First of all, what is a furnace?
A furnace is your home heating system that blows forced hot air. A furnace falls under the HVAC category, and may also be defined as a central air system. There is nothing quite as awful as having your heat go out in the middle of the winter. Not only will you be hit with that bitter Massachusetts cold, but your pipes could freeze as well, causing additional damage to your home. If your heat does go out, a space heater gives a great temporary solution until a qualified heating technician can be dispatched into your house to fix the problem in a jiffy.
Here are a few tips on how to both avoid a last minute repair, what causes heating problems that lead to furnace repair, and also what to do in the event of no heat.
Maintenance
One of the best ways to make sure your heating system will work properly is to regularly change your filter. It’s a simple DIY procedure that will save you tons of money on your energy bills and help extend the life of your furnace. Or just ask a professional. Make sure to change your filter at the beginning of the fall season, before it starts to get cold.
Catching Potential Problems in Time — Sometimes the problem of no heat will be due to a furnace malfunction. These malfunctions can include the following:
- Blower motor fault – If your air filter has become clogged, it’s possible that your blower motor, which is responsible for transferring the heated air through your ducts, may not work properly. If you have changed your filter and are still experiencing problems, tell your heating technician that your system is not blowing.
- Short cycling – Short cycling is when the furnace turns off and on rapidly and often, instead of blowing through a full cycle. A technician can easily fix this problem, and once it’s fixed, you’ll save money on your heating bills, and won’t have to worry about replacing your furnace.
- Overheating – If your furnace starts to overheat, it’s important to call a technician right away. Overheating can permanently damage your furnace, so the second you notice your furnace may be overheating, contact your service professional right away.
Repair
Sometimes it’s impossible to salvage a broken furnace, after years and years of repairs sometimes it’s just best to simply call in the professionals for replacement. Call your service company well in advance to give them ample time. Be sure to provide the age, size and brand of your furnace if possible.
The Massachusetts winters can be tough, be sure to be proactive with your system to avoid the late night emergency call.
