Maintaining your furnace during the winter can be challenging, especially if you're a busy homeowner. Not keeping up with heating upkeep can lead to heating failures when you need it the most. The following information is what you should know about winter maintenance to prevent furnace failures:

Clean the Filters and Check the Furnace Throughout Winter

The first step to make your heating run more efficiently is to change your filter after each season. If you have pets, you probably need to change them more frequently. In addition, check the furnace itself for any problems that might cause a breakdown. Inspect the outside venting for any obstructions as well.

You should also have the furnace cleaned and inspected at least once every two years. This will ensure that everything is in good working order and that there are no potential problems developing.

Issues with a Noisey Furnace

A furnace is designed to do two things -- make your home warm and keep it dry. If the furnace is not properly sealed, then moisture can enter the system and cause rusting of the components. The sound of a rusted-out blower wheel turning on a cold day can be deafening. The sound of a fan belt squealing when the motor turns on is also common. There are many other telltale signs that can indicate that your furnace needs repair or maintenance.

Issues with Thermostats and the Temperature in Your Home 

If your thermostat is not properly calibrated, the temperature in your home may be higher or lower than you think. There are several reasons for a thermostat not being properly calibrated. Perhaps someone has moved it or knocked it over, or maybe there was a power surge that caused the electronic components to become misaligned.

A very common reason for an improperly calibrated thermostat is an incorrect installation by the HVAC professional who originally installed your system. As with all machines, calibration is important to prevent problems. When a thermostat is incorrectly calibrated, it can cause issues with the temperature in your home and increased energy bills.

In order to calibrate your thermostat, you will need to test both the high and low settings on the device. This is something that a heating maintenance technician can help with to ensure your system is working efficiently. 

You want to be sure to have a furnace that is working all winter efficiently long. Contact a residential heating service to get the help you need to maintain your furnace.

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