Buying a new house is an expensive investment. Not only do you have the initial price tag but you are now responsible for all the upkeep, including any repairs. As a new homeowner, it’s overwhelming to think of all the things that could break or go wrong in a new place, like your furnace not working. Furnace repairs or replacement can be quite costly but these 5 tips can help keep your furnace in good working condition.
1. Frequent Filter Changes
Changing furnace filters is one way to help increase the lifespan and efficiency of a furnace. Clean filters allow the furnace to work smoothly by allowing it to effortlessly pull air through the system. Dirty filters force the furnace to work overtime, costing you more money to run the furnace and drastically shortening the life span of the furnace. Keep your utility bills low by keeping your filters clean.
2. Preventative Maintenance
Besides keeping the filters clean, you should also have yearly preventative maintenance done by a licensed technician. Many homeowners are unaware that not having their furnace serviced regularly can void the manufacturer’s warranty. Doing repairs yourself or having someone that is not licensed work on the furnace can void the warranty as well, so be sure to always have a licensed technician service or repair your furnace. Preventative maintenance ensures your system is running smoothly or can catch problems/issues before they become a costly repair.
3. Weatherize
Make sure the weather stripping around your doors and windows are in good condition, replace any cracked or worn weather stripping. If you have a forced-air system check the ductwork and seal any gaps. Adding insulation in the attic will help prevent heat from escaping. Also, if you have a gas furnace make sure that you have a working CO detector.
4. Just Listen
Hearing noises such as popping, banging, or screeching coming from the furnace itself or the vents may indicate there is a problem. You may hear the furnace turning on and off frequently, this is called “short-cycling” and is a problem that needs to be addressed right away. You know what your furnace sounds like from day to day, so if you are noticing any new sounds or sounds that you feel are out of the ordinary, please give us a call and we will have one of our licensed technicians come out and take a look!
5. Don’t Block
You should keep the area around your furnace clean and clutter-free. This allows quick and easy access for regular filter changes or for a technician to service/make repairs as needed. Blocking or covering the supply or return vents reduces airflow, causing your furnace to work harder. Be sure that the exhaust pipes that lead to the outside of the home are clean and free of blockages and debris.
Following these tips can help keep your furnace in tip-top shape. A furnace is not something you should try to fix yourself, even if you find a really helpful YouTube video. If you feel there might be an issue with your furnace, give us a call!
