Here's What Every New Homeowner Needs To Know About Furnace Repair
With homeownership comes added responsibility. Not only are you responsible for making that hefty mortgage payment every month, but you are also responsible for protecting your investment. It is now your job to make sure all of your home's systems are running smoothly and efficiently. While that can be stressful, taking care of your furnace is one of the simpler tasks on your new to-do list.
Understand what type of furnace you have and how it works.
First and foremost, read the manual that came with the furnace. The previous owners are required to leave it with you when they sell the house. While it may be dry and technical, the information is important.
Next, you should know what type of furnace you have. In the United States, most homes typically have either a furnace or a boiler. While they both essentially do the same thing -- heat your home -- each performs the task in a different manner. A furnace heats air and moves that heated air throughout your home via ductwork and vents. A boiler, on the other hand, heats water, which is then moved through pipes and a radiator system.
Keep it well-maintained.
Taking the time to maintain your system on a regular basis is the key to its longevity. Do not neglect your HVAC system (heat, ventilation, and air conditioning). You need to schedule an annual inspection with your preferred residential HVAC company. They will come out each year before you turn the system on for the season and make sure that everything is in working order.
Additionally, you need to change the filter frequently. While each model has different needs, it is recommended that you change your filter often — at least every 90 days. Popping the old filter out and the new one in is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. You can also opt to invest in a reusable furnace filter that is removed, rinsed off in the sink, allowed to dry, and then reinstalled.
Start with basic troubleshooting.
As a homeowner, it is inevitable that your furnace will need repairing at some point. Before you panic, start with some basic troubleshooting of the following:
- Breaker. If your furnace or boiler is not running, check your fuse box to see if the breaker was accidentally tripped. This is an easy fix, but if the problem occurs frequently, have your electrician take a look.
- Vents. A seemingly obvious but often overlooked thing to start troubleshooting is the vents. If they are blocked by furniture or closed by mistake, the room will not heat up and, in some cases, your furnace may run repeatedly in an attempt to maintain the temperature.
- Batteries. While some thermostats are hard-wired, others run on batteries. If your house is not heating up to the temperature you set the thermostat at, try replacing the batteries.
- Filter. As stated above, your filters need to be replaced often. If your furnace does not appear to be pushing out enough hot air, check the filter. A clogged filter can bog the entire system down.
- Pilot Light. Your pilot light should stay lit, but there are times when it can go out. Consult the owner's manual to locate the pilot light and check to see if it is still lit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to lit it again.
Taking a few minutes to run through the above troubleshooting steps may just solve the problem. If it doesn't, call in a heating repair service to help.
Know when to call in the pros.
If your furnace is making unusual noises, it is probably time to call a furnace repair company. Like your car, your furnace will emit a high-pitched noise when a belt is worn or damaged. You may also hear grinding or scraping noises that indicate immediate attention is needed.
As a homeowner, becoming familiar with your residential HVAC system is important for both maintenance and troubleshooting. A new furnace can last many years, so you have plenty of time to get to know each other.