You know how it feels when the temperature starts to drop and you realize it’s about time to fire up the old furnace again. As reliable as it’s been in the past, every piece of equipment needs proper care and maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Neglecting your furnace until it fails is just asking for trouble, especially with winter weather on the way.
The good news is that keeping your furnace in shape doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive if you follow a few key tips. Doing some simple furnace maintenance now will help make sure your home stays warm and cozy all season long.
Read on to learn easy ways you can extend the life of your furnace and ensure it’s ready to run when you need it most.
Why Furnace Maintenance Matters
Keeping your furnace in working order is critical for staying comfortable all winter long. When your furnace breaks down, it’s not just an inconvenience—it can become an emergency situation quickly. By performing regular maintenance, you’ll keep your furnace running efficiently and avoid unexpected repair costs.
Save Money
A well-maintained furnace uses less energy and saves you money on utility bills. Dirty air filters and clogged vents reduce airflow and force the furnace to work harder to heat your home. Replacing or cleaning filters and clearing vents can improve your furnace’s efficiency by up to 15% and save hundreds per year in energy costs.
Prevent Costly Repairs
Furnace heat exchanger repair and replacement can cost thousands of dollars. Simple maintenance like lubricating moving parts, tightening connections, and checking thermostats and igniters helps identify minor issues before they become big problems. It also keeps your furnace running safely and avoids risks like fire or carbon monoxide leaks.
Extend the Life of Your Furnace
When operated and maintained properly, a furnace can last 15-20 years or more. Lack of maintenance is one of the leading causes of early furnace failure. Things like changing filters, clearing vents, lubricating parts and checking controls and safety switches can add years of reliable service to your furnace’s lifespan. It’s best to have a reliable source of balanced power.
Keep your furnace cozy and your wallet happy. Schedule annual furnace maintenance to ensure efficient, safe, and economical heating for your home this winter and for years to come.
Key Tips for DIY Furnace Maintenance
The furnace is the workhorse of your home’s HVAC system, so keeping it in good working order should be a top priority. Doing regular maintenance yourself can help ensure efficient, cost-effective heating for years to come.
Clean or replace air filters.
Dirty, clogged filters reduce airflow and force the furnace to work harder. Replace or clean filters once a month during peak heating season. Disposable pleated filters are cheap and effective; for the best performance, use a filter with a MERV rating of at least 8.
Inspect and lubricate blower fan.
The blower fan circulates hot air through your ductwork. Remove the fan compartment cover and lubricate the fan motor and bearings with a few drops of light machine oil. Inspect for any dirt or debris buildup and wipe clean.
Check all connections.
Look for any loose wires or connections and tighten as needed with a screwdriver or wrench. Loose connections can overheat and cause fires. It’s also a good idea to test any emergency shut off switches to ensure proper function.
Tighten ductwork.
Ductwork that has come loose or disconnected won’t distribute heat efficiently. Feel along duct runs for any air leaks or disconnected joints and seal them with duct sealant, foil tape, or metal duct tape.
Consider a tune-up.
For the best performance and efficiency, have an HVAC pro perform furnace maintenance and safety checks once every two years or so. They can thoroughly clean components, test for carbon monoxide leaks, and ensure everything is in working order so you have a safe, comfortable winter.
With some simple DIY maintenance and periodic professional tune-ups, your furnace will keep you warm for many heating seasons to come. Staying on top of maintenance helps maximize efficiency, reduce heating bills, improve safety, and extend the overall life of your furnace.
Questions to Ask Your HVAC Technician During Annual Furnace Tune-Ups
When your furnace technician comes for the annual tune-up, take the opportunity to ask some important questions. After all, your furnace is crucial for keeping your home comfortable all winter long.
How old is my furnace?
Knowing the age of your furnace will help determine if it’s time to start budgeting for a replacement. Most furnaces last between 15 to 20 years, so if yours is pushing that age, start saving now.
What is the condition of the furnace?
Have there been any issues detected that need repair or servicing? Your technician should run diagnostic tests to check that all components like the pilot light, burners, heat exchanger, and fans are in working order. They can spot minor problems before they become major issues.
Do I need any repairs or parts replaced?
If anything needs replacement, it’s best to do it during the off-season to avoid emergency calls during the coldest days. Stock up on necessary parts like air filters, ignitors, or hoses so you have them on hand if the furnace breaks down.
How can I improve the efficiency of my furnace?
Ask about ways to optimize your furnace like upgrading the thermostat to a programmable model, sealing and insulating ductwork, or modifying the filter size. More efficient systems can lower your heating bills and reduce pollutants in the home.
When should I schedule the next tune-up?
Most HVAC companies recommend an annual furnace tune-up at the start of the heating season. Scheduling the next appointment before your technician leaves will help ensure your furnace remains in tip-top shape and prevent any avoidable breakdowns.
Maintaining an efficient and properly working furnace is essential for a cozy home during winter. Use your technician’s annual visit as an opportunity to diagnose any issues, make necessary repairs, and improve the overall function of your heating system. The small investment of time and money spent on a tune-up will pay off in lower energy costs and fewer emergency service calls.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks. Taking good care of your furnace doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Just remember to replace the filter regularly, get an annual tune-up, inspect the ducts for damage, and keep the area around the furnace clean and accessible. Implementing these simple furnace maintenance tips can save you money on energy bills and repairs down the road. More importantly, it ensures your home stays warm and cozy all winter long. Now get out there and give your furnace some TLC! It works hard to keep you comfortable, so show it some love in return.
