As the season changes and temperatures drop, the most vital season in a homeowner’s life may be when their heating system is needed the most. A properly functioning furnace is essential to keeping your family warm and comfortable, and it will save you from costly emergency repairs, broken heating equipment at an inconvenient time, and surprise/huge energy bills. Unfortunately, many people wait until it’s too late to perform necessary maintenance on their furnace or heating system; typically just before the first snowfall of the year. However, contract services such as High Mark Plumbing & Heating recommend that homeowners take measures to maintain their heating systems during the fall to prolong the life of the heating system and improve the energy efficiency of the heating system as well.
Replace or Clean Furnace Filters Regularly
One simple way to enhance your furnace’s reliability and efficiency is to clean or replace your furnace filter. If your furnace filter is dirty or clogged with dirt, the airflow through the filter will be limited; this forces your furnace to work much harder than it should be working, thereby using more energy to generate heat. In addition, dirty filters will also restrict the quality of indoor air. Filters should be checked monthly throughout the winter months, and should be replaced at least every 1–3 months for optimal performance and indoor air quality.
Inspect the Thermostat for Accuracy
Your thermostat determines how often and for how long your furnace will operate. If a thermostat has a malfunction or is improperly calibrated, it can create inconsistent heating throughout your home, and the resulting energy waste may be substantial. To determine whether or not your thermostat is working, try adjusting the temperature setting; you should be able to hear your furnace respond to this change. If you want to have better control over your home's temperature and enhance energy efficiency, especially during the night and at work, consider purchasing a programmable or smart thermostat.
Check and Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home
Even if your furnace is functioning correctly, it can have difficulty delivering warm air to you when that air escapes through gaps and cracks. Look for gaps or cracks around your windows and doors, as well as in your duct connections and vents. By sealing these gaps and cracks, you can maintain more consistent temperatures within your home and keep your furnace from having to work too hard. In fact, High Mark Plumbing & Heating often finds that simply sealing duct leaks has the potential to reduce heating costs throughout the winter season.
Clean Furnace Components and Surrounding Areas
Dust, dirt, and debris accumulate inside your furnace or around the area where it's located, affecting safety and performance. Make sure you keep the area around your furnace as clutter-free and clean as possible. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the exposed parts, such as the vents and registers; however, the internal components, including burners and heat exchangers, should only be cleaned or serviced by professionals, due to the possibility of causing damage or creating safety risks.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Safety Controls
If your furnace is operating, it should be both safe and efficient. Many of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide from gas furnaces (especially during wintertime) come from leaks of this deadly gas. In addition to making sure that your carbon monoxide detectors are tested regularly and that the batteries are replaced when necessary, you should also have a look at your furnace safety controls (limit switches & flame sensors) at least once a year. It is something that High Mark Plumbing & Heating strongly recommends you do annually to protect yourself and your family.
Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up
Professional maintenance is one of the most appropriate ways to keep your furnace in good shape. Steven Musk is a professional plumber and heating expert with over ten years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry. As the owner of High Mark Plumbing & Heating, he takes pride in providing high-quality plumbing, heating, and furnace services. During a tune-up, He believes strongly in providing excellent customer service and being proactive when it comes to furnace care, which ultimately helps his clients save money and keep their homes safe all year round. Scheduling a preseason tune-up with High Mark Plumbing & Heating will also help ensure that you get the best possible performance from your furnace all winter long.
Lubricate Moving Furnace Components
Continuous motion and friction on furnace components, including motors and bearings, create a need for lubricant. Without suitable lubrication, these components will wear out rapidly and cause a reduction in the overall efficiency of the system. Suitable lubrication prevents overheating and will extend the life expectancy of the furnace. This type of work should only be completed by a trained technician at High Mark Plumbing & Heating. Inappropriate lubrication can actually cause more trouble than it would solve.
Inspect the Heat Exchanger for Damage
The heat exchanger is an essential component for safety; it separates combustion gases from the air that you would breathe. If a crack or corrosion developed inside the heat exchanger, it could allow for the escape of carbon monoxide, which would present a potential health risk. Because damage to the heat exchanger is often challenging to detect with the naked eye, it is crucial that an inspection of your heat exchanger is performed by a trained technician.
Watch for Warning Signs During Furnace Operation
Signs of furnace issues that you will want to be on the lookout for include abnormal sounds, uneven heating throughout the home, frequent cycling of the power on/off, and increasing utility costs. Addressing any of these warning signs before you would otherwise need to will help prevent the system from failing during extreme cold weather; therefore it is imperative that homeowners who notice any change in the performance of their furnace contact High Mark Plumbing & Heating immediately, as it will prevent having to have emergency service completed, which will ultimately end up costing you more in the end.
The Closing Thoughts
The task of preparing your furnace for winter is not only an immediate benefit, but it is also an investment in your furnace’s long-term performance. Regular preventative maintenance leads to improved energy efficiency, decreased danger from gas leaks or fire hazards, and a reduction in unplanned repair costs. Homeowners who perform the necessary preventative maintenance tasks will be able to take advantage of the comfort and warmth that a properly maintained furnace provides during the long, cold months. By investing in furnace maintenance now, homeowners will continue to enjoy peace of mind and savings well into the future.
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