Top 4 Tips to Keep Your Furnace As Good As New This Winter

While regular maintenance is essential to increasing the lifespan of your HVAC system, the importance of maintaining your furnace gets even more crucial in the colder months. Not only regular furnace maintenance protects your investment but also ensures that the equipment runs safely for years. It is because poorly maintained units can experience gas leaks as well as carbon monoxide production. To ensure the warmth and comfort of your home, here are the top 5 tips that you need to follow.

1. Check your air filter

One of the first steps to ensuring the efficiency of your furnace is changing the filter, preferably at the start of the winter and in the spring. Dirty air filters can obstruct the airflow through your heating system, which makes it harder for the unit to work efficiently. Moreover, clogged filters also reduce the overall lifespan of the furnace and may cost you money for the added upkeep.

These filters also help the system remove dirt, dust, allergens, and mould from the indoor air. When replacing the existing filters that have become dirty over time, make sure to opt for high-quality filters. If you have pets, this tip can help make a noticeable improvement in the air.

2. Keep the vents clean

Getting the vents checked every few years is important, especially if you have pets in your home. To clean the vents, make sure to hire a professional, as it is the best way to remove dander and dust and check for any duct or mould build-up simultaneously. If you are willing to do it by yourself then try removing the air vents a vacuum them thoroughly.

Having a clogged vent can hinder the efficiency of the unit that delivers the heat throughout your home. A year-round inspection, for this reason, is highly recommended and necessary to maintain your furnace.

3. Change the batteries in the thermostat

Before each heating season, try changing the thermostat’s batteries. Fresh batteries in a thermostat ensure that it won’t stop working when you need it the most. It is always a good idea to keep a stash of replacement batteries on hand, just as reprogramming your thermostat is. Make sure to set a program that matches your schedule during the time you need and switches from daylight saving to standard.

Similarly, keep the thermostat at a low setting when you are out of the house. This not only saves energy but also reduces wear and tear on the furnace, increasing its lifespan.

4. Limit the heating load

Reducing the heat load of your home can increase the efficiency of the furnace. For that, try sealing up the envelope of the home, which reduces the heat load and makes your room comfortably warm. A heating professional can determine the issues and help you make adjustments accordingly.

Conclusion

These are the top tips to keep in mind when maintaining your furnace; other factors might include making sure the blower motor is functioning, clearing the furnace flue, and testing for carbon monoxide along with routine maintenance.