Furnaces are a crucial part of your home’s heating system. A well maintained can last upwards of 20 years. However, furnaces that are not properly maintained will not last as long and be more subject to gas leaks and other dangerous issues. To keep your furnace well-maintained, follow these helpful tips.
Tip #1: Check the Air Filter
The air filter is an important component of a furnace. The air filter keeps the home’s indoor air quality in top condition and prevents airborne allergens and diseases. Over time, the air filter will get clogged with debris and other contaminants. As they get dirtier and more clogged, air filters cannot clean the air, and the furnace has to work harder to push and pull air through the filters. As a result, homeowners will experience poor air quality and higher energy bills. The easiest way to avoid that is by regularly replacing the furnace’s air filters.
Tip #2: Clean the Furnace
You clean your home, car, and dishes regularly, but how often are you cleaning your furnace? It’s probably not as often as you should be. Dirty furnaces are less efficient than clean ones and are more likely to break down. Keeping your furnace clean is easy: turn off the power and use a small brush, damp cloth, or vacuum to clean the various components of the furnace. If you need to have your furnace deep cleaned, or don’t want to worry about keeping your furnace clean, enlist the help of a professional MD HVAC company.
Tip #3: Oil the Motor Bearings
Many older furnaces have two motor bearings and two blower-shaft bearings. Both sets should be oiled at least once a year. A couple of drops of oil are sufficient to lubricate the motor bearings. Start by using a clean cloth to wipe the caps over the bearings. Then, remove the caps and apply two to three drops of lightweight machine oil to each bearing. Finally, restore the caps to their original positions.
Tip #4: Check the Flue Pipe for Leaks
Your home’s furnace has a metal tube, called a flue pipe, that regulates the air pressure between the outside air and the air coming from the furnace. Holes in the flue pipe can lead to leakage of nasty combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide. That means you won’t be able to turn the furnace off without exposing yourself to health risks. That’s why checking the flue pipe is essential. It allows you to catch potential problems early and give you enough time to replace the flue pipe before any serious leaks occur.
Tip #5: Have Your Heating System Professionally Serviced
The best way to maintain your furnace and entire heating system is to have it professionally serviced at least once a year. During a routine service appointment, an HVAC professional will look over your furnace and entire heating system and alert you to potential problems. They’ll also fix any lingering issues before they turn into major problems.
Maintain Your Furnace with S&L Prime
The HVAC professionals at S&L Prime are here to help you maintain your furnace. From residential heating maintenance to commercial heating maintenance, we’re always here to help homeowners and businesses throughout Maryland care for their building furnaces. Contact us today to request a free estimate.
