Your furnace will last longer and save you more money on utility bills as well. Like any machine, your furnace maintenance is subject to normal wear and tear. Homeowners, even those who’ve never watched the show or read the books, need to heed the same warning. Winter is coming. You don’t have to be an expert to help keep your furnace running smoothly. Temperatures are dropping. An efficiently running furnace helps you and your family stay comfortable during colder weather, not only by increasing your comfort, but also by minimizing your utility bill. In addition, an efficient furnace properly maintained is a furnace less likely to need frequent furnace repairs.
Furnace Maintenance Tips
Routine Maintenance and Safety Check
Your furnace is a mechanical system. And just like any mechanical system, with an array of interacting motors, electrical and gas components, it is important to inspect yearly to ensure everything is in good working order.
Many homeowners think if the system is only a year or two old, it is fine to skip maintenance.
It’s not!
For the same reason you wouldn’t purchase a new car and decide to skip the first couple of oil changes. In fact, the most important time to start your yearly maintenance is with a new furnace. Your HVAC system is your largest and most expensive home appliance in your home, so it is extremely important to take care of it from the start.
Change Your Air Filter
One of the simplest ways to maintain the efficiency of your heating system or air conditioning system is to change your furnace filter regularly. A dirty air filter can impede the flow of air through your heating system, so the fans in your blower units have to work harder to move the air necessary to heat your home when dirty filters are in the system.
And let’s not forget the important job that filters do in removing dirt, dust, mold, and allergens from your home’s air. Your old filter will lose its effectiveness in performing this task once it’s dirty. Consider purchasing high-quality filters when replacing your existing filters.
If you have pets or live in an area with heavy amounts of pollen, dust, or other airborne pollutants, high-quality filters can make a noticeable improvement in the air that you breathe.
Test Out Your Thermostat
Your furnace is responsible for keeping you warm, but your thermostat is its “on” switch. Make sure it’s ready for the winter by:
- Taking the face off and cleaning the inside.
- Turning up the temperature to ensure the furnace turns on correctly.
- Replacing batteries if need be.
