Step 1. Before anything, first check to make sure your thermostat is in the correct “on” position for heat.

Step 2. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to also make sure your furnace switch is also “on” and didn’t get knocked off accidentally.

Step 3. Be sure to check your circuit breaker. It may have been tripped.

Step 4. A clogged filter can cause issues. Be sure that your filter isn’t dirty and ready for a replacement.

Step 5. There’s a panel on the front of your furnace. Make sure it’s securely closed shut.

Step 6. Is the gas valve set to the “on” position?

Step 7. Are your air ducts blocked? Have you checked them yet?

Step 8. If you’ve gone through each of these steps and it’s still not working, it’s time to call a professional.

This is a question we get a lot. First, consider how old your furnace is. With a simple equation, you can determine if you should repair or replace your furnace. Say your furnace is 12 years old…we’re going to go by a rule called the $5000 rule.

You take the age of your furnace (in this case, we’re using 12 as an example) and multiple it by the cost and frequency of repairs. If your average cost of repair is $500, you’d do 12 x 500 = which equals $6000. With the $5000 rule, if the figure is over $5000, it’s time to replace it. Under $5000, repair it. So, say in that same scenario, your furnace is 3 years old. 3 x 500 = 1500. In this instance, you’d repair.

We recommend that you service your furnace at least once a year. Most people do it before the cold weather kicks in. On a side note, did you know that furnace manufacturers recommend yearly inspections and maintenance? Many of them require proof of prior maintenance for warranty claims! The good news is that a clean and well-maintained furnace will save you money on utility costs and prolongs its life.

Do you have a wet/dry vac? It may be able to help. The most common issue is a clogged condensate drainage line. Check this first. If it seems clogged, clean it with your wet/dry vac and an attachment. This should help solve the problem. If not, give us a call. Also, before we forget, another handy tip is to use a small bit of vinegar and pour it down the drain line. This helps stop and destroy bacteria and fungus growth.

Air conditioning units are great, when they work. The problem is, they don’t work at their peak performance if you don’t take care of them. A tune-up is a quick, smart way to make sure your system is running efficiently. We suggest you do this in the spring, before you’ll be using it more heavily. Also, take in mind that by cleaning or changing out the air filter, it will also help your system. We suggest you do this monthly. When it comes to your heating system, be sure to schedule a tune up for fall

When considering that most air conditioning systems last about 12-15 years, you need to account for a few things. That’s a good estimate if it’s been well-maintained though the years. Also, a heat pump should get about 14 years of life out of it if it was installed well and maintained. Lastly, if your unit is over 10 years old, it may be time to replace, rather than repair it to save yourself a headache.