Here’s 6 tips on how to prevent a heating repair. Remember you can always call your local professional plumbing, heating and air conditioning company to perform a heating repair if you’re not the best DIYer.

1. Start with the thermostat. Modern models are electronic but some still use mercury switches that must be level to operate properly. In any event, remove the cover and remove and dust or debris that may have accumulated.
2. Next, ensure that the thermostat actually activates the furnace. Thermostats do go bad but the replacement is relatively simple and inexpensive.
3. Check the return air supply vent for dirt and other obstructions. Move any furniture that may be interrupting a free airflow.
4. Examine the exhaust system of the furnace. All pipes should be securely fastened to each other and to their supporting members. In addition, the joints should be adequately sealed to prevent the escape of exhaust gases.
5. The same process examination should be made of all electrical connections. The connections should be solid, capped with an electrical nut and sealed with electrical tape. Also, check for fraying, wear or other damage to wires that could potentially cause a short.
6. Once the inspection is completed and before you replace the protective door panel, check the door switch that turns off your furnace. It is a small, safety device that kills the power to the furnace when the door is removed. After making sure the door switch is back on, things should operate smoothly.

Modern furnaces are built to last for decades but they must be maintained properly. The above heating repair list is easily performed by the average do-it-yourselfer. You should perform the heating repair checklist once before the heating season starts and once again right after. This will help assure that you get the most out of your heating system and allows you to make any necessary heating repairs before the weather turns cold.