The winter months can be a stressful time for homeowners. No one wants to worry about the risk of their furnace breaking down on them in the midst of a cold snap. The last thing you want is to put off furnace maintenance until you need reliable heat the most. If you want to keep your home warm and cozy this winter, then don’t wait any longer. Furnace breakdowns can happen at any time, and it is important to be prepared.
There are several steps you can take to prevent a furnace breakdown from happening in the first place. Here are four things that you should do now to help your furnace run smoothly this winter.
1. Make Sure Your Furnace Is in a Well-Ventilated Area
To prevent your furnace from overheating, it’s important that the unit is in a well-ventilated area. If you’re using an older model or one that isn’t built for proper ventilation, there is a chance of damaging your furnace that could mean costly repairs down the line.
When buying a new furnace, make sure it meets the latest energy-efficiency standards. These models are well-ventilated, so you can help prevent overworking your unit and increase its lifespan. TSS Home Comfort, one of the best furnace repair companies in Meridian, ID, notes the more ventilation area you can provide, the better your unit will be able to cool down during extreme weather and avoid overheating causing damage. So, ensure there’s enough space around the furnace at all times and never crowd your furnace with storage items.
2. Have a Professional Check Your Furnace Annually
One of the best ways to prevent furnace breakdown is having a professional check it every year. They will inspect all of the parts, ensure that everything is up to date, lubricate moving parts, tune-up your burner system if needed, clean out your heat exchanger for optimal efficiency levels, and generally make sure that everything operates perfectly. This will help you save on expensive repairs and make sure that your furnace is ready for winter.
Most homeowners only schedule furnace maintenance once every few years, at which point they’re told that their system is in need of a major repair. However, by the time it’s fixed, the chances are good that your next annual checkup will reveal something else broken on your unit, and you’ll be facing another expensive fix again soon after. To avoid this cycle entirely, plan for an annual checkup that will keep everything in good working order.
3. Keep Your Filters Clean and Change Them Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to keep your furnace running smoothly is regularly changing your air filter. Dirty filters reduce airflow, and that, in turn, reduces how much heat gets into the house. If you have an electronic air cleaner or humidifier on your system, clean those too since they also help with heating efficiency by improving indoor air quality.
How often you need to change your filter depends on how much the furnace runs. If it’s constantly running, twice a month should do it. Once every three months is fine if there are only light usage times during certain parts of the day or year (like summer). Check with your contractor for specific recommendations based on your system. Filters are inexpensive and easy to install – just make sure your system is off when you do it.
4. Inspect Pipes for Leaks, Clogs or Other Damage
Another important part of furnace maintenance is inspecting your water and gas pipes to ensure they are free from leaks, clogs or other damage that could lead to a major breakdown. Leaks can sometimes go unnoticed for quite some time if you’re not monitoring them regularly. A simple way to do this is by checking the floor in front of your furnace once a month or so.
If you notice any water pooled in this area, it could indicate a leak and the need to get your pipes repaired by a professional immediately. Identifying and fixing these issues early on will help you avoid expensive furnace repairs in the future. You’ll also want to look out for any signs of furnace failure and take the necessary steps early.
An Efficient Furnace Runs Better and Longer
A well-maintained furnace will run better, last longer and use less energy. Savings from a properly maintained furnace can quickly pay for the costs of maintenance. Whether it’s regular maintenance or replacing an old, drafty furnace with a new one that can save you energy, there are always steps you can take to improve your system and reduce stress-related breakdowns.