Furnace maintenance is vital to ensure years of uninterrupted heating capabilities to create a comfortable environment. It also makes sure the furnace performs at its best, minimizing energy bills and any repair costs you may incur throughout its service life.
That said, if you have not been maintaining your furnace, then the chances are that it is not functioning as efficiently and effectively as it can be. Moreover, you put yourself at a higher risk of a malfunctioning furnace, especially during winter, when it has to work extra hard to keep the home comfy.
Are you interested in carrying out maintenance on your furnace? Here are the things you will need to include in your to-do list:
1. Carry out a full inspection
The first thing you should do during your furnace maintenance is to inspect the fixture thoroughly. For instance, you will look out for loose tubes, grime buildup, growth of moss, presence of rust, and other signs, doing this will save you a lot of money from a costly furnace repair . If you only discover small issues, you are good to go in addressing them all by yourself. If you uncover more significant problems, you will need to contact a professional to have it fixed.
Do note that you should switch off the gas or electrical supply to your furnace before taking a look.
2. Test the carbon monoxide detector
If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector installed near your furnace, do so immediately. CO (carbon monoxide) is an odourless and toxic gas, and the use of a furnace can cause the accumulation of this gas in the room where the furnace is located.
If you do have a CO detector installed, test it to make sure it is working properly—it can, quite literally, save a life!
3. Check for dust
In many cases, dust will accumulate around your furnace. If you find dust, you will need to get rid of it, as they can hamper your furnace’s performance.
The most effective way to clean out dust is to grab a vacuum cleaner and attach a long nozzle at the end. You can vacuum everything up, ensuring all dust is sucked away and disposed of—allowing your furnace to function at a better capacity.
4. Study the vents and pipes
Both the warm and cold vents in your furnace are a hotbed for problems. Anything from leakages to blockages can occur from regular use—and these are the issues you will need to look for when you check the vents!
If you discover a leakage, you can cover it up using tape, such as foil tape. For blockages, such as a dirty filter, take it out and clean it up before putting it back in.
As for pipes, such as the intake and exhaust ones, these can easily be blocked up due to pests, vegetation, and other hazards. Check them to make sure they are cleared! If they are not, then start removing the debris or hire a professional maintenance service to clear it out.
Conclusion
While these to-do activities may seem time-consuming and challenging, they are incredibly crucial to pull-off regularly. Not only do they not take much time to complete, but they are also quite easy to do.
With that in mind, always be sure to carry out these tasks regularly—especially before winter arrives. This will ensure your furnace is ready to keep your home warm despite the frigid temperatures, all without the risk of breaking down mid-way the season.
If you need help carrying out furnace maintenance , do not hesitate to hire a professional. They will do all of the above and more to make sure your fixture is in its best condition!
Temp-A-Sure is a provider of HVAC services in Canada. We provide a variety of services, from AC and furnace installations to its repair and maintenance, and much more! If you are looking for furnace maintenance services in Toronto, reach out to us today!