Minnesota winters can reach extremely low temperatures, especially in the overnight hours. That extra chill can put a strain on your home’s furnace, which will likely need to run around the clock to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
To ensure you get the longest life possible out of your furnace, it’s important to do everything you can to take care of it. Here are a few tips that can help Minnesota Heating residents reduce strain and increase the longevity of their furnaces this winter.
Keep a Lower Nighttime Temperature
It can be tempting to keep your home warm and toasty while you sleep, but did you know that you’ll actually sleep better in a slightly cooler room? Experts recommend a room temperature in the 60s to help you fall asleep and stay there. Lowering your home’s temperature can reduce wear on your system while also knocking one to two percent off your heating bills for every degree you reduce. Don’t drop the temperature more than seven degrees below normal, though, since you’ll need to keep your home reasonably warm to prevent pipes from freezing.
Change Your Filter Regularly
Your home’s air filter gathers particles of dust and dirt over days and weeks of use. Experts recommend changing it at least every three months. If you have pets, change your air filter once every 60 days and if one of your family members has allergies, move to a monthly replacement plan. Keep an air filter on hand to make it easier to change it out once you realize it’s time.
Check Your PVC Pipes
On the outside of your house, you’ll find PVC tubes that connect to your home’s furnace. During cold or snowy weather, these pipes could become buried in snow or covered in ice, blocking your unit’s intake. This can be the cause of a sudden Minnesota Heating furnace shutdown, forcing you to call for help if you don’t know how to repair the issue yourself. Keep an eye on these PVC pipes and make sure they stay clear of elements that could block the airflow.
Know How to Handle a Furnace Failure
When a furnace suddenly stops working, your first instinct may be to pick up the phone and call for a repair. But there are a few Furnace Troubleshooting things you can do on your own first. If the temperature outside is below freezing, check your outdoor pipes for signs of ice or snow that might be causing problems. If your outside pipes are clear, then try changing your furnace filter in case dirt might be blocking airflow. Lastly, check your thermostat battery by removing the outside casing. Generally, thermostats use AA, AAA or 3V batteries, which you probably already have on hand.
During the coldest months, your home’s furnace works hard. With a few small Furnace Maintenance steps, you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature and ensure your furnace functions for many years to come.
Minnesota Heating is more important than ever with these frigid temps, if you have furnace problems or you simply want basic maintenance performed, we can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment.