The last thing we want is to wake up in the middle of the night because we feel cold. Fortunately, there are several steps we can take to prevent this and future repairs. Here are some of the steps that 24/7 emergency furnace repair technicians have suggested to prevent all that:
Look at the Warning Signs
Furnaces show signs of issues before they break down and require emergency repairs. As homeowners in Calgary, we tend to overlook issues until we no longer notice them.
But we should watch out for some warning signs of furnace issues. Here are some of the signs we need to pay attention to:
- Loud noises
- Increasing energy costs
- Unpleasant smell
- Cold and hot spots at home
- A very weak airflow
Clear out Debris and Dirt
Before the winter season arrives, ensure you clean and vacuum the floor registers. Blockages in the registers will prevent warm air from entering your home.
Our advice is to make sure that no piece of furniture obstructs airflow. Check for debris and dirt inside the vents. If you have never scheduled cleaning services or noticed filth around the duct, contact an expert to clean the area. Otherwise, blocked ducts may create pressure inside the ductwork, resulting in cracks.
Upgrade the Thermostat
Older thermostats are less efficient than smart thermostats – we all that. So, if you’re forced to slide in a needle or turn a knob so you can adjust your home’s temperature, then you have to opt for a smart thermostat. Outdated thermostats push HVAC systems to work harder than they should, increasing the risks for emergency repairs.
The best thing about smart thermostats is that we can connect them with our phones. Whenever we are out and about, we can use our smartphones to adjust our home’s temperature before we arrive.
Monitor Insulation
The right insulation helps our furnaces efficiently maintain comfortable temperatures. Check closely for cracks or gaps that allow heated or cooled air to escape. Sealing ducts and adding weather stripping also helps to improve efficiency.
In addition, inspect the crawl space and attics. For instance, making improvements, such as blown-in insulation, will overburden your system to heat your home.
Schedule for Maintenance Service
We don’t ignore an email from our mechanic letting us know it is time for a 50,000-mile service, right? Therefore, we shouldn’t let a year pass without scheduling preventive maintenance with the right company. Many companies recommend us to do the following:
- Test the controls to ensure the unit works properly and safely
- Test our thermostats
- Lubricate moving parts
- Look at the starting cycle to ensure the unit shuts down, operates, and starts properly
- Check gas or oil connections
In conclusion, regular and preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure our furnaces are efficient to keep us comfortable and safe. By following these expert tips, you can easily minimize the risks of expensive repairs in the future, if not now.
