Keep Your Furnace Happy With Simple Maintenance

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Simple maintenance on the heating system will prevent future problems in your Pitt County, NC, home.

The heating system in your Pitt County, NC, home probably doesn't require a lot of attention to keep you and your family comfortable when the temperatures are low. However, regular furnace maintenance has several benefits:

• Prevents breakdowns
• Increased efficiency
• Lasts longer
• Saves money on utilities
• Improves cleanliness of the air

Many heating and cooling system problems can be traced back to dust or dirt buildup inside the unit. Proper maintenance ensures that your furnace runs efficiently for many years. It also helps you reduce the risk of furnace-related fires and the resulting costs of rebuilding and fire cleaning.

Get Rid of Dust and Dirt

There are many types of furnaces and some of the specifics of upkeep may vary, but there are several maintenance steps that are the same from one model to another. The first step is protecting your furnace from dirt. Prepare for winter weather by replacing or cleaning the filter, the blower, and the motor. When your furnace is in use, you should clean and inspect the filter once a month. If you find that the filter is clogged, replace it immediately. Use a vacuum or a soft duster to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the blower and the motor.

Keep the Vents Clean and Clear

Your running furnace blows warmed air through the vent system of your home. If any vents are blocked by dirt or furniture, the furnace must work harder to keep your rooms warm. Keeping the vents clear is an important part of routine maintenance and a good way to prevent the need for fire cleaning. If you have a gas furnace, it's critically important to keep the exhaust flue clean, clear, and unobstructed.

Pay Attention to Your Ductwork

Cleanup of the vents often begins at the registers, but it shouldn't end there. Make sure that all registers are free of paper, toys, hair, and dust. Once you've done this, remove the register and use your vacuum to clear debris out of the ductwork. If you've done any reconstruction or if your home has been affected by fire damage, for example, it's a good idea to contact professionals with experience in fire and smoke cleaning.

Improve Your Home's Envelope

Reduce the load on your furnace by improving your home's envelope. You can do this by locating areas of your home that allow heat to escape, and seal these leaks or add insulation. When you prevent heat loss, the furnace doesn't have to work as hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If you aren't sure how to find areas where heat leaks out, contact a heating professional with cameras and other equipment.

Keep Routine Maintenance on Your Schedule

It isn't difficult to keep your furnace and heating system running efficiently, and it shouldn't take you much time. The best time to complete routine maintenance is before cold weather settles in, and you'll have the best results if you continue through the months of cold weather. Remember that the effort you put into keeping your furnace clean is also an important way to avoid serious fire damage and professional fire cleaning services.