For many of us who live in areas that have cold (very cold) winters, our heating systems are not exactly optional. Still, it can be tough to spend a lot of money for a furnace repair! Here are five easy ways that you can save money:
1. Perform Regular Maintenance
Your furnace, much like your car, needs some consistent maintenance to keep it working at its best. Spending a little bit on regular maintenance can help to prevent big problems from happening. Having a professional come in to clean your furnace and give it a tune-up every year (or even every six months if you live in a colder climate where your furnace runs for more of the year) keeps your furnace working at top performance, and you may be able to see (and sometimes prevent) issues that would later be more difficult or expensive to repair.
2. Give it a Rest
If you aren’t taking steps to increase the energy efficiency of your home, not only are you losing money in paying higher utility bills, but you are making your furnace work that much harder to keep you warm and toasty during the colder months. Simple updates (like re-caulking where necessary) can make a big difference with efficiency, and will make your furnace’s job that much easier.
3. Check it Yourself
If you’re experiencing issues with your furnace, there are a few simple things you can check yourself (and save yourself the expense of a repair call). Make sure that your pilot light is on (there are typically instructions on the side of your furnace for re-lighting it, if necessary). Also double-check that your thermostat is clean and accurate – sometimes the solution is as simple as putting new batteries in your thermostat! Also give your fuse box a look – make sure that the circuit breaker for your furnace is on.
4. Call for Help
If you’ve checked the basics and are still having problems with your furnace, call a professional. Your furnace is an important piece of equipment, and it’s not worth the risk of damaging it further or even injuring yourself – as furnaces run on elements that can be very flammable!
5. Update, Already!
This might sound counter-intuitive, but sometimes you’ll save the most money by simply buying a new furnace. This is especially true if your furnace is old – newer versions are way more energy-efficient, which will help to lower your utility bills, and are also less likely to need costly repairs in the near future. Properly maintained, a newer furnace should give you no trouble!
