If you’ve ever run into issues with your furnace in the past, the first thing on your mind is more than likely finding a good repair service to get your system up and running again. But the second should be something along the lines of, “How did this happen?” Asking a question like this will help you prevent furnace trouble in the future. You can’t always prevent furnace troubles, but you can prevent a lot of these issues with the right care. If you’d like to know how to take proper care of your furnace system, keep reading below. If you need furnace repair in Orland Park, IL then contact our team here.
How Can You Prevent Common Furnace Repairs?
You can reduce the need for furnace repair by following a few basic maintenance habits:
- Clean or replace the furnace filter regularly to prevent dust and debris buildup.
- Avoid setting the thermostat excessively high, since this can increase furnace runtime and wear.
- Schedule professional furnace maintenance to identify developing problems before they require larger repairs.
A Few Things You’re Doing That Lead to Repair Needs
Here are a few big things you’re probably doing in your home. These seemingly innocuous practices can lead to a big repair need.
Paying No Attention to Your Filter
Are you mindful of your furnace filter? If you aren’t, you should be. Don’t get this filter confused with an air filtration system. An air filtration system is to boost your indoor air quality while a furnace filter merely keeps your furnace free from dust, dirt, and other debris. Depending on the type of furnace you have, you either need to clean or replace this filter. You should take the time to do this at least once a season. This practice can be the difference between a highly functioning furnace and a mediocre one.
Turning Your Thermostat Up Too High
A common bad practice we see a lot of homeowners do is turn their thermostat up way too high. We get it. You come home from a frosty winter day here in Orland Park and you turn your thermostat up to a toasty temperature hoping that it will take the chill off your home a little faster.
This is a common misconception about how furnace systems work. Turning your thermostat up to a super high temperature will never make your system cool off any faster, it will only make it cool off longer. This means that you’ll waste time and energy, and still be cold in the process. If you’re worried about having high heat quickly, you might want to invest in a smart thermostat. You can control these thermostats from your smartphone, and they work to save you money. Contact our team to learn more.
Neglecting to Schedule Maintenance Services
Are you scheduling maintenance services every fall for your furnace? If you aren’t, then you’re doing yourself a big disservice. You should always make sure that you have biannual maintenance services—one in fall to prepare for the heating season and one in spring to prepare for the cooling season. Only a professional can diagnose your heating system and spot imminent problems on the horizon before they become a big issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How can a dirty furnace filter lead to furnace problems?
Answer: A dirty furnace filter can restrict airflow and allow dust and debris to interfere with furnace performance. This can make the system work harder and contribute to overheating or other operating problems. Depending on your furnace and filter type, the filter should be cleaned or replaced regularly throughout the heating season.
Question: Does turning the thermostat higher heat your home faster?
Answer: No. Setting the thermostat much higher than your desired temperature does not make a typical furnace warm your home faster. Instead, it can cause the furnace to run longer than necessary. Setting a comfortable target temperature and using a programmable or smart thermostat can help manage heating more efficiently.
Question: How often should furnace maintenance be scheduled?
Answer: Furnace maintenance should generally be scheduled before the heating season begins. The article recommends professional HVAC maintenance in the fall for heating equipment and again in the spring for cooling equipment. Regular inspections can help identify developing problems before they become larger repairs or cause an unexpected system breakdown.
Question: What are the common habits that can increase the need for furnace repair?
Answer: Common habits include ignoring the furnace filter, setting the thermostat unnecessarily high, and skipping routine professional maintenance. These practices can reduce airflow, make the furnace operate longer, or allow small mechanical problems to go unnoticed. Consistent filter care and scheduled maintenance can help reduce avoidable furnace problems.
Question: When should I call a professional for furnace repair?
Answer: Consider professional furnace repair when the system will not heat properly, repeatedly turns on and off, has ignition problems, or continues malfunctioning after basic checks such as reviewing thermostat settings and the air filter. A trained HVAC technician can diagnose internal components and identify problems that are not appropriate for homeowner troubleshooting.
If you have pre-existing problems with your furnace and need quality repair services, make sure that you contact our team at Johansen & Anderson Inc. today. Call J&A today. Sleep-tight tonight!