What You Should Check When Maintaining Your Furnace

Furnaces are essential for survival in the winter months when the temperatures average at 32.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Having a functioning furnace ensures that you and your family stay warm and comfy in your home during this cold season.

However, people often neglect their furnaces until they start malfunctioning. You may start noticing an increase in your energy bills, your rooms not heating up properly, or your furnace stopping altogether due to this neglect and disrepair.

Regular maintenance and routine check-ups ensure that your furnace is functional and efficient.

This article will give you the ultimate furnace maintenance checklist to ensure your furnace is ready for the long and cold winter months.

Dirty Air Filters

The air filters in your furnace are responsible for screening out the dust, pollen, hair, pet dander, and other debris that are sucked in by the fan. These filters have a certain lifespan and should be changed regularly.

When your air filters are dirty, your furnace will have to work harder to pull in air. This will result in a reduction in airflow as well as an increase in your home’s energy bill.

Make sure you change your furnace filters at least once every three months to ensure the efficiency of your furnace.

Pilot Light Inspections

The pilot light is a small flame responsible for igniting the main burner. It ensures a constant supply of heat to your home when the temperature outside is freezing cold.

You will need to conduct routine inspections on your pilot light to see what color the flame is at, if you need to relight it, and if you have a potential carbon monoxide leak in your home.

You should also regularly get rid of any dust on the pilot light as that can change the color of the pilot light flame and give false readings.

While standing pilots are very uncommon in this day and age, there are still many homes with older furnaces that have these. Contact a qualified technician to make sure your older furnace is in proper working condition.

Clogged or Blocked Drainage Tubes

The propane and natural gas used in your furnace produce water as a by-product on high efficient condensing gas furnaces.

The drainage tubes take away any excess water from the condensation that forms inside the unit. If these tubes are clogged, your furnace will have to work extra hard to remove that excess water.

This will cause your furnace to run inefficiently or completely stop working and not heat your home correctly or not all

Dirty Vents

The vents in your furnace are responsible for pushing out the warm air that is contained inside the unit and circulating it into the rest of the house.

It is not a bad idea to have your duct system cleaned about every 6-7 years to make sure that the quality of air you and your family are breathing is good.

Rattling or Banging Noises

If you start hearing rattling or banging noises coming from your furnace, then you need to call a professional as soon as possible. These noises are an indication that there is a problem inside.

Seeking the Help of Professionals

Some professionals offer maintenance, repairs and other HVAC services.

Hiring professionals to do regular inspections on your furnace will keep it at its most efficient. They will usually conduct the following:

• Calibrating your thermostat

• Check the flow of your gas to your furnace

• Look out for signs of corrosion or cracking

• Check the condition of the air handler, blower motor and major components

Conclusion

Never wait until your furnace stops working before you get it serviced. The cost of a new furnace as a replacement is often more expensive than just getting your furnace maintained regularly.

It is better to be proactive and have regular check-ups done by professionals to ensure your furnace is in tip-top shape.

Contact us at Good Guys Home Services if you are looking for someone to service your furnace in Indiana. You can conveniently book your furnace repair service through our mobile app.