Furnace Maintenance Can Keep You Comfortable All Winter

The cooler temperatures are finally here and a welcomed relief from those hot summer days. If you haven’t already scheduled furnace maintenance, it is time to do so, so that you can maximize your heating system’s performance and efficiency.

Furnace maintenance is a routine task that nets some pretty big benefits. If you have been neglecting system maintenance, you may notice that your heating system won’t perform as it should. This basic and affordable maintenance service will help to improve your home’s comfort level, extend the life of your system, and lower energy bills.

DIY Furnace Maintenance

For safety reasons, and to ensure you do not damage your system, most furnace jobs are best left to the professionals. However, there are some tasks that you will be able to undertake.

If you have a central or forced air system, as your furnace blows warm air through the ducts, particles such as dust or debris anywhere in the system can affect your indoor air quality. No matter how clean you keep your home, it’s impossible to eliminate dust and dirt entirely. It is therefore very important that you regularly clean or replace your filter.

If you have a dirty filter, the system will need to run longer to get the same results that a clean system could produce. Your HVAC contractor can also show you how to change the air filter if you are not familiar with this task. Changing the air filter is a quick and easy DIY task that you should perform every one to three months depending on the filter and conditions in your home.

Professional Furnace Maintenance Provide Essential Cleaning

One of the most important things an HVAC professional will do during furnace maintenance is clean the equipment. This is an essential part of a maintenance plan for any heating or cooling system. A thorough cleaning will include the following:

• Clean the combustion chamber
• Removing the dirty oil filter and replaces it with a new one
• Checking the flue pipe
• Cleaning and replacing the air filter

Professional furnace maintenance will include a lot more than a thorough cleaning. Your contractor will also perform the following key tasks:

• Tightening and checking all electrical conduits.
• Measuring the voltage of your motors.
• Lubricating the moving parts for more efficient energy usage.
• Checking the starting cycle and shut-off of the system.
• Checking thermostat settings and operation.

Furnace maintenance is a great time to get a look at how your system is operating. Your technician can alert you to potential problems so that you can replace important parts or make other adjustments to prevent the system from malfunctioning. Your technician may discover that your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, or that some fuses or wires need to be replaced. Getting your furnace serviced, especially in an emergency in the heart of winter isn’t always easy. Preventive maintenance is the best option to ensure your heating system continues to function properly.

When and How Often to Schedule Furnace Maintenance

The best time to schedule furnace maintenance is during fall before you run your heating system for the first time. HVAC specialists are likely to be more available, and it also gives you enough time to ensure that your system is prepared for the winter season. Include this necessary task as part of your annual fall schedule of duties.

A cleaner, well-maintained system will operate better all around. You will enjoy a lower electric bill from an efficient air conditioning system. You can also prevent some major repairs and extend the life of your system.

To learn more about annual furnace maintenance or to schedule an appointment, please contact Carefree Comfort, Inc. at 847-388-0115. We are a family-owned and operated company that has been serving the Highland Park area since 1984. Call us today!

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