The furnace has probably been shut down for the summer at this point, with no other thought.

However, the winter months will be here again faster than you think, with service being a consideration before switching the system back on to avoid the potential for a malfunction in the extreme temperatures. It’s always better to be a step, or in this case, a season or two ahead with your

HVAC system to keep the household safe and comfortable year-round. This is the best time to reach out to a professional, credentialed furnace repair contractor like Ariana Heating & Air Conditioning to get the fall preventive tune-up scheduled.

With this maintenance, the contractor will check the furnace for defects, damages, worn or broken parts and perform an inspection to ensure the equipment is functional for the winter.

The professional will usually give the homeowner tips and ideas on how to care for the system between service calls, basic upkeep, and methods for troubleshooting if a problem crops up. Some things will be a simple, quick fix like a filter change, while more challenging issues will require an expert to look at.

Let’s examine a few indications that you need to reach out to the furnace repair contractor for a service call.

When Can You DIY Furnace Problems, And When Should You Make A Service Call

A furnace can need more frequent repairs for a few reasons, but one, in particular, is age. As the equipment gets older, it will start to grow less efficient. But whether new or old, the primary factor for how a system functions is the care and upkeep.

A furnace can be brand new and have multiple problems because the homeowners ignore it. Someone providing adequate upkeep along with routine tune-ups to their old system can see an extended lifespan while the new neglected heating unit will knock out sooner rather than later.

When you’re in tune with your furnace, you’ll notice when the functionality is off and can begin to troubleshoot the problem. Let’s look at a few warning signs to be mindful of.

The household has become uncomfortable

The furnace is experiencing a problem if the house is either too cold or feeling too hot. It could be as simple as changing a clogged filter, but other components might be causing the issue, including fan motor damage or a loose belt.

As the homeowner, your priority is ensuring the filter is changed routinely, which should be the first thing you check. If it’s clogged, you can make a quick change out to see if it makes a difference in the home’s overall temperature. If the issue persists, make a service call.

The furnace repair contractor will need to perform an inspection to see which part is faulty and make the necessary repair.

Energy costs are rising despite usage being the same

The costs continue to rise with each utility invoice, but usage is the same. When a furnace is functioning adequately, they’re efficient in their energy consumption generally. This is a reason to contact a professional repair contractor to check the unit.

Remember, if you smell fuel or gas, the heating equipment should be switched off with the tech called immediately. A gas leak creates a substantial risk for the entire household.

Any chance of a spark could result in a fire, and those in the home can experience symptoms from inhaling the substance, including nausea and dizziness.

The thermostat is central to the heating system

When the thermostat is not functioning correctly, the furnace will not operate. If the furnace isn’t working, aside from the filter, a primary troubleshooting check would be to test the batteries in the thermostat. These should be changed at least once every year whether you believe they need it or not.

In fact, put an alert on your mobile or mark a calendar, the most convenient reminder to change them the following year. At the same time that these are changed, the device should be cleaned with a soft cotton swab or dry cloth to rid it of dirt or dust.

When dust and dirt build up over time, especially with a programmable thermostat, it can wreak havoc on the device.

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, most furnace contractors recommend these for optimum energy efficiency. Until you take that suggestion, always make sure your device is set to “on” and “heat.”

The vents and registers need to be open and unobstructed

All registers and vents in a household should be open in order to heat the home evenly throughout. If you’re noticing uneven temperatures, hot or cold spots, go through to check there is no clutter, curtains, furnishings, or rugs blocking the airflow or that these have been closed.

Also, the furnace unit should have a clearance around its perimeter of roughly 2 feet for adequate access by the repair contractor and general safety purposes. It’s wise to have this as a rule not only during the winter months when the system is in use but year round so it becomes a habit.

Final Thought

When you need furnace repairs, having contact with an exceptionally skilled repair contractor is a must. While a homeowner can troubleshoot to determine if the problem is related to missed upkeep tasks, an actual repair can be intricate and complex, beyond the capacity of a do-it-yourself job.

Contractors are experienced, trained, and knowledgeable in the operation and functionality of a furnace, with the ability to detect and correct problems quickly and efficiently for quality service.

A homeowner is responsible for the care and upkeep of the primary systems of the household, particularly the HVAC system so that the home remains safe and comfortable. Go here for guidance on furnace cleaning and maintenance.

A primary component of that upkeep is enlisting the services of a reputable, credentialed furnace repair contractor for preventive tune-ups at least once each year to ensure optimum efficiency and extended longevity of the heating unit.