Once the cold hits Ohio, your furnace gets to work keeping your home warm and comfortable. As a homeowner, you want to get the most out of your furnace, not only to keep your heating bills at bay, but also to increase its lifespan. You can do your part to keep your furnace running smoothly by following our tips below.
1. Schedule a Preventative Maintenance Visit with Your Heating & Cooling Company
One of the best ways to ensure system longevity and efficiency is to book a furnace maintenance appointment with your local heating and cooling company. During a preventative maintenance visit, your system gets a check-up by the professionals. This gives them the opportunity to provide a little TLC to your system and diagnose any potential issues before they become expensive problems!
Most heating and cooling companies have preventative maintenance programs you can sign up for that provide twice yearly visits to keep your furnace and air conditioning running optimally. Normally, you can save some money by signing up for a maintenance program, so don’t miss this opportunity!
2. Change Your Air Filter
This task is simple, but easy to forget about! The air filter in your HVAC system removes dust, debris, and allergens from your air. Over time, these particles build up in your air filter, reducing airflow. This makes your system less efficient, and can also cause bigger issues if left unchecked for too long.
Be sure to follow your furnace manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of filter you should be using with your system and how often it should be changed. Make it a priority to track this task on your calendar for clean, smooth airflow.
3. Keep Vents Clear
Do you have furniture or other items blocking your vents? If so, this is reducing your furnace’s ability to heat your home efficiently. It has to work harder to keep your home at the right temperature, which puts pressure on the system and could be costing you more. Provide your vents with a little breathing room, so they can do their job. While you’re at it, give them a clean if you notice any dust or debris around the vent.
4. Test Fire & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Don’t forget to periodically test your fire and carbon monoxide detectors. It may feel like a chore to get the ladder out and swap batteries, but they could save your life. While uncommon, a malfunctioning furnace could release carbon monoxide into the air leaving you and your loved ones in danger. Don’t risk it. Test those detectors!
5. Will My Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Damage from My Furnace?
Your homeowners insurance policy may cover damage from your furnace, but it depends on the type of policy you have and the circumstances. Your policy may cover accidents involving your furnace such as a fire or electrical surge. It may also cover issues caused by the malfunctioning furnace. For instance, if your furnace isn’t working and your pipes freeze, the damage caused by the pipes may be covered. We recommend discussing your policy with your insurance agent to dive deeper into what events may or may not be covered.
Homeowners Insurance with Ianniello Insurance Agency
We hope our furnace tips help you stay toasty warm and safe this winter. If you haven’t reviewed your homeowners insurance policy, it’s probably time for a quick chat to make sure all the boxes are ticked. At Ianniello Insurance Agency, we are here to help ensure your policy meets your home and family’s needs. If you have any questions about home insurance, or want to discuss your policy, contact us today at our Coshocton or Canton, Ohio offices!
