Helpful Preventative Maintenance Steps To Perform On Your Residential Furnace
In order for your home to heat correctly and efficiently, the furnace needs to be working perfectly. You can ensure it does during the winter months and avoid expensive repairs simultaneously thanks to these preventative maintenance steps.
Set Up a Premium Air Filter
One of the easiest ways you can ensure optimal furnace performance over the months is to simply set up a premium air filter. This part is responsible for preventing dirt and debris from entering your heating system and causing parts to break down.
What makes a premium air filter, though? Well, one with a reusable design is worth considering. Instead of throwing it out when it gets dirty, you can simply give it a pat down and use it a couple of more times. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are also worth investing in. They send air through a fine mesh screen, which captures extremely tiny particles.
Clean Outside Furnace Unit
The outside of your furnace tends to collect dirt and debris over the months. They're important to remove from this outer shell because if left to collect, they could eventually get inside the furnace and cause parts to malfunction.
For this cleaning job, you'll want to use a pressurized air can. It enables you to clean the outside unit quickly without hurting yourself. Spray all sides until the outer shell is completely clean. If any residues don't seem to be coming off, you may need to scrub the area with a wire brush and some commercial cleaner.
Hire an HVAC Technician
Even if you know a lot about residential furnaces, at some point you should hire an HVAC technician to perform a thorough visual and performance inspection. This way, you can make absolutely sure your furnace is working like it should and is in pristine condition.
When the technician comes out, they'll assess important components like the igniter, pilot light, blower motor, pressure switch, and air ducts. If any of these parts are damaged or not working correctly during the live performance test, your contractor will investigate further to find out what's wrong. This way, you can address furnace issues before they get any worse.
When you own a home, it's now your responsibility to keep an eye on the furnace and its corresponding parts. This maintenance doesn't have to be difficult, though. Just understand what parts to monitor and know when to get help from the furnace repair pros.