You can reduce your need for furnace repair throughout the colder months by maintaining your system. Following a few best practices and making them regular habits will help you identify problems early. The guide below can help you start if you’re unsure about how to look after your system.

How to Avoid the Need for Furnace Repair

1. Clean Your Vents & Ducts

You should clean the vents in your home throughout the winter and have a technician clean your ducts at least once per year. Dust, pest droppings, and other debris can create blockages that interrupt airflow. This will cause your system to work harder, increasing the amount of energy your system uses.

2. Inspect the Belt & Motor

One of the first signs that a tension belt is getting worn is a loud noise coming from the unit. If your system starts making an unusual noise, check to see if the belt is fraying.

While you’re looking at the components of your furnace, add oil to the motor. You should only add a few drops each season, since adding too much lubricant can also cause problems. If you’re unsure how to check these parts of your furnace, consider scheduling a heating inspection.

Newer systems do not use belts or require oil.  Make sure you know what kind of system you have and contact a qualified technician if you are unsure.

3. Replace Air Filters

Checking and replacing the furnace’s air filter is simple, and you should do this every one to three months. Running your heater with a dirty filter will inhibit airflow and force your heater to work harder. It can also cause pollen and other allergens caught in the filter to recirculate throughout the home. If you feel congested, or if your allergies seem worse than usual, changing your air filters may help you breathe better.

4. Check Your Thermostat 

A common problem that prompts people to call a furnace repair technician is a faulty thermostat. To check your thermostat’s accuracy, use a second thermometer to verify that the temperature is correct. If there is a problem with the thermostat, it may be causing your heater to stop running too soon, or your heater may run and stop frequently. Fixing or replacing your thermostat will help you heat your home more efficiently and reduce your energy costs. It is important to note that different brands of thermometers in the same location may have different readings due to different calibrations and sensitivity.

 

Whether you need furnace repair, or you want to have your heating system checked out, consulting an experienced technician will ensure your system’s integrity. Butler Heating & Air serves the West Plains, MO, area, and they have more than 20 years of experience in servicing HVAC systems. Each technician is NATE certified, and the business is OSHA and GENERAC certified. To learn more about their services, visit them online. To schedule an appointment for service, call (417) 256-7984.