Furnaces are essential to keeping a warm and comfortable home during the colder months, but it is important to maintain your furnace regularly to ensure it is running optimally. By doing a few simple tasks, you can make sure your furnace is running as efficiently as possible, saving you money on energy bills and reducing the risk of breakdowns. In this article, we will provide tips for furnace maintenance.
Invest in seasonal maintenance.
Investing in seasonal maintenance for your furnace is a great way to ensure its longevity and efficiency. Regular maintenance helps to prevent expensive repair costs and energy bills by ensuring that your furnace is operating at peak efficiency. One of the first steps is to have your furnace inspected once a year by an HVAC professional. During the inspection, your technician will check all combustion components, electrical connections, and safety controls. This will help to identify potential problems before they become an issue. The technician will also replace any air filters, oil and lubricate any moving parts, and inspect and clean the heat exchanger.
Additionally, furnace maintenance can ensure that your equipment is running safely and free from dangerous leaks and fire hazards. In general, furnace equipment is very safe and efficient. However, if something goes wrong, your equipment could leak dangerous carbon monoxide into your home or cause a fire. As a result, regular maintenance is critical for safe operation.
Change your air filters regularly.
Changing your air filters regularly is an important part of furnace maintenance. This simple task can help ensure the efficiency and lifespan of your furnace system. Air filters are responsible for catching dust, dirt, and other particles from the air to ensure healthy indoor air quality.
When these filters become clogged, airflow is restricted, causing your furnace to work harder. This can lead to decreased efficiency, as well as an increased risk of furnace breakdowns and repairs. Additionally, clogged air filters can also aggravate allergies and asthma, as the build-up of dirt and dust can make it harder to breathe. It is recommended that you change your air filter every three months or more often if you have pets, live in a dusty environment, or have a high occupancy rate in your home.
Keep the area around your furnace clear.
It is important to keep the area around your furnace clear to ensure that it is able to function safely and efficiently. When the area around the furnace is cluttered, it can create a hazardous environment and make it difficult for your equipment to operate properly. Additionally, debris and dust can accumulate in the area and clog up the furnace’s air intake, resulting in decreased airflow and inefficient performance. It is also important to check the vents and filters around the furnace for dust and debris on a regular basis. If the area is too cluttered, it is a good idea to clear it out and ensure that the furnace has a clear area to operate. This will help to ensure that your furnace is able to function optimally, as well as reduce the chances of a fire hazard occurring.
Maintain your ductwork.
Maintaining your ductwork is important for the health and efficiency of your furnace. Ducts are the pathways for heated air to travel from the furnace to the various rooms in your home. If your ducts are clogged or damaged, it can cause an increase in energy costs, create poor air quality, and make it harder for your furnace to do its job.
You'll want to check the ducts regularly for signs of wear and tear. Look for any cracks, holes, or other damage that could be causing air to leak out. If you find any damage, it is important to get it fixed right away. Also, inspect the joints and connections between ductwork sections to ensure they are secure and not leaking.
Regularly maintaining your furnace is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation. Annual service and maintenance also help to extend the life of your furnace, prevent costly breakdowns and repairs, and improve the air quality in your home.
