Top Furnace Maintenance Tips
To Keep You Warm All Winter
We often write about routine maintenance practices for your HVAC equipment. Routine preventative maintenance protects your investment, saves you money, helps your equipment run safely, and can help increase the lifespan of your system. Your furnace provides you with warmth and comfort during the colder months, so it is important not to neglect annual furnace maintenance. Furnaces that are not properly maintained are more prone to breakdowns, costly repairs, gas leaks and other safety hazards. Here we discuss the top furnace maintenance tips to keep you warm all winter.
Check and Replace the Air Filters
One of the simplest ways to maintain the efficiency of your furnace is to change the air filter regularly. Filters can restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder and use more energy than it should as it becomes clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris. This puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system. Besides keeping dust and debris from entering your HVAC system, air filters also help improve the indoor air quality. Air filters can also capture pollen, dander, allergens, kitchen odors and other airborne pollutants. Typically, air filters need to be replaced once every three months but check them monthly. Fortunately, checking and replacing your air filters is quick and inexpensive.
Make Sure Your Thermostat Is Set Correctly
Now is the best time to program your thermostat and adjust the settings according to the season so your HVAC system does not work harder than it should. Programmable or smart thermostats can help save you money if they are properly set. It is also important to make sure the thermostat is functioning properly so your furnace works as it should.
Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and colorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. With gas furnaces, it is important to have wall-mounted CO detectors in your home. Check and replace the batteries for the detector every 6 months to ensure that it is working in case of a CO leak.
Clear the Area Around Your Furnace
Keep the area around your furnace clear and clean. Sweep and vacuum around your furnace to help keep it clear of dust and debris which will also help keep the inside of your furnace clean as well. Avoid storing objects such as boxes, or flammable objects such as paint, household cleaners, or other VOCs near your furnace and away from the air intake.
Check Your Pilot Light
When your furnace is working properly the pilot light should be blue. A pilot light that is yellow or orange signals a problem with your furnace. When your pilot light does not burn correctly, there is a risk of a carbon monoxide leak. Contact a professional HVAC company for furnace repair.
Listen for Strange Sounds
Your furnace will make some sound upon startup or during operation as it distributes air through your home. Odd, loud sounds that do not sound right most likely are not and can be a sign of a more serious furnace issue. Scraping could signal an issue with the furnace’s blower wheel. Screeching sounds are often caused by bad bearings in the furnace motor. Banging and popping sounds can be from the metal expanding or contracting or could be a sign of combustion issues. The issue causing the strange sound could be an easy fix or could be more severe requiring furnace replacement.
Keep Vents Clean and Clear
Make sure to keep your registers open and clear of any furniture, décor, or curtains. Closing or blocking vents will cause undue stress on your system and increase your bills. It also does not hurt to remove the vents and vacuum them or dust them once in a while. They can easily accumulate debris that can make its way back into your ducting and HVAC system decreasing your indoor air quality.
Do Not Ignore Unusual Odors
Unusual, odd odors are a sign of a furnace issue and may require urgent repairs. Rotten eggs could signal a gas leak, whereas burning rubber or plastic could be a sign of a mechanical issue. It is best to schedule furnace repair as soon as possible with an HVAC professional.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance
Ideally you will want to schedule furnace maintenance in the fall before you need your furnace on a cold day. It is one of the most important things you can do to keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently. While there are some steps you can take in between visits, such as filter replacement, there is no substitute for professional furnace maintenance. Scheduling furnace maintenance before winter can help uncover any potential issues before they cause a complete breakdown, or you need furnace replacement. Professional furnace maintenance can provide you with peace of mind that your furnace has been inspected by a trained professional who can help ensure your furnace is ready for the upcoming winter.
Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air
Save money and potential unnecessary breakdowns by giving us a call today to schedule furnace maintenance. You can also contact us online if you would like to learn more about the different maintenance plans we offer. We also offer furnace repair and furnace replacement to help you stay warm and cozy this winter.
