A furnace is one of the most important home appliances in the winter. There are a few ways you can care for it throughout the season to conserve heating oil and prevent equipment damage. Follow the tips below for a comfortable season.

How to Care for Your Furnace During the Winter

1. Know the Early Signs of Failure

Now that you’re using your furnace regularly, any issues may cause it to fail or lose efficiency. Knowing the early signs of system failure will help you bring in a professional before the unit breaks down and leaves you in the cold.

Common issues to look out for include a yellow burner flame, high energy bills, strange sounds like rattling and squealing, and some rooms being colder than others. These issues also cause the equipment to consume more oil, so call for repairs to save money.

2. Install a New Thermostat

A smart thermostat will lower your heating costs and conserve heating oil. This can be programmed to change temperatures throughout the day according to your needs.

For ideal comfort and efficiency, set it to 68 degrees when you’re at home. Lower this by 10 degrees while everyone is gone for the day, at night while you’re sleeping under blankets, and when you leave for vacation.

3. Schedule an Inspection

Bring in a professional to service the furnace and heating oil tank before you turn it off at the end of the season. They will clean and lubricate the appliance to prepare it to stay off for several months. They will also inspect all of its parts and replace any that are broken or worn to ensure you don’t have any inconvenient surprises at the end of the year.

If you need fuel delivery, call State Fuel Company in Rochester, NY. This family-owned and -operated heating oil company has been serving the community since 1939. They have a reputation for professionalism and reliability. For your convenience, they offer an automatic delivery program and same-day affordable service. Learn more about their work on their website and call (585) 247-2380 to schedule a delivery.