Northeast Indiana winters can be long, cold, and unpredictable. If your furnace is not working the first cold night of the season, your comfort and safety can be compromised. Don’t wait until temperatures drop to freezing to figure out that your heating isn’t ready for the winter.
In this article, the HVAC experts at Masters Heating & Cooling discuss why furnaces should be tested before the colder weather begins, along with steps to help prevent common issues and furnace repairs.
Why Your Furnace May Not Be Ready for Winter
Unfortunately, a heating breakdown isn’t uncommon for Indiana homeowners. After sitting unused in the spring and summer months, your furnace could have issues that need to be proactively addressed. To give yourself the ultimate peace of mind that you’ll have the heat you need this season, you’ll want to test and prepare your furnace in the fall. This gives you time to have any problems fixed before the busy HVAC season and allows you to protect against the need for emergency repairs or replacements.
How To Prepare Before The First Winter Cycle
At Masters Heating & Cooling, we offer HVAC maintenance tips to avoid furnace failure. Follow these simple steps to prepare your system for consistent use:
- Replace air filters
- Inspect and clean vents and registers
- Test your thermostat
- Check pilot light for proper ignition
- Clean around your furnace
- Schedule a tune-up
Common Issues in Furnaces
Emergency furnace repair is more common for homeowners who neglect maintenance. Typical furnace issues include:
- Clogged air filters: If you’re experiencing weak airflow or uneven heating, it may be time to replace filters and clean the blower components.
- Cracked heat exchangers: You may need a professional to replace your heat exchanger if you notice strange smells or if your carbon monoxide detectors are beeping.
- Ignition problems: Clicking noises or a yellow pilot light may require repairs in order to get your system working again.
- Short-cycling: A furnace may continue to turn off and on if there is limited airflow.
- Blocked flues or vents: Obstructions or issues with your venting system can lead to poor airflow, soot buildup, and carbon monoxide exposure.
- Electrical issues: If your furnace shuts off unexpectedly, it could be due to issues with the wiring, control board, or circuit breaker.
When To Schedule Professional Furnace Maintenance
Luckily, routine furnace maintenance can keep your system operating at peak performance. During a tune-up, a professional technician will do a thorough inspection to find and fix minor issues before they become serious problems. Then, they will fully clean and calibrate the system to ensure maximum efficiency. Winter is a busy month for heating companies, so it’s best to schedule your maintenance in the fall to ensure your system is ready for the cold.
Schedule Furnace Services with Masters
Homeowners in Northern Indiana can trust Masters Heating & Cooling for expert care from NATE-certified technicians. We’re a proud Carrier Customer Specialist with the skills and experience to provide service for all brands. When you work with our team, you’ll always receive upfront pricing and free estimates on replacement quotes. Plus, we’re backed by 45 years of industry experience to ensure your needs are always met.
Schedule a furnace tune-up today by calling Masters Heating & Cooling.
