Once the heating repair season is upon us, there is no shortage of questions and concerns that have to be addressed. After all, no one wants to be stuck without a proper heating solution as soon as the damp and frigid temperatures have returned. Of course, a service tech can address these issues immediately but what happens once the job is done?

There are certain questions that the homeowner will need to ask. The more a homeowner knows about the right questions to ask, the more likely they are to enjoy a properly functioning furnace going forward. The following guide is here to guide readers in the right direction:

Why Did The Initial Problem Occur?

This is the first and most important question that needs to be asked as soon as the furnace repair has been completed. Unless this question is asked, the homeowner could end up back in the same position where they started. Was the cause of the issue a preventable one? Is there anything that the homeowner could have done to prevent this outcome?

After all, preventive medicine is crucial in these instances. No one wants to be left holding the bag for an expensive repair that they could have easily prevented. Would have acting sooner have made a noticeable difference? In some instances, the repairs may have taken place because of simple wear and tear. Either way, this is something that the homeowner needs to know so that they can plan accordingly in the future.

What Components Cause The Problems?

Each furnace is made up of a variety of different components. Each furnace is made up of a wide range of different components. The more that the homeowner knows about each component and the issues caused, the easier repairs and maintenance become. Generalized language does not increase the homeowner’s understanding and should be avoided as much as possible. Ask for an in-depth explanation of what has taken place. The best techs will walk clients through the repairs that they made, providing valuable education on the spot.

How Was The Problem Solved?

It is not enough to know what the problem was or how it occurred. The homeowner needs to know the problem ended up being solved. Was there a particular part that needed to be repaired or replaced? Did the problem take place due to manufacturer defects? By asking these questions, the homeowner can develop a greater level of understanding as to why the problem occurred and more importantly, how to avoid it in the future.

Will This Solution Offer Long-Term Stability?

In other words, did the technician offer up a solution that is guaranteed to work over the long haul or were they looking for more of a quick fix? In some instances, a quick fix is needed to hold the homeowner over until a more extensive repair can take place. Or, a homeowner may not have the budget for a full repair and require a more rapid (read: less expensive) solution.

Take a moment to ask the technician how long the repair is going to last. Should the homeowner prepare for additional work in the coming months? This is a question that needs to be asked as soon as the current repairs are complete so that there are no surprises later on.

Are There Any Preventive Measures That Can Be Taken?

Preventive maintenance is an absolute must for any homeowner and their furnace is no different. The amount of preventive maintenance that needs to be performed will depend on the age of the unit and the amount of work that has been done on it in the past. Does the unit in question have certain quirks that need to be addressed? If so, this is a sign that additional maintenance needs to take place.

It should go without saying but these units are not built to last forever. Depending on the amount of annual maintenance that takes place, the furnace can last anywhere from 15 to 18 years. Ask the technician about the age of the unit and if there are any preventive measures that can be put into place to extend its lifespan. The technician will provide a better idea of how long the homeowner can expect to wait before a full-fledged replacement is needed.

Posted in Furnaces