Furnace Maintenance
Prevent problems with an annual inspection and maintenance visit.
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Your furnace system controls the temperature and moves air throughout your home to keep it comfortable while also filtering out dust and allergens. A yearly preventative maintenance inspection by aÌýqualified service technicianÌýcan keep your HVAC functioning at peak efficiency by identifying problems from thermal stress, movement, or dust. Common problems can be:
- Duct work loosened due to normal thermal expansion and contraction
- Blower motor bearings in need of lubrication
- Replacing of air filter and cleaning of dust from blower fan blades and AC condensing coil
An inspection can also find and repair less than obvious problems like:
- Loose blower belt
- Improperly firing burners
- Blocked condensate drain
- Loose wiring harnesses
- Slowly leaking coolant from the AC system
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The best way to keep your furnace efficient and reliable is to have it inspected before you really need it. Before cold weather strikes, set up an appointment to have your heating system inspected by an expert. Yearly fall maintenance can save you time, frustration, and money when it's done right. Licensed technicians can perform a comprehensive diagnostic check to ensure that your furnace is operating safely, efficiently and to manufacturer's specifications.
What Can I Do Between Annual Maintenance Visits To Ensure My Furnace Continues to Run Efficiently?
Next to having your furnace checked annually by a licensed professional, changing your filter is the most important thing to do in between those visits to ensure your furnace and air conditioner's longevity and performance. One of the biggest culprits behind equipment issues are dirty filters which can:
- Restrict airflow, which puts additional strain on the fan motor that after time can make your motor burn out, your system overheat or your equipment fail.
- Force your fan motor to overwork which uses more energy, can cause damage to your system and significantly raise your utility bill.
- Drastically reduce your indoor air quality which can aggravate allergies, asthma and other illnesses.
- Clog ductwork with debris which can decrease your equipment's lifespan and lead to costly repair or replacement expenses.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Manufacturers typically recommend that furnace filters be changed every three months. However, we suggest you check your furnace filters on a monthly basis to see if they are filled with dirt and other debris. Homes with smokers or pets will likely need to change their filters more regularly than other households. So our advice is to be prepared to replace your furnace filter every 3 months, however, check the filter every month and replace more frequently if required.
Often a service technician can tell you common minor issues about your furnace make and model that you can solve yourself in the future. Plus, they'll perform a multi-point safety check to verify your system's safe operation.
A yearly maintenance inspection keeps your HVAC running like new and improves your energy savings. And by monitoring your HVAC's performance and condition, you'll enjoy its longer life and lower chances for an expensive breakdown.
Note: These tips are suggested as general practices. However, actual results may vary.