A Forney, TX Homeowner’s Guide to Furnace Maintenance

According to a recent study, 29% of a home’s utility costs in the US go toward heating. However, that money might get lost if a heating system isn’t properly maintained.

Furnace maintenance can be frightening, especially for new homeowners. Yet, it’s typically not as difficult as it appears. Homeowners can keep their furnaces operating efficiently with regular DIY maintenance tips.

The furnace care suggestions below are well within the capability level of the ordinary homeowner. Read through them and then add them to your usual home upkeep checklist.

• Replace Your Air Filter: Changing your air filter regularly is one of the easiest furnace maintenance checklists to keep your furnace system operating at peak performance. When the air filter is dirty, the fans in your blower units have to work harder since their airflow becomes obstructed.
  And let’s not overlook the crucial role filters play in clearing the air in your home of allergies, mold, dust, and other impurities. Once it becomes dirty, your previous filter will no longer be capable of accomplishing this work. When changing your current filters, think about buying premium filters.
• Regularly Check The Pilot Light: It’s crucial to check a furnace’s pilot light since it can reveal a lot about the furnace. The pilot light shows how the gas is burning and whether or not the ratio is right.
  An ideal pilot light is blue. Any flame—yellow or otherwise—should not be present. It can indicate the presence of carbon monoxide. Additionally, monitoring the pilot light can help you avoid several risky situations that might cost you a new furnace.
• Clean The Air Vents: Cleaning your home’s air vents regularly is one of the easiest things you can do to ensure that your heating and cooling system properly functions.
  Over time, vents are readily blocked with dust, animal hair, and other waste, preventing airflow and adding to the system’s stress. To adequately dust the vents, use an extendible duster.
• Keep Your Furnace’s Surroundings Clean: Consider what you’re storing close to your heating system as well as keep the area around it free of dust and dirt by routinely sweeping and vacuuming. Your furnace can transport volatile substances like paint, household detergents, and other pollutants throughout the house. Thus, these should be kept away from your furnace’s air intake.
  If you feel up to the challenge, you can also access the furnace’s interior to dust the motor and blade. However, before removing the panel that covers the blower, ensure the circuit breaker and gas are off.
• Maintain A Clear Drain Line: The evaporator coil in your HVAC system takes moisture out of the air in your house. The liquid gathers in a drain pan before flowing into an exterior drain line. The drain line can clog and result in harmful water leaks in older systems. Modern systems are programmed to turn off when their sensors detect jams.
  There are two openings in the drain line. One is outside, while the other is near your internal air handler. By routinely flushing it with warm water, you can assist in maintaining the drain line’s cleanliness.
  A cup or two of water can be added to the drain line’s interior end. As a result, this will help your system to run smoothly and prevent blockages.
• Battery Replacement For CO Detectors: You should have a carbon monoxide detector on each story of your home if it has any fuel-burning appliances, such as an oven or stove, a fireplace, or a heater.
  When fuels like propane, natural gas, and others burn, carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, is emitted as a byproduct. If produced in excess amounts in your homes, long-term inhalation can be fatal.
  A CO detector can not only save your life but can also alert you to furnace system issues. Consequently, the batteries must be changed at least once a year.
• Clear Around Your Furnace Units: A lot of furnaces and heat pumps are combined as part of your home’s HVAC system. It’s crucial to allow enough ventilation around these devices. Avoid letting shrubs, tall grass, or other plants encroach on or near your outdoor appliances. This will lessen efficiency and obstruct airflow into and out of the unit.
  Your heat pump’s instruction manual from the manufacturer should include the minimal clearance needed. However, as a general rule, try to keep your heat pump’s exteriors at least two feet away from any structures, bushes, or other obstructions.
• Check for Damage Like Leaks and Blockages: Because they are concealed behind walls or suspended above ceilings, the majority of the furnace system’s components are not visible.
  To check for leaks and other issues, you can examine the visible pieces. As was previously mentioned, the majority of contemporary HVAC systems will shut down when they detect a leak or blockage, so you might observe other issues with the system before you discover leaks.