As winter approaches, many homeowners are firing up their furnaces to keep the home warm. Unfortunately, many homeowners struggle with finding the perfect balance between being comfortable and keeping their energy costs low.
Many of these homeowners do not realize they should not have to choose between low heating bills and being comfortably warm. A well-maintained, efficient furnace can play a major part in keeping costs low. It is important to know when the furnace needs to be repaired or serviced. This will help ensure it provides efficient heating all winter long.
Is the Furnace Running Properly?
A poorly running furnace is not efficient and can use more gas or electricity than normal. This can greatly increase the utility bills during the winter. It is very important for homeowners to be able to identify when they need a furnace repair.
Furnace repair is half the battle for keeping energy costs low. A furnace, whether it is gas, electric, or oil, requires regular maintenance and cleanings to keep it running at its best. Proper maintenance, regular care, and timely repairs can help keep a furnace running properly and efficiently throughout the cold months.
Yearly Maintenance
The best repair for any furnace is prevention. Providing a furnace with the necessary maintenance it needs every year can prevent many of the problems that occur. It can provide an opportunity to identify any potential problems early so repairs can take place before there is a breakdown.
It is suggested that maintenance be performed on the furnace before the cold winter months set in. Early fall is probably the best time for this service. Although the maintenance can be performed by the homeowner, it is strongly suggested that a professional technician provide regular maintenance.
A professional technician has experience in providing this care and the knowledge to identify any issues with the system. This can ensure the right care is provided. In addition, having a technician provide maintenance can make it easier to keep written records of this service for insurance or warranty purposes.
Cleaning the Furnace
Often, when a service technician is called to provide maintenance for the furnace, they will provide the cleaning. However, it is probably a good idea for homeowners to understand how to perform this task when their service provider does not do it or if they are providing maintenance for themselves.
The furnace filter needs to be changed regularly, usually once a month. This filter helps to block debris and dust from entering the heating system. When the filter is dirty, the airflow into the furnace is restricted. This can put a strain on the blower motor and cause it to burn out faster. It can also cause the system to use more energy to heat the home.
Dust and debris can build up on the components of the furnace. It is suggested to take a small paintbrush and gently brush off the dirt from the components and then vacuum the loose particles. Next, unscrew the flame sensor and clean it with an emery cloth. This should be done yearly because a dirty flame sensor can cause the furnace to stop working.
If it is a gas or propane furnace, the drainage tube may also need to be cleaned. During heating, small amounts of water are produced. This water needs to be able to drain through the drainage tube. If the tube becomes blocked, it can cause the water to accumulate and cause the furnace to stop working. Clearing any clogs yearly can prevent this problem.
Lighting the Pilot Light
Many types of gas furnaces utilize a pilot light to ignite the gas for heating. Calling a service technician can provide the assistance needed to relight the pilot if it happens to go out. However, if it goes out on a cold winter’s night, it may be difficult to get a technician out to light it. This makes it a good idea to understand how to do it.
Every furnace should have a label on it with instructions on how to light the pilot. The manual that came with the furnace or even an online version can help when this label is missing. However, there are some general steps anyone can take to relight their pilot.
The first step is to find the pilot light and its components. Find the switch near the bottom of the furnace that reads ON, OFF, and Pilot. Switch it to the OFF position. Wait five minutes to allow any gas to dissipate. Then, turn the knob to Pilot and hold down the reset button. Use a long lighter to light the pilot. Once it ignites, release the reset button. Now, turn the knob to the ON position and close the access to the pilot area.
Identifying Problems
It is also a good idea for every homeowner to understand the signs of a problem with the furnace. Of course, if the system is not turning on, there is something wrong, and it should be checked out by a trained professional. However, there are some issues that can give warning signs. If repaired promptly, they could prevent a breakdown.
Some signs that the system may be having an issue can include needing to adjust the temperature constantly because the house seems to be warmer or colder than it should be. Watching the energy bills can also be a sign of a problem if the costs are much higher than normal.
A system that starts and then stops repeatedly is also a major sign of a problem. There is some kind of mechanical issue that is preventing the system from cycling properly. Condensation in various areas of the home could be a sign of inefficient heating of the home. The water around the furnace can also be a problem.
A rusted flue, signs of animal activity, or any other issue that may seem like a problem with the home not getting the proper heating should all be checked out by a professional. Getting the problem fixed quickly can prevent serious problems in the future.
If the system is getting older or has a low-efficiency number, it may be a good idea to have the system replaced. Although this might be a major cost, in the long run, it can actually save a household a lot by reducing the cost to heat the home.
Following these tips can help reduce the problems with a furnace and prevent a breakdown in the middle of a cold winter’s night. It can also help to keep the costs of comfort a lot lower, allowing homeowners to enjoy both.