At G&R Heating and Air, we know that one of your top priorities during the winter is making sure that your home is kept at a comfortable temperature. You may have had your furnace and heating system looked at already, and you’ve likely purchased air filters for the season. However, if you still have questions, then our professional team is here to help. We’re proud to serve Naperville and the surrounding area, and we can answer any questions you have, as well as troubleshoot any heating issue that arises this winter. Give us a call today to learn more!
1. What’s A Good Temperature Setting For My Thermostat?
This is a question that gets asked a lot when our technicians are servicing a furnace or replacing a thermostat. Everyone in your home might have their own idea of what temperature to set on the thermostat, but it’s important to make sure you’re not overworking your system by having it set too high. You also don’t want to set it too low and let your house get colder than it needs to.
Normal thermostat settings for winter are often between 68 and 72 degrees. We know that the outside temperatures can drop dramatically during December, and when it hits single digits, you might be tempted to crank that thermostat up to 75 or so. While this can create more heat inside your home, it could make your furnace work harder than it needs to. By setting it between 68 and 72 degrees, and making sure your system is clean and working properly, you can have a warm, toasty house, no matter how cold it is outside.
2. How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?
The furnace filter is a key component to your heating system, since its purpose is to remove airborne particles that you don’t want floating through your vents. They can also help prevent dust and pollen from getting into the vents and affecting those in your family with allergies. As far as replacing it goes, it’s often something that the homeowner themselves takes care of, but it’s important to replace it on a regular basis.
Depending on the size of the filter and the frequency with which your furnace runs, you may want to replace the filter every two to three months. Larger, thicker filters can sometimes be left for a year or so, but you’ll still want to check everything before you turn on your furnace for the first time.
3. Should I Be Worried About Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is created when a fuel source, such as gas, wood, or oil, is burned to create heat. When your furnace is tuned up and working properly, there should be little to no amount of CO gas created. However, if your heating system is old and hasn’t been serviced in years, then the risk of CO gas can increase.
Regular maintenance and service can keep your furnace working as it should, and reduce the risk of CO gas. You’ll also want to place carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, usually on every floor, so that you can be alerted if and when there is a buildup of CO gas. Remember, it’s nearly impossible to tell when you’re breathing in CO gas, and prolonged exposure can lead to serious, and even fatal, results. At G&R, we take your safety very seriously, and are always ready to make sure your furnace isn’t producing carbon monoxide.
Contact Us Today
If you have these questions or any others, then please feel free to contact us right away. Our team has the knowledge and experience to take care of your furnace, and make sure you have a warm and comfortable home all winter long.
