This holiday season, your home will serve as a festive, warm sanctuary from the cold Midwest winter, a place to relax and unwind after a long day of holiday shopping, and somewhere to gather with friends and family. But to keep your home comfortable and safe, you’ll need a working furnace. Follow these four tips to prevent a furnace breakdown.

4 Tips to Prevent an HVAC Breakdown This Holiday Season 

1. Keep It Clean

Dust and debris can accumulate inside the system, causing clogs and reducing efficiency. When the furnace has to work harder to do its job, it’s more likely to break down. Keeping it clean will ensure it’s working well, which will reduce your energy bills. Use a vacuum to clean the motor, burner, and blower and a damp, soft cloth to wipe everything down. 

2. Remove Snow & Obstructions from Outdoor Units

In addition to cleaning the indoor components, keep the outdoor vents clear of snow and debris. This buildup can restrict airflow, causing the furnace to malfunction. Check the vents regularly, especially after a storm or heavy snowfall, to make sure nothing is blocking them.

3. Change the Filter 

The air filters block dust, allergens, and other particles from circulating through your home. Over time, these can get clogged, resulting in poor indoor air quality and an inefficient furnace, which is more prone to breakdowns. Change the filter before winter and check it once a month during the season to ensure it’s clean. 

4. Check the Batteries

Like most electronics, thermostats are battery-powered. Routinely change the battery and keep spares on hand to avoid an outage. If the battery indicator light is flashing or the thermostat screen is blank, it may be a sign the battery is about to die.

 

Another way to avoid being left in the cold this winter is to invest in a tuneup from a qualified HVAC contractor. If you’re in the Elyria, OH, area, turn to the professionals at Passanisi Services. With over 20 years of experience and 100% customer satisfaction, there’s no one better to trust with your heating repair and maintenance needs. Call (440) 984-2322 to schedule an appointment, and visit the website to learn more about their services.