When the temperature drops, your furnace becomes your best friend to keep you warm and cozy in your sweet home. But it needs constant maintenance and regular inspection if you want it to last as long as possible. If you do it regularly, you can avoid expensive repairs and unpleasant situations when you don’t have the right heating in your home, so you cannot relax and enjoy. Let’s go over some of the most important maintenance tips to maximize your furnace’s lifespan and enjoy the cold days in the comfort of your cozy and warm home.
Filter replacement
The first step to keeping your furnace functional for a long time is to regularly change the filters. Filters collect a large amount of airborne particles, like dust and debris, to keep the furnace working. So, if the filters are filthy or blocked, then the furnace will need more energy to work, and it will be more prone to wear and tear. So, clean the filters every one to three months to make your furnace run at its best. Also, choose a filter that is compatible with the furnace’s requirements. Look for a reputable manufacturer who sells furnace filters in Canada and the USA and follow their advice about filter installation and upkeep. Filters not only extend the life of your furnace, but they also improve the air quality in your home, as they minimize the load on the blower motor and keep the temperature constant and pleasant.
Professional inspection
Make sure you get regular professional inspection of your furnace at least once a year. Professionals will look for any issues and fix them before they turn into major problems that can harm your furnace’s quality and performance. Also, they will analyze combustion, check for carbon monoxide or any dangerous gas leaks, evaluate your furnace’s efficiency, and finally check for important parts like the motor and heat exchanger, which are obviously the lifeblood of the appliance. If you perform this yearly professional inspection, you can avoid major financial issues as you will work on small and cheaper problems to solve. Yearly inspection guarantees reliability, gives you peace of mind, and makes your furnace run as smoothly as possible when you need it the most.
Keeping the area clean
Keep the surrounding area clean all the time, as this will help you avoid overheating and make sure there is enough circulation around it. Anytime you need to do something with the furnace, be it to repair some issue or change some part, it will be much easier to do that if the area around it is spotless. Never put combustible items near your furnace for safety reasons, and regularly check whether the vents and ducts are clogged, as this can lead to bad airflow in the house. If the area around your furnace is clean, you can be sure you are safer, and your furnace is more efficient and ready to warm you on cold days.
Clear the ducts and vents
Cleaning the ducts and vents regularly makes sure your furnace is running properly and you have clean air in your home. Ducts can contain so many dust and dirt particles, so you probably get why you need to clean them regularly. These particles will block airflow and decrease your furnace’s effectiveness, so call in professionals to clean the ducts every three to five years, depending on the furnace’s type and model. Also, you should check the vent covers regularly to avoid any dirt accumulation. This will keep the air in your home cleaner, and it is really helpful if you have someone who has respiratory or allergy problems.
Check the thermostat
The thermostat is one of the most important parts of your furnace, as it controls the temperature to make you feel comfortable without spending too much energy. So, check and calibrate it often, or you can install a programable or smart thermostat that lets you have heating schedules, so you don’t have to worry about anything, as it will do the job for you. If your thermostat is working properly, it will help your furnace avoid overworking. Also, checking the thermostat will help you reduce your energy bills, so you can see that this is also a very cost-effective solution.
Check the blower motor
Another important part of your furnace, the blower motor heats the ducts, but it is also quite susceptible to dust and debris buildup. This can reduce heating effectiveness as it obstructs airflow, so you must check the blower motor regularly for any signs of dirt or dust accumulation. You can use a cloth or a brush to wipe the motor and fan blades gently, or you can lubricate the bearings once a year to make sure everything is running as it should. If you keep your blower motor well-maintained, it will pay off in your furnace’s efficiency and better overall comfort. This will make you feel relaxed through the whole winter, as you will be sure your furnace will not let you down.
Check for minor problems
Check for any smaller issues with your furnace on time before they become a major nightmare and much, much more expensive repairs that will take away your precious time. If you hear any strange sounds, feel the decreased heating efficiency, or any other unusual thing, then call in the professionals to find the root of the problem. Filthy filters or worn-out parts can all send these warning signs, so you should act immediately and address them promptly. Professionals will assess the situation precisely and determine what needs to be done so that you can have your furnace operating as smoothly as possible again. This preventive maintenance will help you avoid major repairs and costs in the future, so don’t ignore it.
Your furnace is your best friend in the chilly winter months, but you need to make sure it works properly and efficiently. Following these steps will help you keep it in the best working condition, and regular maintenance will give you much-needed comfort, energy efficiency, and safety.
