EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -- Get ready to crank up that thermostat. This weekend is expected to be a cold one.
Keeping your house warm during the winter is a must. But sometimes it's not that simple.
"The first time you kick your furnace on is generally the time you're going to have issues for the most part," said Tyler Falcone, assistant general manager for Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning in East Syracuse.
That's why it's crucial to prepare your HVAC system before the weather takes a turn for the worse.
"Checking the furnace filter, checking the thermostat batteries, making sure they are all set. Walking downstairs, making sure that none of the venting is hanging. Also, walking outside where the outdoor exhaust pipes go, make sure there's no leaves or wheel barrels in front of it," said Falcone.
It's also important to prevent your pipes or HVAC system from freezing before temperatures fall.
"They can put insulation around the pipes, or they can build a little fence around it to protect it from the snow and whatnot as well," Falcone explained.
Placing your hand in front of your at-home vent to see if hot air is coming out is one simple way to know your furnace is operating as intended.
"For the older style systems, it's going to be a little bit warmer than the new style. The higher efficiencies generally run longer and at a lower temperature than the old style," said Falcone.
If you think something isn't working right, Falcone said there are a few things to look for.
"A couple things that you can notice or listen for is the blower making a loud rattling noise. Is it running longer than it should be?" said Falcone.
But what if your furnace stops working?
"They should check their thermostat, make sure their thermostat is calling for heat, walk downstairs, see if there's any issues with the furnace. Is it operating? Is it trying to start? And then if they can't solve the problem like that, then they should give us a call," said Falcone.
Getting your heating system checked by a professional is also important.
"Heating systems should generally be serviced once a year. Once for the heating, once for the cooling. Basically what we check is we check to make sure the burners are clear of debris and stuff like that," said Falcone.
Depending on how well you take care of your furnace, it could last you anywhere between 15 to 20 years.
If you need to make an appointment to get your furnace checked, call an expert now. Isaac Heating in East Syracuse says it's already filling up.