Fighting off the frigid temperatures of winter can be difficult. One of the first things a homeowner will do when filling the chill of winter inside of their residence is head for their thermostat. Once you adjust the thermostat setting to warm up the inside of a home, a number of parts have to spring into action.
A residential HVAC system is extremely complicated. When warm air is needed, the furnace built into your HVAC system will have to work without fail. The older the furnace in your home gets, the more maintenance it will require.
If your furnace doesn’t receive this maintenance, it is only a matter of time before it fails. Rather than dealing with the problems caused by furnace failure, you need to look after this vital part of your HVAC system. Here are some things you can do to keep your furnace reliable and efficient.
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Routine Professional Maintenance is Imperative
The average homeowner has very limited knowledge of their furnace. This is why working with HVAC professionals is so important when trying to keep this vital component maintained. Before winter weather moves into your area, it is important to schedule professional furnace maintenance. If you want a good deal on this type of maintenance, check out Morris Jenkins.
During this maintenance procedure, an HVAC technician will inspect every part inside of your furnace. This in-depth inspection allows the technician to pinpoint any problems that might be present. Discovering and fixing furnace issues early on is important.
By doing this, you can reduce the amount of damage caused by these issues. Furnaces that are properly maintained are usually more reliable and efficient. This is why you should view professional furnace maintenance as a necessity.
Air Filters Have To Be Changed
Nearly 73 percent of the residential heating systems in the United States are over five years old. If you want to keep an older heating unit reliable, then you need to focus on improving airflow. When the flow of air inside an HVAC unit is restricted, it will have to work harder. HVAC units that are constantly overworked will be unreliable. The first line of defense against pollen, dust and other allergens is the air filter in your HVAC system.
Most HVAC air filters are disposable. Experts agree that changing these disposable air filters once every two months is a good idea. If the air filter in your HVAC system is clogged with dust and pollen, airflow issues are bound to occur.
If your furnace has to struggle to maintain proper airflow, it is only a matter of time before it breaks down. As a homeowner, you need to get in the habit of changing your air filters every two months. Consulting with a knowledgeable HVAC technician is a great way to figure out what type of replacement filters you need to use.
Work On Keeping Your Furnace Clean
Allowing the area around your furnace to become filled with dirt and dust can be problematic. When these substances are sucked into your furnace, they can create lots of damage. This is why routinely sweeping and vacuuming around your furnace is a good idea. You also need to open the metal casing over your furnace and do some cleaning.
Using a shop vacuum to remove dust and dirt from your furnace blower motor is a good idea. Before you perform this maintenance, be sure to flip the breaker attached to your furnace. Doing this can reduce the risk of electrocution during this vital maintenance procedure.
You also need to avoid storing things like paint and household cleaners around your furnace. These chemicals are usually combustible, which is why you need to keep them away from this heat source.
Check and Clean Condensate Drains
Keeping moisture out of an HVAC system is important. The manufacturers of these units use condensate drains to accomplish this goal. When these drains are working properly, they keep moisture out of your furnace. High levels of moisture in your furnace can result in the development of mold and mildew. Over time, the condensate drains attached to your HVAC system will get dirty.
Cleaning these lines is a great way to avoid moisture-related disasters in the future. Checking the end of the condensate drain line is the first step in this cleaning process. If you see obstructions in this line, then you need to flush the line with water.
If you don’t feel comfortable flushing these condensate lines, reach out to an HVAC technician for help. These professionals have the tools and experience needed to get this job done quickly and correctly.
Don’t Forget to Clean Your Vents
If you’re concerned about the condition of your furnace and indoor air quality, having your vents professionally cleaned once a year is important. As previously mentioned, proper airflow is crucial to the overall performance of your furnace. Vents that are filled with dirt and dust will prohibit the flow of air.
Dust and dirt in your vents will also lower indoor air quality. If you and your family breathe in these pollutants constantly, it is only a matter of time before you get sick. Trying to take on this complex job alone is a bad idea. The best way to ensure your vents are cleaned properly is by hiring a reputable professional.
Listen For Signs of Furnace Problems
Regardless of how well you maintain your furnace, it will eventually break down. When furnace repair issues are present, you will hear a number of strange noises. Scraping, screeching and slapping sounds are all common signs you might notice when furnace problems are afoot.
As soon as you notice these signs, you need to call in professionals to perform repairs. They will have no problem diagnosing and fix these issues in a timely manner.
Keeping a furnace in good working order is no easy job. This is why working with a knowledgeable HVAC technician is something you should view as a priority.