So you're afraid to turn on the furnace because you don't know if you'll hear the hum of warmth or the groan of unwanted furnace repairs? Suddenly, the first snow is falling and you're waking up with icicles on your nose and you can no longer avoid flipping the switch with your fingers crossed while saying a prayer. You don't have to stress about expensive, emergency furnace repairs by taking a few simple steps that will keep your furnace running smoothly all winter long, and your money in the bank where it belongs!
It's important to understand that every furnace will eventually meet its end. However, just like everything else, how you treat your furnace on a regular basis will have an enormous effect on how long your furnace will heat your home. There are steps you can take before the season begins and during the season when your furnace is most active. Waiting for a breakdown that requires emergency furnace repairs can be very costly and cause a great deal of discomfort to your family.
STEP ONE: Before the season begins, call a trusted HVAC contractor. When your system worked hard for several months and then spent six months dormant, it needs a tuneup. Your HVAC contractor will know what to check, clean and fix if necessary. There is usually a flat fee charged for this service that they will tell you up front. Think of this like getting a regular oil change on your car every so many miles. The cost of the oil change is lot less than the repair that may be required if you avoid the small cost of getting the service done.
STEP TWO: During the season, keep an eye on the filter of your furnace. If it is collecting dirt and dust, this can keep it from running efficiently. It's the same as when you have a cold and cannot breath as easily. When your filter gets obstructed with dirt and dust, the air cannot flow as easily. In turn, your filter has to work harder and cannot "breathe" as easily. By cleaning your filter on a regular basis, not only will you help avoid furnace repairs, but the increased efficiency will save you money!
STEP THREE: Let's face it, all mechanical systems age. The worst thing you can do is wait and cross your fingers in hopes that it will be alright for another year. So plan ahead. When your furnace is 20 years old, it's on the downhill side of efficiency. Sometimes the cost of a new furnace is minimal to the actual savings you will realize over the next several years by purchasing a new furnace. With the advancements in technology, you have to compare the cost of running your current system to the savings a new system will provide. You must also consider the cost of regular furnace repairs once the system has aged.
If you are considering replacing your HVAC system, do your research carefully. There are many high-efficiency systems available. Consider the size of your home and what is necessary to properly heat it. You may also want to consider the age of your air conditioning system. If it is the same age as your furnace, replacing it at the same time could save you a tremendous amount of money in labor costs.
Continue following the KY HVAC Blog for more tips on how to avoid furnace repairs, air conditioning repairs and how to keep your home comfortable for the entire family!
It's important to understand that every furnace will eventually meet its end. However, just like everything else, how you treat your furnace on a regular basis will have an enormous effect on how long your furnace will heat your home. There are steps you can take before the season begins and during the season when your furnace is most active. Waiting for a breakdown that requires emergency furnace repairs can be very costly and cause a great deal of discomfort to your family.
STEP ONE: Before the season begins, call a trusted HVAC contractor. When your system worked hard for several months and then spent six months dormant, it needs a tuneup. Your HVAC contractor will know what to check, clean and fix if necessary. There is usually a flat fee charged for this service that they will tell you up front. Think of this like getting a regular oil change on your car every so many miles. The cost of the oil change is lot less than the repair that may be required if you avoid the small cost of getting the service done.
STEP TWO: During the season, keep an eye on the filter of your furnace. If it is collecting dirt and dust, this can keep it from running efficiently. It's the same as when you have a cold and cannot breath as easily. When your filter gets obstructed with dirt and dust, the air cannot flow as easily. In turn, your filter has to work harder and cannot "breathe" as easily. By cleaning your filter on a regular basis, not only will you help avoid furnace repairs, but the increased efficiency will save you money!
STEP THREE: Let's face it, all mechanical systems age. The worst thing you can do is wait and cross your fingers in hopes that it will be alright for another year. So plan ahead. When your furnace is 20 years old, it's on the downhill side of efficiency. Sometimes the cost of a new furnace is minimal to the actual savings you will realize over the next several years by purchasing a new furnace. With the advancements in technology, you have to compare the cost of running your current system to the savings a new system will provide. You must also consider the cost of regular furnace repairs once the system has aged.
If you are considering replacing your HVAC system, do your research carefully. There are many high-efficiency systems available. Consider the size of your home and what is necessary to properly heat it. You may also want to consider the age of your air conditioning system. If it is the same age as your furnace, replacing it at the same time could save you a tremendous amount of money in labor costs.
Continue following the KY HVAC Blog for more tips on how to avoid furnace repairs, air conditioning repairs and how to keep your home comfortable for the entire family!
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