5 Tips for Maintaining Your Furnace

Your furnace has been running faithfully all winter and it likely needs a bit of attention from you in order to continue to function properly. Here are a few simple things you can do to keep your furnace in top shape.

1. Clean and replace the air filter regularly.

Many problems with a furnace are caused by clogged or damaged air filters. Checking the air filter once a month and replacing it on a regular basis can help you avoid any surprise issues and prolong the life of the furnace.

When replacing the air filter, keep in mind that the higher the quality of the air filter, the more particles will be removed from your indoor air. Reach out to Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter for eco-friendly air filter recommendations.

2. Open vents and registers.

If vents are closed, then the heating system is forced to work harder and less efficiently, leading to higher utility costs and potential damage. Make sure all vents are open and are not being blocked by furniture, boxes or other household items.

3. Don’t store flammable materials near your furnace.

If your furnace is located in the basement or garage, be sure to keep things like paint, aerosols, gasoline, clothes and other flammable items away.

4. Make sure the blower motor is working properly.

The blower motor drives the fan in your furnace and can break down if it is not properly maintained. If the blower starts to make loud noises, high sounds or a loud humming sound, then you’ve got a problem on your hands. An HVAC specialist can help identify what’s causing the strange noise and make the necessary repairs.

5. Make sure the exhaust flue is not blocked.

An exhaust flue is responsible for allowing air to move out of the home, including fumes that come from the furnace, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. A blocked exhaust flue can introduce combustion gasses into the home and cause occupants to experience headaches, nausea, fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness, unconsciousness and even death.

While you may be able to follow these five tips, it’s important to schedule a professional inspection and maintenance at least once a year. Doing so will help you avoid costly repairs down the line and lengthen the life of your HVAC unit. Call Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter for professional, eco-friendly HVAC repair or service.