Your home’s best friend through the colder months in Forney and Terrell is a well-running furnace.

The longer you’ve had it, chances are the more you take it for granted.  Sorry to be the bearer of not-so-glad tidings, but it’s not going to last forever.  As time goes by, it’s common for a furnace to begin acting up.  So, by understanding the three main components of your heating system you’ll have a better idea of what the problem might be.

The heat source.

Aptly named, this is where the heat originates. If your furnace is gas-burning and it is not heating, then the furnace most likely is not receiving the fuel it needs to ignite.

The distribution system.

This component to your heating system is responsible for delivering the heated air throughout your home, i.e. your ductwork, vents, and registers. If your furnace turns on but heat doesn’t seem to be reaching the rooms in your home, the distribution system is most likely the culprit.

The thermostat.

A faulty or malfunctioning thermostat can cause your furnace to turn off and on repeatedly or not at all. Since the thermostat is responsible for sending a signal to your furnace to turn on or off, it can easily be the source of the problem if your heat is in short supply.

If you experience problems with your furnace this winter, particularly if it doesn’t respond when you try to turn it on, follow the steps below to see if you can get it going again:

• First, check the circuit breaker to make sure the furnace is receiving power. Also look for a secondary power switch, located on the furnace itself.

• Check the furnace for a ‘reset’ button, which is typically found on or around the motor housing. For a gas furnace, leave the unit off for approximately 30 minutes before pressing the button to let the unit cool off first. If that doesn’t do the trick, wait another 30 minutes and try again.

• If you have a natural gas furnace, inspect the pilot light to make sure it’s functioning properly. Check that the gas supply is turned on as well.

• Ensure that your thermostat has been set correctly. Increase the temperature setting by 5 degrees to trigger the unit to turn on.

At Absolute Air, we offer a host of home heating services, including annual preventative maintenance, expert repairs, plus new system design and installation.  If you have a home heating need or require air conditioning services in forney tx, you can count on us for sound advice, prompt service, and outstanding workmanship.  We look forward to your call.

Do you welcome the fall season with giddy excitement or grudgingly make your peace with summer coming to an end? Either way, there’s no denying that fall is here. Maybe not according to the calendar just yet, but the days are getting shorter, the thermometer is dropping, and fall fashions are out in force.

Still, before your thoughts turn to apple picking and pumpkin carving, make sure that your biggest investment – you home – is ready to embrace fall and the colder weather ahead. A little time spent now, can save you time, and money, later.

1. Spring isn’t the only season for deep cleaning. Take the time to launder drapes and comforters, vacuum behind and under furniture, refrigerators, and your stove to reduce allergens and improve air quality. Also clean or replace your HVAC filter, and if you run a humidifier clean the plates or pads to keep it running efficiently.
2. Keep your fires burning bright…and safe! Inspect your wood stove, and schedule a professional cleaning of your chimney.
3. Prevent drafts and heat loss by sealing or caulking any cracks around your windows and doors. Now is also a good time to replace screen windows and doors with energy-efficient storm windows and doors.
   
4. Prepare your home comfort system by scheduling an HVAC tune-up. A small investment now could save you hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars should your furnace or boiler decide to quit in the middle of winter.
   
5. Conduct a safety inspection. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries as needed. Have a family safety plan in place in the event of a fire and make sure your fire extinguishers are full and at the ready.
6. Make sure your gutters and down spouts are free of debris, and inspect your roof for broken, loose, or missing shingles or tiles.
   
7. Prep your garden by clearing away dead foliage. If you utilize a compost pile, be careful not to throw any weeds in the mix unless you want to lay down a fresh bed of weeds on your lawn come spring.
8. Vacuum your vents and registers in preparation for the warm air that will soon be flowing through them.

Allow us, for just a moment, to return to point #5.  You know, the part about having your heating system professionally serviced.  All joking aside, it’s an important fall and winter preparedness step that will help your system run better, last longer, and cut back on your home heating costs.  Contact Absolute Air today to schedule service so you can check #5 off your to-do list.