5 Tips for Maintaining Your Home's Furnace

We might be on the verge of spring, but we're not there yet. If you've ever spent a March in Pittsburgh, you'd know you have to prepare for more cold weather to come, and that means making sure your furnace is in tip-top shape. While it may have performed admirably over the last few months, here are some thing you can do to be sure it's working properly come spring.

1. Change Your Filters

Your filters won't change themselves. Left unattended for months (or years) at a time can result in clogged filters which restrict the air flowing in and out of your furnace. Not only does this result in dirtier air, but clogged air filters can put tremendous strain on your furnace as it tries to keep up, increasing your monthly energy bills. It's generally a good idea to switch out your filters every 1 to 3 months.

2. Regular Check Ups

There are some things about how your furnace operates that can only be looked after by an expert in home heating repair. Pittsburgh, PA, has dozens of skilled technicians willing to assist you by inspecting your furnace, so you can take care of any problems before things get out of hand.

3. Clear Your Intake Pipe

Modern furnaces usually require an external intake pipe to supply the air necessary for heating your home. It's not uncommon for this pipe to become clogged, putting strain on your furnace and cutting into its efficiency. Periodically check the intake pipes, and remove any debris you might find like ice, bird nests, or insects.

4. Purchase a Programmable Thermostat

Not terribly expensive, programmable thermostats can save you a tremendous amount of money in the long run. By scheduling your home's temperature so that it drops off at night and when you're at work, you can cut back on your home's heating costs without feeling any change in your family's comfort level.

5. Lower the Indoor Temperature

If it's 20° outside, there's no reason it needs to be 78° inside. By gradually altering your thermostat to a lower temperature than you're used to, you'll save on electricity as well as strain on your furnace without even noticing. Start at 70° and slowly drop it from there. You'll be surprised at how comfortable you'll be, especially when it's really cold outside.

Taking simple steps like these can reduce the need to call for emergency home heating repair in Pittsburg, PA.