The furnace is the unsung hero of winter, soldiering on to keep us warm and toasty during the most frigid months of the year. However, we give little thought to this essential household item, unless it becomes temperamental or stops working altogether. When your furnace goes out in the dead of winter, do you know what to do? Is it an easy fix? Should you call a professional?
Here’s what you need to know before the temperature dips too low.
Clogged air filter
Your furnace has an air filter that traps dust and debris. When the filter is clogged, your furnace has to work harder. Dirty filters cause short cycling times. The lack of fresh air into your furnace causes the heat exchanger to get too hot, and shut down, which makes it hard for your home to stay warm. A furnace that doesn’t produce enough heat typically is due to an air filter problem. Plus, dirty filters hurt the air quality in your home. If you don’t keep up with air filter replacements, it could lead to a costly expense—that of a cracked heat exchanger. To prevent issues, change your filters regularly as part of your seasonal maintenance. For paper filters, change them every 3-6 months. For fiberglass filters, change them every 2 months.
The quick fix:Change your air filter. You can tell that it’s time to do so if you hold it up to the light, and no light shines through. Make sure to insert the new filter correctly. Air filters are made to trap debris blown from one direction. Installing a filter upside-down can limit its effectiveness.
When to call a professional:If you have electrostatic filters, they can last for years if cleaned regularly. Ask your furnace professional how to change these filters. Finally, if you do have a cracked heat exchanger, that requires a professional.
Blower issues
Furnaces that are not blowing air or those that are continually blowing air are both a problem. If your furnace is not blowing air, it could be clogged. Or it’s possible that the access door to the furnace door is off or unhinged. The safety switch on the door prevents the fan and burner from coming on unless the door is shut. Alternately, if the blower continually runs, the heat rises, which means the limit switch isn’t doing its job. It’s supposed to shut down the blower when the temperature inside the furnace becomes dangerously hot. A bad limit switch will significantly shorten the lifespan of your furnace blower.
The quick fix: For furnaces that are not blowing air, you can clean your blower fan. This requires removing the blower from the furnace. Call a technician if you haven’t done this before or if the red light is flashing on your unit, signaling a problem.
When to call a professional: A bad limit switch needs to be replaced. This has to be done by a professional.
Malfunctioning thermostat
The thermostat is the control center of your home heating system. When it’s not working properly, your furnace won’t function at its best either. It could be cycling on and off more than usual or fail to produce enough heat. The fan could be running constantly. This drains the battery and causes your furnace to work inefficiently.
The quick fix: For electronic thermostats, try replacing your thermostat’s batteries. For manual thermostats, take off the thermostat cover and dust the inside with a small brush. Look for a tripped circuit breaker and reset it, or a blown fuse and replace it. Set the fan on auto and see if your furnace runs constantly through all heat settings.
When to call a professional: If your wires are connected but the thermostat isn’t working properly, call an expert. He/she will be able to test the wires individually to determine which is faulty.
Pilot light/electric ignition
Your gas furnace has a pilot light, which ignites the natural gas pumped into the main burner. Your electric furnace has an electric ignition, which performs a similar function. If these are not working properly, you could have problems getting heat. A gas pilot light should be blue; that indicates it’s burning properly with enough oxygen. If it’s flickering yellow, that could be a sign of excess carbon monoxide or dirt built up on the intake valve, preventing oxygen from feeding the flame.
The quick fix:If it’s a gas pilot and it’s simply gone out, try relighting. It. If it’s an electric ignition, check to make sure it’s not a tripped breaker causing the problem. You can also try turning off your furnace’s supply of power, wait for 10 minutes, and turn it back on.
When to call a professional:If you relight the gas pilot and it keeps going out, call a professional. If the pilot is yellow or orange, that also warrants a professional look. It could be caused by an old igniter or a faulty temperature limiting switch.
Rumbling, squeaking, and rattling noises
If your furnace is making noises, chances are something is wrong. A high-pitched squeal could be a frayed or slipped blower belt, which helps your furnace fan run. Worn-out ball bearings could cause a scraping sound. If your furnace makes a loud sound when you start it up, that could mean there’s oil buildup in the chamber and it’s ignited all at once. Rattling could be caused by a loose duct. Whistling could be caused by a clogged air filter.
The quick fix: If you hear whistling, try replacing the air filter. If your furnace is rattling or vibrating, make sure loose ducts are screwed down properly. You can also try to add some pads under the furnace to level it.
When to call a professional:If you hear a scraping sound, turn the furnace off immediately and call a professional. Do the same if there’s a loud sound upon starting up the furnace. It’s a good idea to get sounds checked out to prevent future problems and potentially dangerous situations.
Leaking water
Standard furnaces don’t produce water but high-efficiency models do. There are several causes for a furnace leaking water, including a clogged condensation tube or drain hose. Loose connections, cracks, and holes can also cause water to leak. Condensate pumps typically last for 3-5 years; they can also start malfunctioning after that time.
The quick fix: Turn off the system either by the switch on the unit or the breaker. Clean up the water from around the base. You can use a wet-dry vacuum if needed to unclog the condensate drain line.
When to call a professional:You will need a professional to replace your condensate pump and any other parts.
Safety first
Keep in mind that do-it-yourself furnace repair does present some potential safety issues, from fire and other winter home hazards to carbon monoxide poisoning. Small repairs done improperly can lead to bigger issues, and you might void the warranty on the appliance if you accidentally cause a larger problem. Unless you received training in furnace repair, limit your fixes to the simple ones. Leave any mechanical repairs to the professionals.
Homeowner’s insurance covers repairs or replacement of furnaces if they are damaged by a covered condition on your policy, such as water damage from a burst pipe. Check with your policy provider to find out more.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Winter is here and while some renters may not be responsible for every task- like snow or ice removal- this season, there are still important steps you need to take as a tenant to make sure your home or apartment is ready for the cold months ahead.
1. Know your responsibilities. Before the cool weather hits, schedule a meeting with your landlord or property manager to see what your responsibilities will be for the winter and what will be taken care of by the property owner. In an apartment, some winter responsibilities, like laying down salt, plowing driveways, heating and cooling tune-ups, etc. are taken care of by the complex. But if you are renting a home, you will need to check for clarification– with your landlord or take a look at your lease agreement- on whose responsibility it will be to make sure your home gets properly winterized.
2. Test out the heat. It’s better to know early on if there are any problems, so run the heat for a bit even if it’s not yet cold enough. Be on the lookout for odd smells when the heat is on. Take note of any issues, such as inconsistent heat throughout your apartment or house. You can ask your landlord about scheduling regular inspections of your HVAC system, chimney or fireplace. Regular maintenance of your appliances helps keep everything in good working order. Remember to check the batteries in your digital thermostat if it has them. Also test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. You may need to replace batteries on your own, but you could always ask your landlord for a reimbursement on your purchase.
Pro Tip: Turn your ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to circulate warm air and help save on heating costs.
3. Clean inside and out. Just as you might do spring cleaning, it’s time to clean for winter. Vacuum the vents and change out the filters in your HVAC system to improve air quality. Remove dust and dirt from fans, radiators, heat registers. Sweep under appliances. Clean the drains in your sinks, bathtubs, showers, and dishwashers. While you’re at it, check for any signs of dripping that could signal a problem, and alert your landlord immediately. Clean your garbage disposal. If you’re renting a home, clear any debris in your yard. Remove wet leaves from gutters – or alert your landlord. If they remain, water can back up, causing leaks and ice dams and ultimately damaging your home’s roof and siding.
4. Check for drafts. As a renter, you’re responsible for paying utilities. Make sure you’re not losing heat this winter to cracks or openings near windows or doors. Weatherstripping is the most likely to be landlord-approved, but you also could caulk to fill in these areas if allowed. Speak to your landlord about what is approved and what has been done in the past. And don’t forget to cover or remove your window air conditioners to prevent additional drafts.
5. Protect your water lines. If you’re in a house, disconnect and drain garden hoses, turn off the sprinkler system, and cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers (your landlord may have these from previous winters, so check with them before purchasing any). If the temperature drops below 20 degrees, keep one or more faucets running slowly to keep the line from freezing. Open up cabinet doors where pipes are located to allow warm air to circulate and warm the pipes. Always know where your water main is located in case you have to shut it off. Call your landlord if you suspect a pipe has frozen or broken. He/she may direct you to point a space heater at the frozen pipe or call a repairman to take a look.
Pro Tip: If you go on vacation this winter- even if it’s just for a few days, don’t turn the heat completely off. Leave it at least 55 degrees to prevent any problems with frozen pipes.
6. Prepare for snow and ice removal. Generally, apartment complexes and landlords are responsible for snow and ice removal in public areas, but you may need to clear these potential hazards on your own if you are renting a home. Know the state laws for snow removal and your landlord’s policies. Consider buying a snow shovel and some salt/ice melt if you don’t have it. Some communities prohibit the use of salt so you can use synthetic ice melt or cat litter. Talk to your landlord immediately if your notice any damage from snow or ice.
7. Have an emergency plan. Extremely low temperatures are dangerous and can even be life-threatening, especially coupled with snow and ice. Sign up for severe weather alerts with your town or county and have a disaster plan in place, along with an emergency kit fully stocked with food and water. Notify your landlord of any issues as soon as possible before they spiral out of control. And know the emergency contact number to call or text if the heat or power goes out.
8. Protect your home. Starting at around $10 a month, renter’s insurance is an affordable option and a necessity for renters. Your landlord’s coverage will not cover your personal items. Being well prepared is your best defense against unwanted surprises this winter. And at such a low cost, this coverage will pay for itself.
Pro Tip: Bundle your renter’s policy with a California Casualty auto policy and you may qualify for discounts on your premiums! Speak to an agent today to see how much you can save.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Today we’re spotlighting New Customer Service Specialist, JaMar Phelps
Let’s get to know JaMar!
Where are you from?
I was born in Washington D.C. but grew up here in Colorado Springs
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
I absolutely love BBQ!
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ribs
What do you like to do on the weekends?
BBQ (see above)
Spending time with family
Watching movies and sports
What made you want to start your new career with California Casualty?
Was looking for a change of pace and a new family to grow with after being with my previous employer
If you want to learn more about JaMar or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
The power’s out and your phone is dangerously low. What can you do to keep its charge for as long as possible, and how can you possibly recharge it when there’s no electricity? Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we’ve researched the top ways to do so.
After all, your smartphone is more than just a fun accessory and helpful convenience. It can give you access to local emergency updates and severe weather alerts. It also is your primary way to communicate with family and friends during an emergency.
Follow these tips to keep your phone charged during a power outage.
#1. Plug into your laptop.
Your laptop has USB ports that can charge cell phones. If your laptop is fully charged, you can power a phone for hours. Turn on the laptop but don’t unlock your screen. Plug your phone into the laptop USB port. (Note that if you have an iPhone, you may need a USB-C to USB adapter to match the port.)
#2. Use a portable charger or power bank.
You may have one on hand, or if not, you can pick one up. Most drug store chains sell them in addition to electronics stores. The portable chargers and power banks do need to be charged to work but they hold their charge for months, so you can charge one and put it in your emergency kit. Solar chargers are popular options; the advantage is that they can charge with the sun. But they vary widely in power capability so do your research.
#3. Plug into your car.
Most newer vehicles have USB ports where you can plug your phone. If not, you can buy an inexpensive USB car adapter that plugs right into your car’s dashboard in the space commonly known as the cigarette lighter. Simply turn on your car, and plug in your phone. This works even if you’re out of gas.
#4. Use an inverter.
Another way to charge from your car is to use a power inverter. This tool converts the 12-volt direct current in your car’s battery to the 120-volt alternating current for your phone. It’s a process similar to jump-starting your car. Do this outdoors and not in the garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes. You connect the inverter to your car’s battery using alligator clamps, with the positive red cable on the positive battery terminal and the negative black cable on the negative battery terminal. Then plug your phone into the AC plug on the inverter, and start your car. You’ll be drawing power directly from the battery, so you’ll need to run your car afterward to recharge your battery.
#5. Use your car battery jump pack.
If you have a car battery jump pack – considered one of the must-carry items for your car — you may have a way to charge your phone. These jump packs usually come with USB charging ports.
#6. Try a crank-powered phone charger.
Crank-powered chargers are mechanical devices that harness your own physical power. You turn a handle, which spins a magnet, creating a magnetic field. It takes a lot of effort to generate enough to power your phone, but it’s a low-cost alternative that can be very effective.
#7. Use a Biolite CampStove.
A Biolite CampStove is a portable wood stove that actually generates electricity. If you have this camping appliance, you can cook your meals and charge your phone.
#8. Go to a place that has power.
If it’s not a region-wide power outage, you can drive to a place that has power, such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or store where you can plug in your phone. If your office or your school has power, try those places.
#9. Conserve your phone’s battery.
You don’t know how long the power will be out. That’s why the first step is to ensure your phone isn’t using any more battery than necessary. Here are some ways to do that.
Dim the brightness of your screen. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Display & Brightness. Drag the slider to dim it. On an Android, swipe down from the top to see the Notification Shade. Depending on your phone, you may have to swipe twice. Tap and hold the brightness slider and drag it to the right level.
Put your phone into Low Battery Mode. On an iPhone, go to Settings, scroll down to Battery, and select Low Battery Mode. On an Android, swipe down from the top menu for the Power Saving icon.
Shut down any applications running in the background. On an iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, pausing in the middle. Then, swipe right or left to find the app you want to close. Swipe up on the app to close it. On an Android, go to Settings, then Apps. Choose the app that you’d like to stop and then tap Force Stop.
Turn off your phone’s WiFi location services and Bluetooth. On an iPhone, you’ll find that at Settings and Wi-Fi, and at Settings and Bluetooth. On an Android, swipe down from the top, and look for the Wi-Fi icon below the date. Select it and then tap the toggle switch to turn it off. For Bluetooth, go to Settings, then Apps. Find Bluetooth and tap the toggle switch to off.
Put your phone into Airplane mode, which may disable WiFi and Bluetooth. This will prevent you from calling or texting, and also receiving calls and texts, so you will need to take it off for communication. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Airplane mode, and enable it. On an Android, swipe down from the top of the screen two times to open Quick Settings. Look for Airplane mode and tap the toggle switch. (Pro tip: Phones being charged while they are in Airplane mode tend to charge faster.)
Don’t use your phone to play music, podcasts, or games to pass the time. This will only drain your battery.
If you won’t be using your phone for hours, shut it off to conserve the battery in the long run.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
When the temperatures dip low, wind speeds hit high, and precipitation is in the forecast, you could be in the path of a winter storm. These powerful acts of nature have the potential to cut off power and trap you and your family in your home for days, and that’s not all… Winter storms have also been associated with hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even heart attacks.
Being well prepared is your best defense. Follow this guide so you can weather winter storms safely.
Know what to expect when
The National Weather Service issues severe weather alerts for winter storms. While the exact amounts of snow vary based on where you live, here are some general definitions.
Winter storm watch – Conditions are right for hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It doesn’t mean it will occur, but a winter storm is possible.
Winter storm advisory – Usually issued within 36 hours of an expected storm, an advisory lets you know to anticipate snow, sleet and/or freezing rain.
Winter storm warning – Expect snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain and/or hazardous winter conditions within the next 12-24 hours.
Get ready
Your primary concerns during a severe winter storm are the loss of heat, power, and communications, having enough food and supplies, and protecting your home from possible storm damage. Stock up on supplies, take protective measures for your home and create a disaster plan to share with everyone in the family. That may include planning for evacuation if needed.
Stock up and charge up- Building your emergency kit.
Stock up on food that requires no cooking or refrigeration. Make sure you have a manual can opener if you’re planning to open cans.
Include baby food and diapers if needed.
Buy cases of bottled water to use in case the pipes freeze. You can use this for brushing teeth, flushing toilets, and bathing. Make sure you have at least 3 gallons of water per person.You can also fill the bathtub with water as an extra source.
Make sure you have enough prescription medications, and any toiletries needed.
If you have pets, stock up on food for them.
Gather your flashlights and extra batteries. Collect candles and matches.
Pull out the battery-powered radio for weather updates. You can also use it to play music to pass the time.
Make sure you have lots of blankets and warm clothes for each member of the household.
Charge all of your devices ahead of the storm. Charge any portable battery backups. Determine how you will charge your phone during a power outage.
Make sure your home’s furnace is in good working order.
Check for drafts and use these winter window hacks to keep your home warm and toasty.
Know how to turn off your utilities, such as gas lines or water, in an emergency.
Consider buying emergency heating equipment such as a wood or coal-burning stove or electric or kerosene heater. Review all safety precautions, and be careful of fire hazards when storing fuel.
Consider installing a portable generator. Review generator safety and never run a generator in an enclosed space.
Make sure your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors are working. If you’ll be using your fireplace or wood stove for heat, they should be near that area. Have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case, or try this way to put out fires without an extinguisher.
Test your snow blower and have it serviced if necessary.
Take a walk around your house and identify any trees that could fall. If there’s time, trim them back.
Be prepared to leave if needed
Service your vehicle and make sure you’re prepared for winter. Have a mechanic check your antifreeze, windshield-washer fluid, defroster, wipers, battery, brakes, and tires.
Research local shelters and warming stations in your area in case you need to evacuate your home.
Prepack a bag for each member of the family, including pets.
Once the Storm Arrives
During the storm…
Limit your time outside. Hypothermia and frostbite are real dangers.
Do not attempt to travel during treacherous conditions. You could find yourself in an accident or stranded on the road.
Stay tuned to emergency weather alerts.
Check on neighbors if they’re older or have young children who are more at risk in extreme cold.
After the storm…
Avoid driving until conditions have improved. Follow winter driving safety guidelines.
Keep a supply of kitty litter and/or ice melt to clear sidewalks.
Be careful to not overexert yourself.It’s common for heart attacks to be brought on by overexertion from shoveling or clearing snow.
Assess any damage to your home or property and alert your insurance company. You have home insurance for a reason. Put it to work if you need it.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
