There are many furnace maintenance methods. Whether you’re doing the work or someone else is, you should schedule a tune-up once every six months to ensure it continues working correctly. Here are some ways to keep an eye on improving your furnace efficiency.
Clean or Replace Your Filter
Replacing your furnace filter regularly can help keep your furnace running efficiently and prevent any problems that could arise from an unkempt filter. If you notice a build-up of dirt or dust, simply use a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove it. If you notice any damage on the filter, replace it immediately so you won’t have any issues with your furnace later.
Blower Motor Functionality
You might have recently noticed that your heating and cooling system isn’t working as well as it used to. Check the blower motor if you’re looking for ways to fix this problem. The blower motor is an essential part of your furnace, and when it stops working, it can mean a lot of trouble for your home. If your blower motor isn’t working, you should check for:
- A broken wire or connection
- A dirty fan blade
- A bad motor bearing
Reduce the Heating Load of Your Home
If you have a heating system in your home, it’s crucial to maintain it over time. Without proper maintenance, your furnace can become inefficient and need repair. This can be expensive, so it’s best to look after it regularly to prevent this from happening.
The first step is to assess how much energy your furnace uses. You should know how much heat your home needs and whether the furnace is meeting that amount. If not, you should consider reducing the heat used to save money on the monthly energy bill. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may consider getting a new furnace.
Household Vents
To keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently, it is crucial to ensure that all the vents in your home are clear and unobstructed. Unfortunately, vents can become clogged with dust, debris, and even small animals over time. If this happens, your furnace will have to work overtime to heat your home, leading to higher energy bills and a shortened lifespan for your furnace.
Fortunately, you can take a few easy steps to clean your vents and keep them clear:
- Make sure that you vacuum around the vent covers regularly. This will help to remove any accumulation of dust and debris.
- You should remove the vent covers every few months and vacuum directly into the ducts.
- If you notice any pests around your vents, be sure to call an exterminator as soon as possible to prevent them from causing further damage.
These simple steps allow you to keep your furnace running efficiently for years to come.
Essential Maintenance of the Furnace
- Remove flammable objects around the furnace.
- The furnace should be turned off before removing the dirt and debris around it, as this could cause a spark or fire.
- If you need to remove any parts of your furnace, disconnect them first to prevent damage to them during removal.
- When cleaning the flue pipe of your furnace, ensure that you wear protective clothing and gloves to minimize the risk of injury due to hot gases escaping from inside the pipe during the cleaning process.
Conclusion
Furnace maintenance is an integral part of caring for your home, and there are various things you should be doing to look after it. The tips above should help get your furnace in good shape before winter arrives and keep it in working condition for the rest of the year.
