Stay Warm This Winter: Furnace Tips to Prevent Mid-Season Breakdowns
Every home needs a reliable heater. But if you neglect your furnace, it may fail when you need it most. To avoid that, here are some tips that can help you avert a mid-winter furnace breakdown.
Change Air Filters Regularly
The average furnace features a disposable air filter that lasts for roughly 90 days of use. When your furnace air filter reaches that point, replace it promptly. When you don’t, the filter can get so dirty that it obstructs airflow through your furnace. That can have multiple adverse effects on the appliance.
The first effect a dirty air filter has is that it reduces the amount of heated air that comes from your home’s vents. As a result, your furnace will have to run longer to maintain your desired indoor temperature. A dirty filter doesn’t reduce the amount of heat your furnace generates, however. It just traps that heat inside your furnace’s heat exchanger, with too little air to carry it away. That can stress the heat exchanger, leading to failure. A similar fate may befall your furnace blower motor, which can fail due to excessive back pressure.
Don’t Obstruct or Close Vents
Just as a dirty air filter can harm your furnace, so can closing or obstructing vents throughout your home. Doing so can cause your furnace to operate at abnormally high internal temperatures. It will also likely force your furnace to run longer to compensate for excess static pressure in your home’s ducts. If you must close some vents in your home, try to limit closures to one or two. And if you can get away with partially closing vents, do that instead.
Watch for Warning Signs of Failure
Most furnaces will give you some warning before failing. One sign to watch for is a sudden increase in your furnace’s energy use. That indicates an operational issue that’s harming your furnace’s efficiency. If you notice an energy bill spike, schedule a furnace inspection right away. Doing so can spare you an unexpected breakdown and the emergency repair bills that often accompany one.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Finally, the most effective way to forestall mid-winter furnace breakdowns is to schedule annual furnace maintenance. The best time to do so is in early fall each year. However, there’s no time like the present if you haven’t had your furnace serviced this year. Regular maintenance helps keep your furnace’s components clean and in good working order. It also provides opportunities to discover minor problems before they worsen, so you can take timely corrective action.
When your furnace isn’t working as it should, it’s vital to schedule a repair right away. Contact Ridge Heating and Air Conditioning today for furnace repair in Panama City, FL.
