We all make mistakes! But when it comes to your furnace, it’s best to learn what not to do to save yourself costly repairs or the need to replace your heating system completely. Are you making some of the most common furnace mistakes? Check out the list below so you can avoid them!
Skipping Regular Maintenance
Neglecting regular maintenance is one of the easiest mistakes you can make with your furnace. Without routine maintenance and repairs, your furnace may not run as efficiently, which means higher energy bills and potential breakdowns when you need your furnace most.
Schedule annual inspections and maintenance with a qualified technician from Wyckoff to avoid surprises with your furnace.
Neglecting Filter Replacement
Replacing your filter is an easy way to ensure your furnace continues to run smoothly. A dirty air filter is a common culprit of furnace issues—it restricts airflow, reducing efficiency and indoor air quality. You should regularly replace or clean your furnace filter according to manufacturer recommendations.
When in doubt, reach out to Wyckoff. Our experienced technicians can advise you on how often you should replace your air filter and what type you need for your furnace.
Blocking Vents & Registers
Try to avoid placing furniture and other items in front or on top of vents and registers throughout your home. Blocked vents and registers disrupt airflow, causing uneven heating and potentially damaging your furnace because it will have to work harder to heat your home. The solution is simple (and free!): Double-check that all vents and registers are clear and unobstructed.
Overworking Your Furnace
Constantly running your furnace at high temperatures strains your system and increases energy consumption—plus it doesn’t heat your home any better. We recommend using a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home easily and set it on a schedule for when you’re home and away.
In addition to constantly running your furnace, cranking up the thermostat too high will also overwork your furnace. Turning up the heat won’t warm your home faster, but it will strain your furnace and waste energy. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature to avoid high heating bills and wear on your heating system.
Neglecting Carbon Monoxide Safety
Your furnace can produce carbon monoxide, so it’s crucial your home has proper ventilation and you keep up with regular maintenance to your furnace. You should also install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and check them regularly to make sure your family remains safe and healthy in your home.
Attempting DIY Repairs
Some home improvement projects can be done yourself—furnace repairs are not one of them. Furnace (and AC) repairs require expertise and specialized tools that only HVAC technicians can provide. Attempting repairs without proper knowledge can be dangerous and may cause further damage to your furnace. The moral of the story: Always hire a qualified technician for repairs.
Ignoring Warning Signs
It can be tempting to ignore the warning signs that a furnace repair is on the horizon, but small problems almost always snowball into bigger, more expensive ones if they go unresolved. Pay attention to things such as frequent cycling, uneven heating, unusual sounds, or increased energy bills. Addressing these issues head-on and promptly can prevent costly repairs or premature replacement.
Prevent Furnace Mistakes with Wyckoff
Avoiding these common mistakes can ensure your furnace operates efficiently, safely, and reliably for as long as possible. Whether you’ve been making these common mistakes or not, reach out to Wyckoff to schedule all of your furnace maintenance and repairs!
Call us today at (515) 287-6000 or fill out a contact form on our website.