Winter is coming to Northern Virginia, and you know what that means. Time to turn up the heat! Furnaces are essential to keeping your home warm because they heat the air and distribute the heated air through the house using ducts. Unless you plan on keeping a fireplace running 24/7, it’s probably a good idea to make sure your furnace is working properly and that you know how to handle any repairs.
While our job at R.A. Dobson is to provide the best-in-class furnace repair to those who need it, we want to make sure your furnace stays running effectively. To avoid being stuck in the cold, here is a checklist of how you can maintain a healthy oil furnace.
1. Clean Or Replace Your Filter
The purpose of the furnace filter is to remove particles such as dust, pollen, and bacteria. The filter removes these particles from the air before it moves into the furnace and begins to heat up the room. A clean filter results in better air quality, so if you haven’t already, be sure to replace your filter before the freezing season starts.
2. Make Sure Your Thermostat Works
Your thermostat triggers your furnace based on what you tell it to do. Depending on the temperature you set, if the thermostat notices that the temperature drops below the number you set, the furnace will activate. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your thermostat is working properly. To do this, turn on your furnace thermostat and monitor how it reacts. If it starts without any issue, you’re good to go.
3. Clean The Venting System For Your Gas Furnace
Cleaning the venting system is something that is typically forgotten about by homeowners, and gas furnaces can accumulate dirt and grime over time. When you are cleaning your furnace, you may notice that the vents can be blocked due in part to debris or dust. To safely clean the venting system, remove the vent cover and brush off any dust or debris that may have gotten into your system. You can also use a vacuum suck up any extra residue.
4. Make Sure The Pilot Light Is Burning
A pilot light is a continuously-burning flame that is used to ignite burners in gas furnaces. The purpose of a pilot light is to provide the flame needed to light the gas coming out of the main burner. To relight the pilot light, you must find the gas valve with an ON, OFF, and PILOT setting. You then want to make sure to first turn the valve to OFF and wait a few minutes. Next, switch the valve to the PILOT setting while holding a lighted match or lighter to the opening and push the reset button on the control panel. If this doesn’t work, it’s best to leave it to a professional (like your friends over at R.A. Dobson!).
Hindsight is always 20/20, so it’s best to schedule a cleaning or furnace repair before winter officially hits. Winter is typically an extremely busy season for professional heating and air companies, so it is generally best to avoid any last-minute repairs. There are many ways to go about cleaning your furnace yourself, but if you aren’t DIY-savvy, it’s wise to call a professional.
Choose Quality Furnace Repair Services in Northern Virginia
If you find that you are in need of a new heating system or a furnace repair service, R.A. Dobson honors all manufacturer warranties on the heating systems we provide and back them with a 1-year service warranty of our own. With over 40 years in the industry, we have the experience to give the gift of warmth this season – from our family to yours. Happy Holidays! Contact us to schedule a free estimate on your furnace repair service today!