When we’re cold, it’s hard to think about anything else except the fact that we’re freezing our toes off. We don’t really think about making sure our heater is okay as we start to melt away the cold. Now you might even be thinking to yourself, “when was the last time I checked up on my furnace?” This kind of thinking is a good start because your furnace can be overworked. Usually, homeowners in our area think more about their air conditioner than their heating system, but if you neglect furnace best practices, it can lead to severe issues when it does come time to turn the heat up.

Our team can tell if you’re accidentally overworking your heater. We also know just what to do to counteract any damage your heater is experiencing currently. Here’s how to tell if your furnace is being overworked and what you can do to avoid issues.

Energy Spikes

Do you see spikes in your energy bill? If you see them more than usual when your heater is on, your system is running at max capacity. Your furnace may even be consuming more energy than it’s producing, costing you money while your home stays frigid.

Cold House

A home that barely stays warm is not something we want for homeowners, especially when your heater is on full blast. If you struggle with uneven heating or a severe lack of heating, your furnace is probably starting to give out on you due to overexertion.

Frequent Repairs

At Willard AC, we talk about frequent repairs mainly because a need for repairs is a good sign home HVAC systems need maintenance. A heater that often needs service from HVAC experts is likely overworked, outdated, or doesn’t receive enough regular attention.

So, what can you do about it?

For starters, you should check your air filter. Air filters keep your home from feeling stuffy in the winter, but as they collect all that dust, the buildup can strain your system. Homeowners should change their filters about every month.

Another way to prevent a beat down on your system is by being diligent about when you use your furnace. The following are some energy-saving, furnace protecting tips:

• Set your thermostat lower when you’re at home or in bed
• Don’t crank the thermostat too high
• Limit drafts to the outdoors

If you have a good set of covers on your bed, you won’t even need to use your heat at night. However, this is only true if you don’t have any air leaks around your bedroom windows or doors. Drafts are a great way to lose your home’s heat. You can tell you have a draft by lighting incense and seeing if the smoke travels between cracks under doors and around windows.

Sealing leaks is an easy fix! When you have a heating system that frequently needs repairs, one of the components or the whole unit might need to be replaced. Willard AC provides quick and efficient repairs and replacements. We’ll determine the exact issue and get it resolved without stress. For HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installations, call Willard.