It’s almost predictable—temperatures drop and your furnace quits working. In Northeast Ohio, a furnace that is not in top condition at the start of any winter is not an option, but why do problems seem to crop up on the coldest day of the year?

The most likely reason is that an older furnace, or one that needs a tune-up, is already working harder than it should and is unable to handle the extra load when temperatures plummet. Since we can’t control the weather outside, it’s important to focus on what we can control, the condition and efficiency of our furnace.

The single most important thing you can do is have your furnace checked annually. If you haven’t taken care of this before winter sets in, do it as soon as possible. Here at Lew’s Reliable, we offer a multi-point check-up that provides lubrication of all moving parts, clean filters, and repairs where needed. Our service can keep you ahead of breakdowns when you need heat most.

Despite regular servicing, however, homeowners still may experience emergencies, especially when temperatures become extreme. A few additional steps can put you in the best position to prevent a heating emergency.

Check your outside vents

Older furnaces vent through a vertical pipe on the roof, but newer, high-efficiency furnaces vent through pipes on the side of the house, making them vulnerable to snow and ice buildup. Snow or ice blocking the intake or exhaust can shut your furnace down, so be sure to check them regularly and keep them clear.

Check your filter

Even if you have your furnace inspected annually, it pays to check your filter on a regular basis. One- to two-inch filters should be changed every three months during peak season.

Check your thermostat batteries

While most thermostats are powered by wiring, with batteries only for backup in the case of a power outage, it’s advisable to check yours to be sure they are not weak. Weak batteries can cause your heating and cooling systems to shut down, especially if yours is powered by batteries alone. Our experts can advise you as to the type of thermostat you have in your home.

Keep the temperature in your home consistent

Many homeowners lower the temperature during those hours when no one is home to save money on heating. We advise setting that temperature no lower than 60 degrees, and if the outside temperature is extreme, do not lower the temperature at all. Because furnaces are generally designed to operate in temperatures of -15 degrees and higher, it takes them much longer to get your home warmer in temperatures lower than this. An overtaxed furnace is more likely to break down, so keeping a consistent temperature lessens that demand.

The team at Lew’s also reminds homeowners that cranking the thermostat on a cold day does not get your home warmer faster, but it could overwork your furnace by overheating your house. Set the thermostat at your desired temperature and let the furnace take care of the rest.

At Lew's Reliable Heat & A/C, our team is ready for the brutal winters that are routine in Northeast Ohio. We are available 24/7 for emergency services, from furnace breakdowns to power outages to last-minute inspections. Count on our experts to get your heat running again and to advise you on maintenance that will keep your unit running this winter.

Remember, if your heating system is more than 10 years old, it may be wise to consider replacing it. Call us today for a full inspection.