- Berry Good Heating and Air
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
When the air in Georgia starts to get crisp and the leaves fall, you know winter is on its way. In Marietta, we can have some very cold days that make us want to stay inside where it is warm. But what happens if you turn on your heater and nothing happens? To make sure you aren't shivering under ten blankets, it is smart to look into furnace repair Marietta before the freezing weather actually arrives.
Taking care of your furnace is like taking care of a car; if you check it early, it will run better and last longer. Here is a simple checklist to help you get your home ready for the cold.
1. Clean the Dust Away
Inside your furnace, dirt and dust can build up over the summer. If your furnace is dirty, it has to work much harder to warm up your house. This wastes energy and makes your heating bills cost more money. A clean furnace is a happy furnace because it uses less fuel and helps the heat move through your home easily.
2. Check the Air Filter
The air filter is like a mask for your furnace. It catches dust and pet hair so the air you breathe stays clean. If the filter gets too clogged, the air cannot get through. You should check your filter every month and replace it every three to six months. If you aren't sure where to start, looking for furnace repair near me can help you find a professional to show you how it's done.
3. Move Your Furniture
Sometimes we put a big rug or a couch right on top of the vents in the floor or against the ones on the wall. If these vents are blocked, the warm air can't get into the room. Make sure all your vents and registers are open and that nothing is sitting in front of them. This helps every room in your house stay at the same comfortable temperature.
4. Test the Thermostat
Your thermostat is the "brain" of your heating system. You should make sure it is telling the furnace the right thing to do. For winter, most experts say keeping it between 68 and 72 degrees when you are home is a good idea. If your thermostat uses batteries, put in fresh ones so it doesn't quit working in the middle of a snowstorm.
5. Listen and Smell for Trouble
Your furnace can sometimes "talk" to you if something is wrong. If you hear loud banging, squealing, or grinding noises, that is a sign that a part might be loose or broken. Also, pay attention to how things smell. If you ever smell "rotten eggs," that could be a gas leak. If that happens, you should leave your house right away and call for help.
6. Look at the Flame
If your furnace uses gas, it has a small flame called a burner flame. This flame should always be a steady blue color. If the flame looks orange or yellow and is flickering, it means the furnace isn't burning the fuel correctly. This is a safety issue, and you should call for furnace repair marietta to have a professional fix it.
7. Get a Professional Tune-Up
Even if you do all the small steps yourself, it is very important to have a professional technician visit once a year. They have a special checklist to look at the parts of the furnace you can't see. They check for dangerous things like carbon monoxide leaks and make sure the gas lines are safe. A tune-up can stop a small problem from becoming a giant, expensive repair later in the winter.
8. Emergency Safety Prep
If a big winter storm is coming, you should be ready just in case the power goes out. Make sure you have flashlights, extra batteries, and warm blankets ready. If you use a portable heater or a generator, never use them inside your house or near a window because they need lots of fresh air to be safe.
Staying warm shouldn't be a struggle. By following this checklist and searching for furnace repair near me, you can make sure your family stays cozy all season long. If you want to make sure your home is ready for the first cold snap, the team at Berry Good Heating and Air is here to help you with expert inspections and friendly service.