Homeowners don’t often think about their Furnace Maintenance until the weather gets colder. This is the time when many homeowners begin to experience issues with their home heating systems. While some problems can be fixed in minutes, others are more serious and require more extensive repairs. There are a variety of things that you can do to prevent your furnace from breaking down again so soon. Fortunately, we have all the information you need regarding how to keep your home’s furnaces working efficiently all year long. The key to preventing future breakdowns is regular maintenance and care. Whether you own a central heating system or an individual heater, there are helpful tips for keeping it in great shape for many cold months ahead. Here’s advice on how you can maintain your home’s furnaces for optimal performance all year long:
Change the Filters
The filters on your furnace maintenance should be changed at least once every three months. This includes filters for central heating systems as well as furnaces in individual rooms. Dirty filters are one of the most common causes of short-lived furnace efficiency. They can lead to lagging temperatures, poor air quality, and even short-term breakdowns. When changing the filters, be sure to choose the right size. Otherwise, it will restrict the airflow and create back pressure inside the system. This means that your furnace will have to work harder to heat your home and will potentially break down earlier. It’s also a good idea to vacuum the dust out of the filter every few weeks.
Check for Leaks
It is critical to look for water stains on the walls, drip marks on the ground, and puddles of water on the ground near your furnace. Leaks are a serious sign of a problem with your heating system. Mold and mildew may develop on the walls of your home if your heating system is not properly sealed, and leaks are a sign of this. Look for discoloration on the walls using a flashlight. Placing a piece of paper under puddles will reveal their color.
Clean the Burner With a Bleach Pen
It’s possible that your furnace is emitting yellow, smoky flames because it is overdue for a cleaning. A dirty burner is one of the most common issues with furnaces. Grime, soot, dust, and dirt build-up can cause it to run inefficiently if it is not cleaned regularly. Your furnace burner can be cleaned with a bleach pen. Put a few drops of bleach on a cloth and rub the burner until the grime wipes off. If your burner still appears dark after cleaning it, you should replace the burner assembly.
Check the Venting
The venting of your furnace is important for both safety and performance. If your vents are clogged or misaligned, it can result in a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide. Blocked vents can also lead to your furnace working harder to heat your home. This can cause it to break down prematurely and can put a large dent in your utility bill. If your vents are clogged with debris, you can use a garden hose to clean them out. Be sure to use the lowest pressure setting to prevent any damage to the vents. If your vents are misaligned, you’ll need to call a professional for repairs.
Repairs You Can Do Yourself
If your furnace is old and no longer energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it. However, before you make a final decision, you can make repairs to see if they improve efficiency. This includes cleaning the furnace of excess dust, repairing rust, and tightening loose screws. You can also install new filters, clean the fan blades, and check the thermostat. If your furnace is making loud noises like squeaking or grinding sounds, it might be time for repairs. This can include replacing the belt and oiling squeaky parts. If your furnace has a leak, it’s a good idea to get it fixed as soon as possible. An oil leak can indicate that there are serious issues with the pump. A gas leak could be a potential danger to you and your family.
Hiring a Professional Service Technician
If you notice that your furnace has broken down and you’re unsure of how to fix it, it’s best to hire a professional service technician. This can be costly and time-consuming if you try to fix it yourself. A professional can troubleshoot the problem, find the right part to replace, and have the furnace back up and running in no time. Before hiring a technician, it’s a good idea to have an idea of what the problem is. Suppose you notice that the furnace has stopped working or isn’t running as efficiently, as usual, note the date and time. This will make it easier for the technician to diagnose the problem.
Conclusion
Home heating systems rely on an assortment of parts to operate efficiently. If one of these parts breaks down or is neglected, the entire system can suffer. Homeowners can take steps to stay on top of furnace maintenance to keep their heating systems running smoothly during cold weather. This includes changing the filters, checking for signs of leaks, cleaning the burner, checking the venting, making repairs as needed, and hiring a professional service technician if needed.
