Furnace Maintenance Tips
When fall starts to settle in and you know cooler temperatures are on the way, it’s time to start thinking about furnace repair and service. Proper maintenance will help make sure that your furnace is up to the task of keeping you and your loved ones warm this winter. Before that familiar chill hits, take some time to inspect your heating system to make sure it is working properly.
Ensuring that your furnace is working properly is the key to keeping energy costs low. Here are some steps you should take every fall to make sure your furnace is running as efficiently and as safely as possible:
Check for Gas Leaks: Gas appliances can strike anytime, ensure you exercise safety measures. Before you begin cleaning and checking your gas furnace and turn it off. Ensure the power system and any circuits connecting to the furnace are off. Check for gas leaks before you begin cleaning. Gas leaks can be very dangerous and can cause fatal accidents. If there are leaks, request a professional to fix the problem. Also, make sure connections do not look worn or damaged, if so call a professional for repair. Stay far away from the gas until it is fixed.
Check the thermostat: Are you setting your thermostat but still feel uncomfortable around the room? If yes, know that there is a problem with your thermostat especially if it has been working for many years. Chances are your thermostat has stopped working and needs to be replaced. Check the thermostat and ensure it’s in proper condition and replace it when need be.
Clean and Replace Filter: The filter system is one major part of a furnace because it prevents dirt from entering the furnace. It is recommended that every furnace owner replace or clean the filter at the beginning of the season, and then every month when your furnace is in use. This is because it filters and traps dust, dirt and other debris. Check the filter and see if it has accumulated lots of dirt. If it is completely clogged, consider doing a replacement. Change the air filter and prevent your furnace from malfunctioning. If you have an electronic air cleaner, clean the air filter every other month.
Check & Clean the Vents: Furnaces are hooked with a venting system. This ventilation at some point can block due to large amounts of dust and debris. Blocked ventilation is dangerous and can cause lots of hazards to the users. Using a large brush, clean all the vents begin by removing the vent cover and clean the inside using the vacuum cleaner. Blockages will cause the furnace to run inefficiently.
Clean the blower: When cleaning the filter system, the blower assembly should be next on line. The blower is located right after the air filter. The little dust, dirt and debris that penetrates through the air filter goes to the blower. You will have to clean the blower, pulleys and belts in order to remove the accumulated dirt. Remove the panels that cover the filter to access the blower assembly. Use a damp cloth while cleaning the blower.
Clean or repair furnace ducts: Furnace ducts are prone to damages especially when using a forced-air furnace. In such a case, one is required to clean ducts frequently using a high-powered vacuum cleaner. Once you have finished, cover all ducts to prevent air from leaking into the furnace.
Fan inspection: To avoid experiencing problems with your gas furnace, a thorough inspection will be helpful. Inspection done by professionals at McCoy’s Heating, Air & Plumbing will save you all the costs to spend on repairing parts of the furnace. Besides a general inspection, its fan components should also be checked. An inspection will reveal whether there are dust and other components on it. Make it a routine to take your gas furnace for a thorough inspection yearly.
Schedule an annual tune-up with McCoy’s Heating, Air & Plumbing.
