Making a Business Work When Its in the Red

Posted on: 15 October 2015

Converting a house into office space for your business has a lot of advantages. There is one big drawback though, and that's the fact that you're responsible for all the maintenance and repairs on the building. If you're good with DIY repairs around your home, that shouldn't be a big problem as long as you have the time and money for repairs when they're needed. For instance, keeping the furnace in good working order is important so your clients and employees are comfortable. If your office doesn't seem to be as warm as it usually is, you'll need to call a contractor to fix the problem right away. However, you may want to check these things yourself before you call for help.

Check The Power And Settings

The first thing you want to check is the electrical panel and power switch to make sure the furnace is getting power. If the power seems okay, turn up the thermostat and wait for the blower to kick on. If it doesn't, there might be a problem with the thermostat or the electrical connections in the furnace. Also, check the registers to make sure they're open. Check the intake vents to ensure they are not blocked. Verify the thermostat is set on the heat setting. When you have employees in your office, there is always a possibility that one of them adjusted the settings or vents because they were too hot or too cold. By ruling out these simple fixes, you can save the cost of a repair call.

Change The Filter

A clogged filter is a major cause of furnace problems. If the filter is clogged with dust, hair, and other debris, then air can't blow through the system. Be sure to change your furnace filter about once every month, or as often as recommended by the filter manufacturer. Your furnace may be working fine, but the warm air is prevented from circulating by the clogged filter. If the filter isn't changed, it can stress your furnace and cause more expensive damage to occur. Therefore, it's a good idea to check the filter when your office seems too cool. Pull it out and hold it against the light so you can see how much dust has accumulated. If it looks like the cells are clogged, throw out the filter and put in a new one, even if it isn't due to be changed yet.

Other problems require a licensed contractor to fix. You shouldn't remove the internal panel on your furnace because you could get an electrical shock or you could cause more damage. You may even void the warranty by trying to make furnace repairs yourself. The problem could be a worn belt that affects the performance of the blower. When this happens, you may hear a squealing noise too. If your furnace does make unusual noises, it's best to shut it down and wait for a contractor to figure out what is wrong. Other problems include parts that are worn out or need lubricating. Your furnace could even be clogged with dust. To reduce your risk of problems, establish a preventative maintenance program that includes regular filter changes and annual furnace tune-ups from a contractor, such as Sullivan Super Service.