Winter is coming. 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. Before the cold air arrives, it’s vital to go through some essential furnace maintenance tips.
Furnace Maintenance Tips
1. Clear Debris Regularly
Whether you have pets, children, clean inconsistently, or have undergone recent renovations, debris will build up in and around your vents, air filters, ductwork, and registers. A furnace must be able to freely circulate air throughout your home in order to work efficiently. Making sure your vents and registers are not blocked by furniture or debris is a great method in ensuring the optimal airflow and functionality of your furnace. Regularly cleaning will also improve your indoor air quality.
2.Change Your Air Filter Of Furnace
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.
3. Clean Out Vents and Ductwork
At the start of the winter season, take a walk around your house and check the furnace and that all heating vents are open (unless you are closing them off for specific rooms) and that nothing is blocking them. You may also want to remove the vents to vacuum out any debris that may impede airflow. Also consider having someone inspect and clean your ductwork, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while.
4.Clean and Clear Around Outside Furnace
Many furnaces are teamed with heat pumps as part of your home’s HVAC system. Allowing sufficient airflow around these units is important. Don’t allow bushes, tall grass, or other vegetation to grow on or around your outside units. This will impede the airflow into and out of the unit and reduce efficiency.
The manufacturer’s instruction manual for your heat pump should specify the minimum clearance required. But as a rule of thumb, try to keep at least two feet of clearance from buildings, shrubs, or other obstructions from the outside of your heat pumps.