Vermont is currently enjoying crisp, cool fall weather. These temperatures are why fall is many people’s favorite time of the year. But it won’t be long before the weather of winter arrives. Many people love our winters as well, but they aren’t much fun without an effective furnace to keep your house comfortable as the thermostat drops below freezing.
We want you to enjoy uninterrupted warmth from your home’s furnace this winter. Our technicians are always available to help you with furnace repair in Burlington, VT, but we know you’d prefer to avoid furnace troubles in the first place. Below is our advice for keeping your furnace working right and without comfort-disrupting malfunctions.
How can you avoid heating repairs during winter?
You can avoid most winter heating repairs by scheduling professional maintenance before cold weather, changing air filters regularly, keeping vents unblocked, sealing drafts around doors and windows, and addressing small performance issues early. Preventive care helps heating and air conditioning systems run reliably during peak winter demand.
Schedule furnace maintenance before winter (always, always, always)
This is the best advice we can offer for your heating system overall, no matter what type. HVAC systems are designed with annual maintenance in mind. Without it, they will age rapidly and run into numerous malfunctions and efficiency drops, leading to an eventual early replacement and difficult choices around replacing an aging furnace..
The majority of repairs your furnace may need during its service life can be prevented with maintenance. Maintenance also ensures a furnace works at its safest, giving you even greater peace of mind while avoiding common furnace performance shortfalls.
Regularly change the furnace filter
People too often forget about the filter that protects the furnace’s interior from dust and other particles that come through the return air ducts. We recommend putting in a new filter before winter arrives and changing it every one to three months, depending on the filter’s strength. (Panel filters every month, pleated filters every three months.) A dirty filter will place strain on the furnace, can cause it to overheat, and will allow contaminants to interfere with its mechanisms.
Don’t push the furnace harder than necessary
When outdoor temperatures are below freezing, you’ll feel tempted to “fight back” with the furnace and crank the thermostat up higher. But this can push a furnace too far, forcing it to run for longer than necessary and wear down fast. Always target lower temperatures and wear an extra layer of clothes. We recommend setting the thermostat to 68°F during the day when people are home.
Make sure all vents are open and unobstructed
Tour around your home to check all the vents in the rooms. You want the vents fully open and no furniture or rugs obstructing them. Blocked vents place more strain on the furnace, forcing it to work harder and contributing to furnace struggling to heat properly.
Never ignore a potential problem with the furnace
A furnace might outwardly work the way you want it to, providing the right level of warmth set on the thermostat, but still have a developing malfunction. If you notice anything unusual about your furnace’s workings, such as strange sounds or odors, the furnace shutting on and off at odd times, or an unexplained increase in your energy costs, please arrange for technicians to look at it. A repair that stops a future repair is the kind of repair you won’t mind getting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the best way to avoid furnace repairs in winter?
Answer: The most effective way to avoid furnace repairs is to schedule professional maintenance before winter begins. Routine service helps keep your furnace running efficiently and allows technicians to identify small issues early, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns during the coldest months.
Question: How often should I change my furnace filter to prevent problems?
Answer: Furnace filters should be changed before winter and then every one to three months, depending on the filter type and household conditions. A clean filter improves airflow, reduces strain on the system, and helps prevent overheating and mechanical failures.
Question: Does thermostat use affect the likelihood of furnace repairs?
Answer: Yes, setting your thermostat too high can cause your furnace to work harder than necessary. Maintaining steady, moderate temperature settings reduces stress on components and can extend the life of your furnace while lowering the chance of winter repairs.
Question: Why is it important to keep vents open and unobstructed?
Answer: Open and unobstructed vents allow warm air to circulate properly throughout your home. Blocked vents restrict airflow, forcing the furnace to run longer and harder, which increases wear on the system and raises the risk of mechanical issues.
Question: What should I do if my furnace starts acting unusual?
Answer: If you notice strange noises, uneven heating, frequent cycling, or rising energy bills, it is best to contact a professional promptly. Addressing warning signs early can help prevent more serious damage and costly furnace repairs in winter.
Red Rock Mechanical, LLC serves Northwest Vermont and Northeast New York. Contact us for quality furnace repair and other vital home heating services.
