Preventing Furnace Problems In Your Home
It’s getting colder outside, which means you’re probably getting ready to (if you haven’t already) turn on your furnace. And that brings up a question we hear a lot from our customers- What can I do to prevent furnace problems this winter?
We can’t give you one piece of advice that will *guarantee* you won’t have any issues with your furnace this Winter, but we can give you a list of the things we recommend to keep your furnace in good shape year ‘round. But first:
A Word About Longevity of Furnaces
You should know that most furnaces tend to last between 15- 20 years on average. Eventually, the heat exchanger, from having so many cycles of heating and cooling, can give out due to metal fatigue. That means that the things we recommend to help prevent furnace issues are also the steps you should take to make sure your system is working efficiently and will help it from working or cycling more frequently than necessary, and in general will help your system extend its life. If you do have an older system you have concerns about, give us a call here at Broadley’s and we are happy to come out and inspect it for you.
8 Tips to Prevent Furnace Problems
To keep your furnace, and your whole HVAC system functioning at its best we recommend:
1. Schedule Annual Maintenance
- Have your furnace inspected and serviced by a professional HVAC technician at least once a year. They can clean components, check for wear, and address minor issues before they become major problems.
2. Replace or Clean Air Filters Regularly
- Dirty air filters reduce airflow and force the furnace to work harder, potentially causing damage. Replace or clean filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and type. And if you are having any tile, drywall, painting, or woodwork done to your home, or anything that generates a lot of dust, consider changing your filter when the work is complete.
3. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clean
- Ensure that there’s no dust, debris, or items stored too close to the furnace, which can obstruct airflow or create fire hazards. That helps reduce the risk of fire in your home as well, and makes it much easier to get to the furnace if any repairs or service needs to be made.
4. Check the Thermostat
- Make sure your thermostat is functioning correctly and set to an appropriate temperature. Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat for better efficiency. The new programmable thermostats can also let you monitor and control your system remotely from your smart phone, which can be helpful especially if you forgot to reset the temperature before going away on vacation.
5. Seal Air Leaks in Your Home
- Prevent heat loss by sealing gaps around windows, doors, and ducts. This reduces strain on your furnace and helps it run efficiently. Even draft protectors on the bottom of doors can be helpful!
6. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Regularly check CO detectors to ensure they’re operational. This is crucial for safety if your furnace has a gas or oil burner. And it’s your early warning system if something is going wrong with your furnace. Carbon monoxide can be lethal, so make sure you have this detector in your home!
7. Monitor for Strange Noises or Odors
- Pay attention to unusual sounds or smells from your furnace. Strange smells and noises are something you should definitely get checked out, as they can be symptoms of something more serious, like a failing motor, clogged burners, or gas leaks.
8. Maintain Proper Ventilation
- Keep the furnace’s intake and exhaust vents clear of obstructions like snow, ice, or debris. And that goes for the vents throughout your home if you have central heat and air. Blocked vents can lead to inefficient operation, and blocked outdoor vents can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. If you have a gas- powered hot water heater, make sure those vents are clear too!
Furnace health depends on getting proper ventilation, and proper circulation of air throughout your home. If you make sure all your vents are clear, your filter is changed regularly, and your system gets a health checkup, you can help make your furnace run more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills, and it will simply last longer.
If you need a furnace tuneup or system maintenance, give us a call here at Broadley’s. Our experienced technicians are here to help and make sure your family stays warm this winter!