As winter approaches and temperatures drop, your home needs a furnace for safety and comfort. While furnaces can last 15 to 30 years, they require maintenance to keep them working safely and efficiently. Maintenance prolongs your furnace’s lifespan and can help prevent costly repair issues during the winter. Here are some tips on how to keep your furnace running efficiently.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
The winter months can strain your furnace, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. Preventative measures can improve your furnace’s overall performance, making your family more comfortable. A professional HVAC inspection can reveal problem areas that need repairs. Our furnace maintenance technicians check for cracks in the heat exchanger, test the safety controls, tighten components, lubricate moving parts, and increase the efficiency of your system.
Replace or Clean Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters impede airflow and force your furnace to work harder than usual. When your furnace becomes overworked, you will experience rising energy costs. Most manufacturers recommend replacing or cleaning your furnace filters every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type. Make sure you check all furnace filters before winter arrives. Checking and changing filters is an easy task for most homeowners. However, be sure to choose a replacement filter your HVAC professional recommends. A filter with a mesh that is too fine for your system can also cause unwanted strain.
Calibrate the Thermostat
Your thermostat controls your furnace’s function. An improperly calibrated thermostat may cause short cycling, preventing your furnace from producing consistent heat. An uncalibrated thermostat can also lead to higher electricity bills in the winter. We will perform testing and calibration to ensure your thermostat works effectively. If your old thermostat is malfunctioning, our HVAC technicians will recommend an upgrade. If you want to add a smart thermostat, we can also help you to install and program this device.
Inspect the Blower Motor
The blower motor is critical for ensuring warm air circulation throughout your home. Malfunctioning blower motors mean uneven and inefficient heating. Over time, the motor can become clogged with dust and debris. To increase its lifespan and prevent damage caused by overheating, it requires professional inspection, cleaning, and lubrication.
Clean the Burners
Dirt can build up on gas furnace burners, reducing heating efficiency and creating inconsistent flames. A clean burner ensures proper ignition. To avoid damaging sensitive parts, leave this task to our technicians.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are essential if you have a gas furnace. Although they are not part of the furnace, they ensure its safe function. Furnaces with cracked heat exchangers can leak gas. Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, so you need a detector to protect your family’s health and safety. Change the batteries before winter to keep your detectors working effectively.
Check and Seal Ductwork
Leaking ductwork can impact your furnace’s function. Damage can cause significant heat loss, which can increase your electricity costs. We offer duct sealing services to ensure your ductwork does not leak. An inspection will reveal any damage, allowing us to take the appropriate steps to seal the duct leaks.
Monitor the Pilot Light or Ignition
Older furnaces feature a pilot light, while modern systems have an electronic ignition. You should monitor these for wear and tear signs. If your furnace has a pilot light, check to ensure the flame is intense and blue. Yellow or flickering flames can indicate gas pressure issues or dirt buildup.
Clear the Area Around the Furnace
Check your furnace regularly for debris that could become a fire hazard. Remove cardboard, fabrics, paints, chemicals, and other flammable materials. Ensuring adequate clearance around your furnace improves airflow and system performance. Clearing the space also makes your furnace work more safely and can prevent fires.
Inspect the Flue and Ventilation System
The flue and ventilation system are critical components that help remove combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, from your home. We inspect the flue for blockages, loose connections, or corrosion. Adequate ventilation protects against dangerous backdrafts.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Your furnace has moving parts that can experience wear and tear. Lubrication helps protect moving parts and increase their lifespan. The motors, bearings, belts, and pulleys require lubrication to function normally.
Inspect Electrical Connections
Electrical connections can loosen or become corroded over time, leading to malfunctions and potential fires. During a maintenance visit, technicians check the capacitors, relays, fuses, and wiring for any signs of damage. This ensures the electrical system is reliable during the winter.
Adjust the Gas Pressure
Incorrect gas pressure causes problems with the combustion process, leading to higher energy costs. Technicians will check the gas pressure readings to ensure optimal furnace performance.
Check the Furnace Drainage
High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation that needs draining. As part of a professional inspection, we inspect the drainage tube for leaks. Our technicians then clean the condensate trap to prevent moisture-related issues in your home.
Test the Limit Switch
Limit switches control the fan operation to prevent furnaces from overheating. If the temperature goes too high, the limit switch shuts off the furnace. Testing this safety feature ensures it operates correctly to protect against overheating.
Replace Worn Belts
Blower belts can wear over time. Technicians must replace them every three to five years to prevent breakages. Regular replacement schedules will help you avoid unexpected furnace breakdowns in the middle of winter.
Evaluate Furnace Insulation
Furnace insulation surrounds your furnace, helping to protect against heat loss. We will check for any missing or damaged furnace insulation. It is also essential to check for insulation on pipes and ducts.
Perform a Combustion Analysis
A combustion analysis measures the efficiency and safety of your furnace. Testing ensures the system burns fuel efficiently and cleanly. Inspection and testing allow us to identify any issues before they become a source of danger.
Conduct a System Performance Test
A complete system performance test measures how efficiently your furnace heats your home. Professional technicians should perform this test annually, usually before you turn the system on for the first time in winter. We will ensure the furnace is ready for winter’s heating demands.
Review Your Maintenance Records
Keeping a detailed log of all past maintenance and repairs is essential. Technicians rely on this history to make crucial decisions regarding maintenance and repairs. Regularly reviewing your maintenance and repair records can help you spot repeated issues. Show this log to your HVAC technician when you schedule maintenance or a diagnostic call.
Do Not Neglect Routine Maintenance
We recommend scheduling furnace maintenance in late summer or early fall to ensure proper function during the winter. A well-maintained furnace keeps your home warm and helps prevent costly breakdowns.
Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical is Littleton’s HVAC, plumbing, and electric company. We offer furnace installation, maintenance, and repairs as well as service for cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. We also provide duct cleaning and sealing, thermostats, home energy audits, and gas line services. We have proudly offered these services to the Littleton community for over 20 years. Call our knowledgeable staff today to learn more.
