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The Ultimate Furnace Maintenance Checklist for 2022
Without a working furnace, you and your family could be in for a miserably cold winter. Poorly performing heaters cannot effectively cool your house the way there are supposed to.
Plus, furnaces that are not properly maintained will be less efficient and waste energy, which costs you money. Luckily, there are a handful of easy steps you can take to boost the performance of your furnace and ensure it lasts longer. Follow this simple furnace maintenance checklist to prepare for the coming cold.
Change Your Filters Regularly
The easiest thing you can do to improve the efficiency of your furnace and keep your house warm is to regularly change your furnace filter. All of the air that heats your home initially passes through this filter.
A dirty filter will cause your furnace to work harder, trying to push air through the clogged filter. Plus, the air filling your home will be less clean.
Make it simple by purchasing a multipack of filters and set an automatic reminder to change the filter every three months. During the winter, when your heater is running continually, it’s best to change the filter every one to two months. While you’re at it, you can upgrade your air filters for increased performance, breathability, and air quality.
Clean and Clear Around Furnace and Air Conditioners
Your furnace and A/C unit need space around them in order to effectively take in air. Make sure to keep the area around your furnace clear. Sweep around and wipe it down regularly.
For outdoor units, make sure they are free from long grass, plants, branches, and other debris that may affect their functionality. Remove any leaves, pollen, sticks, and other debris from the outside of the unit.
Seal and Insulate Air Ducts
If your ducts are leaking hot air where they aren’t supposed to, then less heat will make it to the furthest ends of your home. These areas will be much cooler, and as a result, your furnace will have to work harder to try heating these areas.
You will have an inconsistent home temperature, which is always frustrating. You’ll also cause unnecessary strain on your unit, shortening its lifespan.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
One of the best ways to improve the efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner is to install a modern, smart thermostat if you don’t already have one. Older homes usually have outdated thermostats. These usually have two settings; on and off.
Newer thermostats give you much more control over the temperature and comfort level of your home. You can set your heater to a specific temperature, rather than run it indefinitely.
You can also create schedules. You can have the temperature automatically decrease in the evening when you are warm in bed, as you don’t need the heat to be so high while you sleep.
You can also control the temperature from your smartphone. If you know you are coming home from work early, you can bump up the temperature so it’s nice and warm by the time you get home.
Ultimately, a modern thermostat makes your furnace more efficient, ensuring it lasts much longer.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
Ensure your carbon monoxide detector is always working. Check it and replace the battery at least once a year.
The furnace is usually a source of gas in the home. If there is any type of leak, you need to know about it instantly in order to keep your family safe.
Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned
It’s pretty hard to see inside your air ducts. Chances are, if you could see it, you’d be pretty grossed out. Over the years air ducts collect dust, dirt, debris, and even mold.
A build-up in your ducts could prevent air from passing through. Again, this would cause the unit to work harder trying to pump air into each area of your home.
This could also be a source of indoor air pollution. If anyone in your home struggles with allergies or respiratory issues, it is a good idea to get your vents cleaned, as most of the air we breathe in our homes passes through these.
Schedule Regular Furnace Upkeep
There are many components of your furnace that need a regular checkup in order to maintain proper function and warmth in your home.
The heat exchanger needs to be inspected regularly. Burners need to be checked and cleaned. The fan switch may need to be adjusted to prevent energy waste.
Gas lines should be inspected thoroughly to ensure your home is safe. There are many more components that may be beyond what most people can find and inspect themselves. Calling highly trained specialists who are committed to a thorough inspection of your HVAC equipment is extremely important.
When To Get Furnace Serviced
The best time to get your furnace serviced is early in the fall before temperatures drop too much. HVAC contractors often offer specials during this time for those who understand the importance of furnace maintenance.
Having your furnace serviced before it breaks, and before winter, is far more cost-effective. The last thing you want is your furnace to fail in the dead of winter, late at night. Your only option is to call for emergency furnace repair.
Upgrade Your Furnace
Unfortunately, furnaces do not last forever. Even if you prioritize regular furnace maintenance, there comes a time when it simply passes its useful life expectancy. If your furnace is 15 years old or more, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
Not only will your home be more comfortable and warm due to increased efficiency and output, but your wallet will be happier too. Newer models are far more cost-efficient on a monthly basis.
Follow This Easy Furnace Maintenance Checklist For A Long-Lasting Unit
Ultimately it’s our jobs as homeowners to ensure our furnace is working properly for many years to come. Few things in your home are more important. They keep your family happy, healthy, and safe.
The least you can do is follow the easy furnace maintenance checklist above. For anything else, you can schedule your heating service with Infinity Texas Air today to ensure your heater is in prime condition for the upcoming season.
