Signs Of Furnace Problems & How To Stay Warm When It Goes Out

There may be times that you take the warmth your furnace provides for granted, but that changes when you encounter issues with your heating system. The following are a few signs that may indicate a problem with your heating system and a tip to help you stay warm if your furnace goes out. 

Signs of Trouble

Keeping up with furnace repairs is of the utmost importance, especially if the winter season is rearing its head around the corner. The following are just a few signs that may warn you that it's time to call your appliance repair specialist as soon as possible:

• Determine just how old your furnace is, as most of these appliances usually have a lifespan of about 15 to 25 years. 
• Take a note of how long your furnace has to stay on to warm up your home, compared to the previous winter. A bad furnace will take longer to heat your home up, which may also increase your electric and gas bill. 
• Frequent repairs are signs of a furnace going bad, so you may need to consider replacing your appliance. 
• You notice that certain areas of your home are colder than others; this is a sign that your furnace's ability to distribute warmth is dwindling. 
• Unfamiliar noises, like banging or rattling, are a sign that your furnace needs attention.
• A dry home may be caused by a furnace that simply cannot provide moisture to your home, which could cause things like frizzy hair or dry skin.

Talk to your appliance repair specialist should you notice any of the aforementioned signs or just have him or her check your furnace out before the winter hits because you may be able to prevent being stuck without heat.

But even with preparation, sometimes things go wrong. So you should still know how to keep yourself warm if your furnace goes out. 

Keeping Warm 

When your furnace goes out, depending on weather conditions, you may have to wait hours or days before your heating specialist comes. The following suggestion will help keep you warm while you wait:

Hot Cans

You will need the following:

• Small wax candles
• Clean metal or tin coffee cans
• Matches

To heat up your home, just place the candles in the cans, light the wicks, and then place the cans on a safe and leveled surface around you. These hot cans should create enough heat to keep you warm in an emergency. Also, be sure to keep a fire extinguisher readily available, in case one of the cans tips over and catches something else on fire.

There you go, now you know how to detect an issue before you are put in a bad predicament, although you are prepared to deal with that too. For more information, contact a company like Affordable Appliance Repair.