It just had to happen in the dead of winter. You were reading a book in your favorite corner of the room, all bundled up and snug, you were just about to hit the sack when you noticed it had gotten a little bit chilly. You check on the heater and it’s just as you feared, it’s busted.
Here are a couple of tips on how to save yourself from a bleak and cold winter and get the heat back up and running.
-Test the heater before it is needed. A lot of times, when a heater hasn’t been used for a long period of time, the parts are left worn out or calcified. Checking beforehand if it functions well will ensure you a lot of warm and cozy days when winter comes.
-For residents in areas with hard water, it may be a good idea to invest on a water softener. That way, you can prevent any calcification that may damage your heater when the colder months arrive. It will also save your other appliances such as, washing machines, dishwashers, and irons from getting calcified.
– If your heating system has stopped working, the first thing to check is if it is getting any power or fuel to function. At times, heating problems may be resolved by checking the very basic thing. Check if the system isn’t unplugged, if there isn’t a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. If the heating unit uses gas, check if the switch is turned on and that there are no blockages on the supply line.
If you decide to replace a fuse yourself and it blows out again or the circuit breaker still keeps on tripping, it may be time to call for professional help. More importantly for gas powered heating systems, if you smell gas in your furnace, leave the house immediately and call the authorities.
– When professional help is needed to restore your heating system, check the warranty before making any calls. You may still be entitled to a free repair and save yourself a ton of money. If you don’t have that option, do scout around for a good and affordable repair man. It’s usually much cheaper to call someone not affiliated with the appliance’s manufacturer. Asking family and friends for recommendations is always a very good idea.
Heating repair must also not be put off. Not only is it a necessity come winter time, setting aside repairs for later may cause more damage and mean more expense in the long run. Stick to these few repair and maintenance basics and you can rest assured that you won’t find yourself freezing in the midst of winter.