A lot of things can go wrong in winter, but one doesn’t rank as high as a broken heating system. With the winter conditions in Pittsburgh, a working heating system isn’t enough. It also has to be in top-notch condition to keep your home warm and your family comfortable. Today, we’ll look at the importance of furnace maintenance and why it’s crucial to have it done before the harsh weather arrives.
Why Furnace Maintenance Matters For Pittsburgh Homeowners
Avoid Unexpected Breakdowns During Freezing Weather
The most important reason to have furnace maintenance is to prevent unexpected breakdowns. You certainly don’t want to imagine, let alone experience, Pittsburgh’s harsh winter weather without any meaningful heating system in place. Furnace tune-up ensures your heating system is in good condition, ready to provide your family with warmth throughout the winter. The professional will inspect, detect any issues, and promptly and effectively repair them.
Improve Energy Efficiency and Lower Heating Bills
A well-working heating system also means lower heating bills. If the system is working as it should, it doesn’t have to work extra hard (like in the case of a failing system) to provide the ideal temperature in the house. With optimum conditions, no excessive energy is used, and as a result, you pay less energy cost.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace
Furnace maintenance isn’t just about short-term solutions, but also about long-term benefits. When you schedule a regular tune-up, you can prevent any minor problems from becoming more complex.
Just imagine spotting inconsistencies and issues early, rather than letting them go for a long time. Regularly checking for problems will help extend its lifespan. Think of it as feeding your heating system with the nutrients it needs to maintain its health. Good health means fewer problems.
Ensure Safe Operation and Better Air Quality
Besides its overall condition, furnace maintenance ensures that its operation remains safe and its benefits, such as improved air quality, continue to be provided. During a tune-up, your heating system’s components will be checked and cleaned, because well-working and clean components equal safe and healthy results.
How To Prepare Your Furnace & Home For Pittsburgh Winters
Replace Filters & Check Vents
As mentioned earlier, dirty components, such as filters, can cause the system to work harder than necessary, resulting in the use of excessive energy. This can not only increase your energy bills but also lead to overheating. Avoid this by cleaning and replacing the filters regularly, as well as checking the vents for any damage.
Test The Furnace Early
You can DIY test your furnace by first setting up the thermostat to heat mode and then listening for any unusual noises. After a few minutes, it is determined whether warm air is produced or not. At the same time, look for any signs of burnout or burning smells. Lastly, check the pilot light. Blue means all is good, while yellow indicates the risk of carbon monoxide. If any inconsistencies are detected during this review, please contact the professional immediately.
Seal Drafts & Insulate
Another helpful step to keep your home warm is to ensure there are no leaks, so the hot air doesn’t escape. Seal any drafts and ensure your house has good insulation. When the hot air escapes, and cold air from outside enters, it’ll be harder to maintain the ideal indoor temperature.
Schedule Your Annual Tune-Up
Don’t wait for your annual tune-up. Do so before Pittsburgh winter weather strikes. The professional can handle all the steps, from basic to complex solutions, in the most effective way.
Remember that attempting to do complex work yourself can result in more problems than you started with, and, more crucially, pose a potential safety hazard to you and your home.
When To Call The Pros
Signs You Need A Furnace Tune-Up or Repair
Most furnace problems will display obvious signs, which require a prompt solution. If you notice weak or no heat, a banging or rattling sound, a burning smell, a sudden spike in gas bill, and a yellow pilot flame, these are all strong signals that you should call a professional to evaluate and repair your unit.
Conclusion
Pittsburgh winters can be harsh, characterized by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. In these scenarios, you want to be inside your home, feeling warm and comfy. To achieve this, ensure your heating system is in good condition. Prevent otherwise scenarios by scheduling a furnace maintenance with the pros to ensure your heating is ready to embrace the winter weather. Call Johnson’s Heating for all your heating needs, including furnace tune-up in Pittsburgh.
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