When summer ends and temperatures begin to fall, you likely rely on your furnace to keep things warm and cozy inside. However, before powering it up for the first time this season, you may need to provide a bit of TLC.
While you may not have been thinking about your furnace through the warmer months of the year, now is the time to invest in maintenance to ensure a smooth and problem-free transition into the upcoming heating season.
You should invest in furnace and heating repair services and maintenance at least once a year to prevent serious issues and complete breakdowns. Keep reading to learn about what type of maintenance is needed and why it is so important.
Clean the Filters
The furnace filters are responsible for keeping the dirt and debris in the air from making their way into the furnace. It’s important to clean and/or change the filters regularly to prevent problems.
By cleaning or changing your furnace filters, you can ensure they keep working to block dirt from passing through and help provide unrestricted air flow to the unit. Essentially, clean filters mean proper air flow, which means your furnace operates problem-free.
Inspect the Motors and Fan Belts
Does your furnace use a fan belt for driving the fan blower? If so, now is the time to have it inspected.
Some things to look for when inspecting the fan belts and the motors, you need to check the tension and see if there are signs of excessive wear and tear. If so, it’s time to invest in a replacement belt, or you could be facing a complete breakdown later in the season.
Make sure you don’t forget the bearings. They require lubrication. It’s a good idea to add approximately five drops of lubricant in each of the ports, located on either side of the unit’s motor.
Inspect the Vents
If you have a furnace with a sidewall vent, then the area near and around this vent should remain clear. High snow levels and leaves are the most common things to build up during the colder months of the year. All this requires is a bit of raking or shoveling – nothing too challenging.
This type of furnace also requires that they have a way to eliminate the water produced while heating. This water drains through the condensate pipe. You have to take steps to ensure the pipe is working properly.
To do this, ensure the pipe isn’t blocked. This is done by taking the end of a hose and pouring hot water in it. This is going to effectively remove any blockage present.
Some units also have a condensate pump that works to drain water from the furnace. You need to make sure it’s flowing freely. If you aren’t sure how to do this, then call the professionals for help.
Clear Out the Heat Pump
Make sure to keep the heat pump’s condenser clean by removing any debris from the actual condenser coil. When it comes to the exterior unit, you just need to remove any accumulated debris to keep the system in superior working condition.
Keep Your Home Warm All Season Long
If you want to ensure your furnace is working properly all heating season long, then you need to make sure that you use the maintenance tips found here. If you need help with any of these tasks, then it is a good idea to reach out to the professionals. They can help ensure your furnace is working properly and not going to breakdown and leave you out in the cold.
