As the summer slowly ends, most homeowners are looking forward to their winter home maintenance lists. It’s never too early to start preparing your home for the oncoming cold weather. Taking action now to get your furnace in top shape can help you avoid emergencies when you need your system the most.
No one wants to have to call in a maintenance technician when the heat goes out in the middle of winter. Keeping up with your general furnace maintenance will ensure that your system runs efficiently and safely. You can take care of the maintenance yourself or call in the pros like the experts at Airmakers.ca. Let’s take a closer look at a few ways to prep your furnace for a cold winter.
Clean Around the Furnace
During the summer, when your furnace is not in use, the room where the furnace is kept is usually used as a storage room. The furnace is usually covered with stored items, and the whole room is cluttered.
Clean the area around the furnace and move all the items that are placed near or against it. You should vacuum your furnace's exterior surface to remove dust and cobwebs. It is important to ensure that all the pilot lights are visible on the furnace.
Duct and Vent Cleaning
When the furnace is turned on, the hot air is blown out through the ducting or vents. There is, therefore, a need for these openings to be clean and free of obstructions at all times.
Check each vent to see what may be causing a blockage by wiping the exterior of the vent. If you look inside the vents, you might find small toys and other things. Make sure the air is blowing freely by removing these obstructions.
Change the Filters
The furnace filter removes dirt during air intake. Regular cleaning of the filter is necessary. Do not ignore this task if you have been putting it off. You will run a much higher energy bill if your furnace has a clogged filter. Filters can be cleaned or replaced easily. Make sure the furnace area is thoroughly vacuumed. Locate the furnace's access panel, usually on its lower side or front. Always turn off the furnace before you open this service panel.
Some furnaces require a screwdriver to unscrew the panel, but most only need the panel pulled out. An inserted rectangular mesh or screen will be visible after removing the panel. Clean the mesh by sliding out this frame. Replace the cardboard or paper filter if it is old.
Lubricate Bearings
There are many moving parts in older furnace models that require oiling. Your furnace will not work efficiently if the bearings are not oiled regularly, which may lead to costly repairs.
Find the oil caps over the bearing shafts for lubricating the bearings. Avoid over-oiling these bearings, as it can cause a fire hazard.
Check the Fan Belt
Check the tension and condition of the blower belt or fan belt in your furnace. A loose belt will increase the amount of power or gas your furnace uses to heat your rooms. The air handler cover must be unscrewed to access the belt. Make sure the belt is not frayed or cracked. It's not easy to check the belt's tension, but you can ensure it doesn't deflect more than three-quarters. You'll need to tighten it if it's loose.
Once you take care of these easy-to-do maintenance chores, you and your furnace will be ready for a comfortably warm winter.
