Spring is right around the corner, and the furnace in your home has been working hard all winter season. Unfortunately, it is common for heating systems to break down before the cold season comes to an end even if homeowners have had an autumn furnace maintenance visit. Nobody wants to be left without heat, which is why our company receives so many emergency calls this time of year.
If you want to save some money on repair bills this winter, then follow these five easy home furnace maintenance tips.
1) Change Your Furnace Filter to Prevent Clogging
Furnace air filters are designed to prevent dust, debris, insects, and allergens from being pulled into your air ducts and entering your home. A clogged furnace reduces airflow, creating a strain on the heat exchanger, which may lead to system cracks. It can even cause a system meltdown that will cost a small fortune to fix. When the filter is clogged, the system is forced to work harder, increasing the amount of energy it uses and ultimately raising your heating costs. A dirty air filter can even become a fire hazard.
Our company can provide you with a list of our recommended furnace filters. We create our list of recommended filters based on their quality, durability, and efficiency. Shiptons will be happy to help you find the best furnace filter for your home heating system.
2. Inspect Your Furnace
Spring is the ideal time to inspect your home furnace. Turn off the heat as well as the power before taking a look at your heating system. Once your furnace has cooled down, it will be safe for you to begin your inspection.
First, check to see if there is any black residue or soot on or around your furnace. If you see any residue, it is a sign that you need to call a professional as soon as possible to perform a system tune-up. If there is any debris around the furnace, remove it with a hand-held vacuum or sweep it up with a broom.
Once you have finished clearing away any debris, you can switch the power back on and turn on the heat. Check the pilot light paying close attention to the color of the flame. If your furnace is functioning well, you will see a clear, blue-toned flame. If you see a yellow-colored flame, you might have a combustion issue and should call a professional to come and take a look at your system.
3. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
Check your carbon monoxide detector to make sure it’s working well. If you don’t have one, you should install one in your home right away.
Carbon monoxide detectors save lives each year. Installing a detector in your home will help to keep your family safe if there is ever a build-up carbon monoxide in your home. When fuel fails to burn correctly, it can raise the carbon monoxide levels in your house, putting everyone in the household in danger. Home furnaces are the primary cause of carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
It is difficult for people to detect carbon dioxide in the home because it is odorless. Families who are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning often think they are coming down with the flu because the symptoms are so similar. Symptoms include lightheadedness, headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. There is no way to detect carbon monoxide in the air, which is why it is crucial to have a detector in your home. There are many excellent detectors on the market. Selecting a battery-operated detector will ensure you stay safe during a power outage.
4. Prevent Potential Damage
Examine the perimeter of your house to make sure it is clear of debris. Check outside to make sure that your home is safe from anything that could cause sudden damage to your home heating system. Heavy snow or a build-up of ice on trees can lead to tree branches breaking and falling on your home. If your furnace is in the attic or located in another vulnerable area, you will need to protect it from any potential threats.
Clear the snow and ice from your roof and eavestroughs after harsh winter storms and cut off tree branches that are hanging too close to your house. Protecting your home from damage caused by wear and tear or storms will save you from having to make pricey repairs.
5. Clean Around Your Furnace
Check to see that the area around your furnace is clutter-free. If you are short on space, you may be tempted to place a few boxes of belongings in your furnace area. It is not safe to store your belongings too close to your furnace.
Any flammable products you own should be stored far from the furnace. Read the labels on containers to see which products need to be stored in a separate area of the house. If you keep the area around your furnace nice and clean, you can rest easy knowing there is nothing near your heating system that can ignite.
Always keep the walls, ceiling, and floor clean by removing any dust and debris that gathers during the winter season. There should always be a clear pathway to your furnace so you or a professional technician can take a look at the heating system right away if there is ever an emergency.