Furnace Maintenance Tips
Owning a home is a huge responsibility – and certainly not a cheap one. That’s why it’s so important to get the most out of every appliance and system in your home. Homeowner maintenance is crucial in ensuring this happens. Here are a few of our favourite tips for keeping your home’s heating system running smoothly all winter.
Adjust Your Thermostat
When the first cold snap really hits, most people crank up the warm air to get back to the indoor temperature they’re used to. However, after a few weeks, most people begin to adapt to the lower temperatures and don’t need such a high air setting to be comfortable. Now is a great time to install a programmable thermostat. They offer multiple settings for different times of the day allowing you to keep your house warm and cozy while saving money.
Check And Replace Filters
We all need air to breathe and your furnace does too. Don’t forget to check and replace any filters to allow for proper airflow. Dirt accumulates in filters over time, especially during summer and winter months when your heating and cooling systems are in peak use. Dirty build-up causes clogs in filters, and when air can’t pass through easily, the system must work harder, causing overheating. Overheating can cause serious damage, and may even result in needing to replace the furnace. Clogged filters can cause dirt to build up in other areas of the system as well, causing pollution and extra repairs that wouldn’t normally be necessary.
Keep Vents Clear
Interior Vents – In about 10 minutes you can take a walk around your home to identify where all your vents are located. Then, simply make sure nothing is blocking them. If a vent is blocked by furniture, move it. Keeping vents clear allows for even distribution of warm air throughout your home.
Exterior Vents – Keep your HVAC system’s vent and air intake pipes free of snow and debris is critical to the safe and proper function of your furnace or boiler. When those pipes are blocked, they can create problems that range from a heating system shutdown to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas. If you do notice a mound of snow blocking your furnace vent, clear it away by hand – don’t use a shovel or a snow blower, as either could cause damage to the furnace vent pipe.
Annual Furnace Maintenance
Having a qualified professional take a look at your furnace once every year is always a good investment. They can identify small problems early preventing large bills later on. Yes, some people may feel comfortable performing their own maintenance, but we don’t recommend it. Failure to perform needed maintenance is one of the most common causes of HVAC breakdowns. This is one area where you should definitely hire a professional.
