During the winter months, it is essential to maintain your furnace in order to keep your home warm and comfortable. While hiring a professional to inspect the furnace may be ideal, there are also ways you can take action yourself that will help keep your system running smoothly. Here are tips to maintain your furnace:
Change or clean the filter regularly
Proper maintenance of your furnace is essential for maximizing its lifespan and efficiency. One of the most important parts of keeping your furnace in top shape is changing or cleaning the filter regularly. Dirty or clogged filters make your furnace work harder than it needs to, costing you energy in the long run, as well as potentially creating a fire hazard. Checking your filter at least once each month helps ensure that you’re getting the most out of your heating system, so be sure to make this simple task part of your regular home maintenance routine!
Ensure proper ventilation by keeping vents and registers open
Homeowners should make sure that the air vents and registers are open, in order to ensure proper ventilation when maintaining a furnace. Good airflow is necessary to prevent the buildup of dust, pet dander, and other allergens, which can have adverse effects on allergies and breathing. While performing maintenance on the furnace, check that these areas are open and remain clear of obstructions that could impede airflow.
In addition, use caution with the usage of chemical cleaners or deodorizers when cleaning around these areas, as chemical fumes can enter the interior of your home through the HVAC system. Taking steps to ensure proper airflow and ventilation while maintaining your furnace is an easy, but essential step toward keeping a comfortable environment in your home.
Check for any gas leaks as this can be a severe risk
Maintaining your furnace should be an important part of your home maintenance checklist. A neglected furnace can be a serious safety hazard, so it’s essential to adhere to regular maintenance routines. An important part of this routine should include checking for any gas leaks. Gas leaks can cause sickness, asphyxiation, and even explosions if they’re not properly addressed.
Keeping a keen eye out for any signs of escaped gas is essential to protecting the safety of you and your family. Fortunately, most utility companies provide carbon monoxide detectors that can detect escaping gases before they become unsafe levels- it’s a simple, inexpensive way to keep your living environment safe from the dangers posed by any possible gas leak.
Inspect the blower
To keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently all winter, inspect the blower periodically. Make sure that it isn’t becoming loose or clogged with pet hair, dirt, or dust. You should also check to see if the belt is tightly secured and that the drive pulleys are correctly aligned. If you spot any wear and tear or hear unusual noises when the unit is running, do not hesitate to call in a trained heating expert for an inspection to avoid future problems. Keep your furnace running at its best capacity by regularly inspecting the blower and other parts of the system on a regular basis.
Look for any loose electrical connections
One step in keeping your furnace running smoothly is to look for any loose electrical connections. Be sure to check all the wiring, especially if you’ve recently cleaned or adjusted the filter, fan belt, or another part of the system. Furthermore, if your furnace has been unused during long periods of vacancy such as summer breaks or lengthy vacations, it’s important not to forget any performance and safety checks when re-activating it during colder months. Looking for any loose electrical connections ensures that no misalignments will occur while operating your home’s heating system.
Always keep an eye on the pilot light
One key part of furnace maintenance is monitoring the pilot light, which should always be burning blue. If you notice it has gone out or begun to flicker, it’s important to address this right away to avoid hazardous carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Changing or cleaning the filter on your furnace regularly can also help keep the pilot light functioning properly so that you and your family can stay safe and warm all winter long.
You should always have a licensed technician diagnose any potential issue
Regular furnace service by a licensed technician is highly recommended for everyone! During furnace service, the technician will inspect and check for any potential issues or hazards. Maintenance can help lengthen the life of your furnace, save you money on electric costs from an inefficient operation, provide cleaner air in your home, and improve the air quality within. It’s hard to put a price tag on knowing that the unit running your furnace is operating correctly and safely!
By following these steps you can be sure that you get the best performance from your heating system now – and in years to come.