Sure, you may be tempted to put off furnace cleaning and maintenance until winter is in full swing. But by then it may be too late – and you could end up facing expensive repairs. Check out these ten crucial tasks you can’t skip if you want to prepare your furnace for the cold weather ahead!
- Check the air filter. The air filter is one of the most important components of your furnace, and it needs to be checked regularly. A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to – which can lead to premature wear and tear.
- Inspect the blower belt. Another critical piece to your furnace is the blower belt. If it’s worn or frayed, it could snap – which would cause your furnace to shut down.
- Lubricate the moving parts. All the moving parts in your furnace need to be properly lubricated to function correctly. This includes the blower motor, the blower bearings, and the blower shaft.
- Clean the burners. The burners are what generates the heat in your furnace. Over time, they can become clogged with soot and debris – which can reduce their efficiency.
- Inspect the flue pipes. The flue pipes carry away the combustion gases from your furnace. If they’re damaged or obstructed, they could cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak into your home.
- Test the safety switches. Your furnace has several safety switches that are designed to shut it down if there’s a problem. These should be tested regularly to make sure they’re working properly.
- Check the thermostat. The thermostat is what controls the temperature in your home. If it’s not working properly, your furnace may not kick on when it’s supposed to – or it could run longer than necessary, wasting energy and money.
- Schedule a professional tune-up. Even if you do all of the above, it’s still a good idea to have a professional furnace technician come out and perform a tune-up on your furnace once a year. They’ll be able to catch any potential problems and make sure your furnace is running as efficiently as possible.
- Know what to do in an emergency. If your furnace does shut down unexpectedly, it’s important to know what to do. First, try resetting the furnace. If that doesn’t work, check to see if there’s a pilot light out. If there is, relight it following the instructions in your owner’s manual. If you’re still having trouble, call a professional furnace technician right away.
- Keep your furnace clean. In general, it’s a good idea to keep your furnace area clean and free of clutter. This will help promote good air circulation and prevent dust and debris from build-up.
Don’t wait until winter to get your furnace ready – use this checklist to make sure you’re prepared in advance!
Contact Aaron & Trecker Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. For All of Your Heating & Cooling Needs!
Whether you need furnace repair, furnace replacement, or simply a tune-up, Aaron & Trecker Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is here to help. We’ve been proudly serving Long Grove, IL, and surrounding areas for several years, and our team of experienced technicians is ready to help you with all of your heating and cooling needs. Give us a call today at 847-540-9585 or schedule an appointment online. We’re always happy to help!
