Most of us do not think about our furnace until we notice that it isn’t working properly. Long Island winters can reach dangerously low temperatures, and no one wants to be stuck without heat or hot water in the middle of the winter. Furnace malfunctions or failures occur for several different reasons. Simple maintenance can help prevent problems from occurring. While you should never attempt to repair your heating system on your own, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take before calling a Dole Fuel Oil technician.

Test Your Thermostat

Changes to your thermostat are one of the most common causes of heating issues in your home. Family members, friends and babysitters often adjust your thermostat’s settings without even realizing it. Checking that your thermostat is functioning properly is simple to do. First, make sure that your thermostat has power. Your thermostat either runs off of batteries or is hard-wired to your home’s electrical system. If the panel on the thermostat is blank, chances are you need to replace the batteries. Next, make sure the system is set to ‘heat’ and not ‘cool’ and that the fan is set to "auto." Turn the system off and then back on. If you hear the furnace fire up, you are all set.

If the screen remains blank, or there is still no heat, there may be a problem with the power connection to your furnace. Check to make sure that the switch for your furnace is in the "on" position. Turn it off and then switch it back on again. Next, check your electrical panel to make sure that the circuit breaker for your furnace has not blown a fuse. If the circuit has popped, push it all the way off and then turn it on again. This will reset the breaker. If it blows again, contact an electrician to check for a shortage in the electrical system.

Check the Furnace Filter

Many homeowners are not even aware that their furnace has a filter. A dirty furnace filter is a common problem is also one of the easiest to fix. When the filter on your furnace accumulates dust and dirt, it causes the unit to work less effectively. If not cleaned or replaced regularly, this could cause damage to your system. It is advisable to change your filter monthly. If you are unsure how to change it, ask a Dole Fuel Oil technician to assist you.

Check Your Air Flow

If certain rooms in your home feel colder than others, the problem may not be the furnace. Check the heating registers or baseboards in each room. Make sure they are open completely. Move any furniture at least six inches away from the heating registers to allow for proper ventilation and circulation of the hot air. Clean the intake register (the vent where the furnace pulls in air from the house) regularly. Winterize any drafty windows or doors to prevent cold air from seeping into your home.

Furnace maintenance is a key step in keeping your furnace running well. Be sure to schedule an annual furnace tune-up. Call Dole Fuel Oil for further diagnostics and repair options if your furnace still does not work after trying the tips listed above.