Heating Tips

Gas Furnace Trouble-Shooting Tips

1. Check to make sure that your thermostat is set in the “heat” position.
2. Make sure that the temperature setting on the thermostat is set above (or higher than) the indoor temperature showing on the thermostat.
3. Ensure that there is power to the furnace. Try turning the fan to “ON” using the fan switch on the thermostat to test for power to furnace.
4. Check the circuit breakers at the electrical panel.
5. Check the Safety Shut Off Switch (it looks like a light switch) located at or near the furnace to be sure it is in the “ON” position.
6. Has the furnace filter been replaced recently?
7. Check all return air grilles and supply air registers to make sure they are not blocked by furniture and to make sure they are open and blowing air.

Having a good heating system is the best way to make sure you will be cozy and warm all winter long. However, there are some great ways to cut your heating costs and still keep your home warm and comfortable. And by using your heating system in a productive way, you can even help to extend the life of the system itself.

Seal the Place Up

You are paying to heat your home, not the great outdoors. That is why it is so important to make sure to close and seal up all doors and windows in the winter months. If you are losing heated air out through cracks or because of improper insulation, your heating system has to work harder to maintain the temperature indoors. And that costs you money.

To prevent this, make sure all of your doors and windows have good, solid seals on them. You can also take the extra precaution of putting plastic over all of the doors and windows you will not be using during the winter months. This can keep a ton of heat from escaping, keeping your whole house warmer and saving you money in the process.

Different Temperatures for Different Times

Another great way to save on heating costs is to set the thermostat in your home to different temperatures depending on the time of day or night. There is no reason to keep the house a toasty 72° when no one is home in the middle of the day. So when you are leaving for the day, turn the heat down. You may also be able to turn it down when you are doing a bunch of cooking or baking, as this can generate quite a bit of heat all on its own.

Turning the heat down at night is another good option. You can always grab another blanket to keep you warm while you are sleeping and you will be surprised how much of a difference reducing your heat by just a few degrees can make on your heating bill.

Having a programmable thermostat installed can make this type of adjustment even easier. With this type of equipment, you can simply program your heating system to maintain different temperatures at different times of day. That way, your home can be cooler when you are not home during the day, but by the time you get home it will be toasty warm again.

Close Vents in Unused Rooms

The more space you have to heat, the harder your heating system has to work and the more fuel you will be using. By closing the heating vents and doors to rooms that no one is using will significantly reduce the amount of space you have to heat, making it both cheaper and easier to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Keep Up with Regular Heating Maintenance

The best way to keep your home heating system functioning efficiently is to stick to a regular maintenance schedule. Some of the smaller tasks you can take care of on your own, while leaving the more intensive work to the professionals. This maintenance does not have to take a lot of time or cost you much annually.

Regular maintenance helps your heating system run more efficiently and it will decrease the chances of you needing major repairs any time soon. Keeping to this type of schedule will also help to add years to the useful life of your heating system.

Dress for the Season

Of course, you should not have to wear your winter coat around the house, but putting on an extra layer in the winter is a great way to help take the pressure off your home heating system. So throw on a sweater and turn the heat down a couple of degrees. It will not cost you anything and can actually save you quite a bit of money in the long run.