Ensuring that your furnace is in good working order is essential as winter approaches. A furnace that isn’t properly maintained can break down in the middle of a cold snap, leaving you and your family out in the cold.
Your heater may blow cold air for various reasons like clogged or dirty filters, fan motor failure, thermostat issues, etc.
Read more: Reasons Your Heater Is Blowing Cold Air.
To ensure that these problems don’t occur due to lack of maintenance, here are six tips for maintaining your furnace:
1. CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTERS REGULARLY
The furnace filters are essential for the efficient functioning of your furnace. It is crucial to change the filters regularly, usually every one to three months during peak usage seasons. This will help reduce strain on the system and may even improve the air quality in your home.
While choosing a new filter, check for the following:
a) The correct size for your furnace
b) The MERV rating that fits your needs
c) The material of the filter
2. INSPECT YOUR FURNACE DUCTS FOR LEAKS AND SEAL THEM UP IF NECESSARY
The furnace ducts help the air circulate in your home. When these ducts have holes or cracks, the warm air can escape and cause an inefficient system. To keep your furnace running efficiently, check for any duct leaks and seal them up if necessary.
Some reasons your ducts can leak are because of the age and condition of the system, rodents chewing on them, or incorrect installation. To avoid any costly repairs down the line, inspect your ducts regularly.
3. CLEAN THE BLOWER WHEEL AND HOUSING OF YOUR FURNACE
The blower wheel is the crucial component of your furnace that moves air throughout your home. It can get clogged with dust and other particles, reducing efficiency. Vacuum the blower wheel and housing regularly to ensure it operates at peak performance.
4. VACUUM OUT THE INSIDE OF YOUR FURNACE CABINET
The inside parts of the furnace cabinet should also be vacuumed out. The blower motor, fan blades, and other components should be free of dust and dirt. Cleaning this regularly will help the furnace run more efficiently and reduce the risk of overheating or breaking down.
5. CHECK THE WIRING ON YOUR FURNACE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR SHORTS
The electrical wiring in your furnace plays a significant role in its overall performance. It is essential to check the wiring for any signs of damage or shorts, as this can prevent your furnace from operating correctly and potentially cause an electrical fire. You should also look for any exposed wires that might come into contact with combustible materials like wood or insulation.
6. INSPECT THE HEAT EXCHANGER ON YOUR FURNACE
The heat exchanger is one of the critical components in your furnace, as it is responsible for keeping the heat it produces inside your home. Inspecting your heat exchanger regularly for any cracks or other damage that could cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home is a good idea. If you find any signs of problems, be sure to call a professional.
Contact Moncrief for heating and air Atlanta. We specialize in furnace maintenance, repairs, and installations to keep your house warm all winter.
