Even the best furnaces will struggle slightly when the temperature dips below freezing in Wadsworth, OH. But the winter is no time for you to deal with breakdowns of your heating system. You can decrease the chances of wintertime furnace problems by following a few tips for protecting your heating system.
Keep Filters Clean
Your heater will struggle to keep up with the demands placed on the system when air filters fill with dust and debris. You can eliminate this problem before it happens by replacing your filters every two to three months. You may need to change your filters a little more often during the coldest parts of winter or if someone inside your home suffers from allergies.
Clear Vents
A furnace system designed for high-efficiency may come with vents that lead outside your home. A build-up of snow and ice near your air vents can cause serious problems for your heater. You should also make sure the vents inside your home are open and unobstructed by furniture or other objects.
Avoid Cranking Up the Thermostat
You may find it difficult to resist the temptation to turn up your thermostat when it gets cold outside. The minimal benefit you will get from this practice isn’t worth the wear and tear it may put on your heating system.
Stop Lowering the Thermostat
Programming your thermostat at a lower temperature during the hours you aren’t in your home is a great way to save money on energy costs. But you’ll likely lose these savings due to the added work your furnace will have to do to reestablish a comfortable temperature once you return.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is always important for your HVAC system. But these tasks can become vital to the life of the system when it’s freezing outside. Keeping up with the regular maintenance of your heater will prevent a system failure when you can afford it the least.
A heating system you can depend on is vital to the comfort and safety of your family during the coldest parts of winter. Call Quality Heating & Cooling when you have furnace repair needs.
Image provided by iStock