter in your furnace and make sure it’s clean. If it appears clogged or dirty, change the filter.
- Go through electrical components in the furnace and make sure they are operational
- If needed, oil the motors inside your furnace. (play it safe! Make sure to consult an expert if you are not comfortable performing these tasks.)
- Find the heat exchanger in the furnace and search closely for cracks to ensure no carbon monoxide will leak through.
- Make sure airflow is not diminished (if it is, the evaporator coil may need to be cleaned)
2. Common Sense Tips To Keep The Heat Coming
Minimize fire hazards: The possible dangers with operating a furnace include fires and unwanted emission of carbon monoxide into your home. While it is not likely that a properly functioning heating system will be the source of a fire, we sometimes forget simple common-sense steps that can be taken to minimize safety risks. Furnaces are usually located where we store things, including equipment like lawnmowers that have gas inside, even gas canisters, so remove any items that may pose an explosion or fire hazard from contact with the furnace.
Be wise about time: It is just human nature to leave things for the last minute – we all do it now and again (at least with taxes). To avoid freezing your toes when the first really cool morning comes along, complete the above steps when it’s still sunny out and the trees have leaves to avoid extensive heating system repairs. That way, if you do find out that there is a problem with your furnace that you can’t solve yourself, you will have time to research reliable, professional home heating repairs technicians in your area to fix your heating system.
3. When It’s Time To Call A Heating Repair Professional
If you are experiencing problems with your furnace, or if you are too busy to perform an annual tune-up, it may be necessary to call in a home heating professional. Don’t hesitate to contact 1-800-anytyme via our contact form or call (760) 477-0072 to speak with a member of our team today.