Between preparing festive meals, decorating the house, and making extra room for overnight guests, your furnace probably isn’t at the top of your busy holiday to-do list. However, a few simple preventive checks can help keep your home reliably warm and comfortable when everyone gathers to celebrate.
Before assuming a sudden heating issue will need costly professional repairs, take a moment to review your system’s basic components. Many common heating interruptions stem from simple, easily fixable causes, though others will certainly require the expert diagnostic skill and professional attention of our experienced team.
Check These Basics Before Calling for Service
If the furnace won’t start or the thermostat doesn’t reach the set temperature, work through this checklist:
- Thermostat settings: Confirm the thermostat is set to Heat and the temperature setting is above the current room temperature. Check that a programmed schedule or vacation setting isn’t overriding your adjustment.
- Thermostat batteries: If your thermostat uses batteries, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and replace them when the display is blank or a low-battery warning appears.
- Furnace power: Make sure the clearly labeled furnace switch is on. It may look like a light switch and can be accidentally turned off.
- Circuit breaker: Check for a tripped furnace breaker. If it trips again, leave it off and call us for service.
Give the furnace a few minutes to respond after you correct the thermostat settings. If these checks don’t restore heat, contact our team instead of opening equipment panels or attempting internal repairs.
Give Your Furnace Room to Breathe
Before rearranging furniture for holiday company, locate your supply vents and return grilles. Keep them clear of furniture, boxes, guest bedding, gift bags, and decorations. Leave supply registers open rather than closing them to redirect heat.
Check the furnace filter, too. A dirty filter restricts airflow and can contribute to overheating and shutdowns. Inspect it monthly during heating season and replace it when dirty, following the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. Turn the system off before replacing the filter, and use the correct size and recommended type.
Prepare Before the Guests Arrive
Holiday preparations offer a good opportunity to move items away from the furnace. Keep furniture, household items, boxes, and other belongings outside the equipment’s required clearance area. Keep at least 3 feet of clear, unobstructed space around the furnace to prevent fire hazards and ensure proper airflow.
Review your thermostat schedule before visitors arrive, especially if your household normally lowers the temperature during the workday. Adjust the schedule for occupied hours rather than repeatedly changing settings.
If your furnace hasn’t received annual maintenance, it’s not too late to schedule service. Maintenance cannot guarantee a repair-free holiday season, but it can reduce the likelihood of issues developing not just during the holidays, but throughout the heating season.
Know When to Call for Help
Repeated shutdowns, persistent unusual noises, or continued heating problems deserve professional attention. Don’t keep restarting a furnace that won’t stay running. For furnace maintenance or repair in Northern Allegheny and Butler Counties, contact us. We’ll help you keep your home warm and comfortable this holiday season.
Contact Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We treat your home like it’s our grandma’s home.