As we start up our furnaces for the first time this season, it’s important to make sure they’re running as they should be. Now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the signs that your furnace needs repair, so that any issues can be addressed before winter truly begins.
But first, are there any ways to prevent furnace repairs? Yes! There are two main things you can do to decrease the likelihood of problems developing, and they should be the first things you do this season.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
The fall is the ideal time to have a qualified technician in furnace repair in Broomall, PA come to inspect your furnace. A regularly-maintained furnace will run more efficiently, saving you money on your utility bills. It will encounter fewer problems that require repair. Since the technician can catch problems while they are still small, a well-maintained furnace won’t have as many major repair needs. Your furnace can stay under warranty as long as possible, and even have a longer lifespan overall. And, most importantly, you can avoid safety risks such as fuel leaks or carbon monoxide leaks.
Change Your Filter
Routine furnace maintenance is generally only required once a year. But your filter should be changed every one to three months. This removes any dust and debris that would otherwise be clogging the system, slowing down airflow, and making it harder for motors to run. Making sure your filters are clean reduces the strain on the system, so it doesn’t have to work as hard to accomplish its job. Your furnace will last longer and encounter fewer problems, and the efficiency will prevent your utility bills from going up.
Once you’ve done these things, the next step is simply to be alert to any signs that your furnace might need repairs.
Signs of Repair Needs
Difficulty Maintaining Temperature: If your home drops in temperature while the thermostat setting has stayed the same, or you notice that the range of temperature seems wider than usual, it’s time for repairs. It may be as minor a problem as a thermostat requiring recalibration, but it may be something else. A qualified technician can determine the cause and provide the solution.
Cold or Hot Spots: If some areas in your home seem to receive much more heat than others, schedule repairs. Whether it’s a ductwork issue or a problem with the blower, a technician can get it sorted out.
Unusual Noises: Your furnace should not be noisy. The regular sound of operation should be steady and reasonably quiet. If you hear banging, rattling, humming, or screeching, it’s time for repairs.
Short Cycling: The furnace starts up when the temperature of your home drops to a specific threshold. It runs until it reaches a specific higher temperature and then shuts off. If something in the system is overheating, it shuts off too soon. Then it cools down and tries again. These rapid cycles are not only a sign of a significant problem, they are also wasting fuel—and your money.
Reach out to Murphy’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. It’s always “Integrity Before Profit.”
