Things to Consider Before Contacting a Furnace Repair Contractor

Posted: 2023-03-09

When the weather is extremely cold, it can impact your daily activities and overall wellness. Therefore, it is essential to have your furnace working at peak performance, especially during the coldest parts of winter. Unfortunately, furnaces can fail due to poor maintenance or overuse.

Contacting a trusted heating company in North Oaks MN is the best course of action to restore heat to your home. While waiting for the heating professional to arrive, there are a few steps you can take to help speed up the diagnosis.

Firstly, check the filter. The filter is responsible for cleaning the air that enters the furnace, as well as the heated air that circulates around your home. If the filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow and causes poor air circulation, along with other issues such as short cycling and diminished heating.

Many homeowners forget to check their filters regularly, leading to a buildup of filth. To prevent this, it is recommended to check your filters at least once a month and clean them thoroughly. Remove any dirt, debris, and dust to allow better airflow within the system. Professionals also suggest replacing your filters every 2-3 months to ensure your furnace operates smoothly.

Ensure Your Vents Are Clear

Vents are crucial in getting rid of the byproducts of gas combustion, and if they become obstructed by snow or other elements, they can cause issues with your furnace and home comfort.

New high-efficiency furnace models come with a safety feature that automatically shuts down the furnace when the vents are congested. However, if you have an older heating system, it may not have this feature, and your furnace will continue to run, collecting large amounts of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and potentially lethal gas that can be circulated throughout your home, putting you and your family in danger.

Another common mistake made by homeowners is closing all the vents in unused rooms. This practice can damage your system as closed vents generate higher pressure, leading to increased resistance and heat on your furnace.

Check Your Thermostat

Many heating issues are related to the thermostat. Sometimes, simple adjustments can fix the issue, while in other cases, replacing the batteries might solve the problem.

An inaccurate temperature reading can cause your furnace to fail to start or turn on when it shouldn't. Ensure that your thermostat is located in the right spot, away from outside doors and windows, heat sources such as fireplaces and radiant heaters, and direct sunlight, heat emissions, and outside temperature that can cause an inaccurate reading. This can result in your furnace turning itself on and off.

Loose connections and old or faulty wiring can also cause your thermostat to disconnect from your furnace, causing a service interruption. If your furnace stops working correctly, inspect your thermostat's wiring. If you find any issues, call a local heating professional.

Inspect Your Electronic Ignition or Pilot Light

If your electronic ignition or pilot light malfunctions, it can be challenging to heat your home. A failing pilot light may be due to a faulty thermocouple, drafts, or blockages in the furnace. Your furnace should produce a bright blue flame with a slight yellow tip.

If your pilot light shows a color other than blue, it indicates that your furnace cannot efficiently burn fuel. Only a professional should attempt to fix this issue, as it can be dangerous to try to solve it without proper training and knowledge.

Contact the Heating Professionals

These tips can aid your technician in restoring the heat in your home as quickly as possible. If you need a reliable White Bear furnace repair service, call our experts at Four Seasons Air Specialists.

Our technicians are trained, certified, and have years of experience repairing all types of furnaces. We can ensure that you receive the best heating solutions for your home. Your furnace will be up and running again in no time.