Furnace maintenance is essential for lowering heating costs and maintaining furnace performance. Many homeowners are hesitant to invest in furnace maintenance services, but this investment can save homeowners money in the long run
If a furnace is rattling or banging, this could be a sign of mechanical problems. Other symptoms may include the pilot light going out or unusual smells.
Check the Filter
The furnace filter is an important component of the home heating system. At its most basic level, the filter helps to improve indoor air quality by catching and trapping contaminants. The filter medium, usually spun fiberglass or pleated cloth, collects and holds particulates that would otherwise clog up critical elements of your heating system.
Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing your equipment to work harder to maintain its normal capacity. This wastes energy and increases your utility bills.
Check your filter monthly and change it when needed. Write a reminder on your family calendar or put a Post-it note on the thermostat to do so. Also, select a high-quality filter with a MERV rating that matches your HVAC system. Low-quality or incorrectly sized filters will reduce the performance and life of your system.
Clean the Furnace
The furnace is a workhorse that often gets ignored, but the home needs it for warmth and comfort. The best way to keep the furnace in top condition is to regularly perform basic furnace maintenance in Portland.
During furnace maintenance, the technician will inspect and clean the unit. Dirty pilot lights and other issues will prevent the furnace from functioning properly. This includes a visual inspection of the team, checking for lint and debris in the combustion blower, and ensuring all components are working correctly.
Furnace cleaning also helps improve your home’s air quality. The furnace’s dirt, dust, and soot can be blown into your house and cause respiratory problems. The technician will also check for leaks or cracks in the flue, which could release dangerous carbon monoxide into your home. This allows the technician to catch any problems and repair them before they worsen. This keeps your home safe and reduces your energy bills.
Check the Gas Lines
Whether you use propane or natural gas for your furnace, the line that supplies this fuel needs to be in good condition. When this isn’t the case, the result can be dangerous.
If you notice a rotten egg or sulfur-like smell in the area of your home where these lines run, that indicates a gas leak. This is extremely dangerous and needs to be addressed immediately. If inhaled in high concentrations, natural gas can cause fires and explosions and poison your body.
A gas line inspection should include checking for dents, cracks, or dislocated sections. This will help prevent a serious leak that can be fatal. It will also ensure all gas appliances are properly connected to the line. In addition, regular maintenance and cleaning will help prolong the life of your gas line system. It will also prevent unnecessary energy bills and costly repairs. Often, a manufacturer or extended warranty will become void when your furnace is not regularly serviced.
Check the Thermostat
While a furnace can be very reliable, knowing that the unit is working properly is important. When a furnace gets neglected, it can start to work inefficiently. This is a sure way to increase your energy costs and can cause other issues with the system.
Before you turn on your furnace, checking the thermostat is a good idea. You can do this by turning off the breaker and removing the cover to expose the wires. You will see that there are terminals that are labeled R (red), W (white), Y (yellow), and G. Then, you can use a multimeter or your smartphone to ensure the wires are attached to their respective terminals and have power.
Also, take a portable indoor thermometer and compare it to your thermostat. If there is a difference in readings of more than 3 degrees, it could be a problem that affects the thermostat’s accuracy and function.
