If you have a gas furnace, you probably love the fact that you don't have huge electric bills and the heat always seems to be there. But if your heater isn't working and you've never dealt with furnace repair before, you might think that you have to call the technician immediately. Before you do, check the pilot light to make sure it is lit. If it is not, you'll need to relight it.
If your gas furnace has suddenly stopped working -- or worse, has begun to blow cold air -- your first instinct may be to research and order a replacement, or contact a repairperson. However, in many cases, you may be able to repair your existing furnace using tools you already have at home. Performing these repairs yourself can save you time and money, as well as help minimize the chilly side effects of a malfunctioning furnace.
There is nothing wrong with simply wanting to clean your home's air ducts because they are dirty, but just be aware that the EPA hasn't found much evidence that normally dirty ducts will decrease your HVAC system's efficiency or contribute to allergies. As long as you are keeping your furnace filters clean, most dust and allergens will be prevented from blowing into the rest of the house.
However, there are three instances when it is highly recommended that you have your air ducts cleaned by a professional.
With the severe weather pummeling most of the United States, people are understandably concerned about power outages. Regardless of what area of the country you live in, a little disaster planning can go a long way in making sure your family is safe and has access to power. A generator is necessary to ensure you have the power your family needs to make it through a power outage. There are two primary types of generators, portable and standby.
If you have recently had your home's HVAC system installed or repaired, there is a good chance that the contractor who performed this work recommended the use of their annual maintenance services. Unfortunately, if you are like many homeowners, you may have allowed this important recommendation to go in one ear and out the other. This is because many homeowners simply assume that unless their heating and air conditioning unit is showing signs of distress, there really is no reason to spend money on professional maintenance services.
