GRAND RAPIDS, Mich-
Almost all of us have a furnace in our home that we don’t think of on a daily basis, until it stops working.
With winter and frigid temperatures slowly setting in, it’s important to have it in tip top shape to make it through until spring. We spent some time with the experts from Jacobson Heating and Cooling in Grand Rapids. 35 year service manager Bernie Boelema says maintenance and filters are the most important things a homeowner can keep in mind.
Routine service/maintenance inspections that cost around $80 – $85 can spot things before they become bigger problems. Included in that is usually a safety inspection to make sure everything is properly venting and no carbon monoxide fumes are entering back into the house. Experts say furnaces older than 25 years should be replaced due to efficiency issues.
Because these newer high tech, higher efficiency furnaces require more maintenance than older models, it’s always best to start the season with a tune-up. Filters are also important and can usually be changed easily by the homeowner. Boelema says the cheaper, one inch inexpensive filters should be changed every 30 to 60 days, but he doesn’t recommend buying the cheapest or the most expensive. A mid-grade, or middle of the road filter is the best way to go. They do a great job, whereas the expensive filters can limit or restrict airflow that can create future furnace problems.
Another way to prevent problems and save money is with a programmable thermostat. Dialing the temperature down at night, or when the house is vacant while at work can save money on the utility bills. Experts say just avoid dialing to to less than 55 degrees.
Since we had temperatures in the 70s on Sunday that have now turned quite a bit colder, more people are thinking about heating, furnaces, and typical maintenance to keep them running. You can get more information by going to the Jacobsons webite here.
Get the complete West Michigan forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather.
