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Did you know that most furnace problems are avoidable? The furnace is one of the most important components in your home, especially during winter. With the help of a good heating and AC repair expert in Cleveland, TN, you can keep your furnace in great condition for use when you really need it. A well-maintained system will ensure that you enjoy the maximum heat output while enjoying energy efficiency and minimizing harmful emissions. Without the right maintenance, your furnace may end up being costly to run.
Putting in some of your time and money to get the help of your heating and AC repair expert for maintenance can go a long way. The following are some of the most helpful tips to keep your furnace in good condition for a long time.
1. Professional Maintenance
Getting professional maintenance is the best way to ensure that your furnace remains in its best working condition for a long time. Your heating and AC repair expert will inspect your furnace for operational problems. They can take care of issues if any before they get out of hand. Schedule furnace maintenance at least once every year. It is the best way to prevent breakdowns and minimize operational costs.
2. Keep All Household Vents Free
Your furnace cannot work properly if there is poor circulation of air in your home. Check to ensure that the vents are all clear and in good working condition. A blocked vent interferes with the flow of air in your house and ultimately shortens the lifespan of your furnace.
3. Keep Your Furnace in a Clean Area
The area where you place your furnace should always be clean. It should be easy to access and free of dirt, dust, and debris.
4. Your Air Filter Must Be Clean
A dirty air filter may not seem like a threat to your furnace but it is. Many furnace breakdowns could have been avoided if homeowners changed their air filters. Your heating and AC repair technician should inspect your air filters at least once every month.
With furnaces, the goal of your air filter is to protect your furnace rather than your air quality. Modern filters are designed to optimize air quality. However, the blower sucks in air at a high speed and it can easily suck in high amounts of dirt and dust.
Dirt and other particles in your home can damage your furnace since your system has to work harder than it should. A dirty filter can cause serious problems such as short cycling, freezing coils, and overheating.
5. Check Pilot Lights on Older Furnaces
If your furnace is older, check the pilot light occasionally to make sure that it is burning bright blue. If the color is different, your furnace may be inefficient. Ask your heating and AC repair technician to inspect it and determine the problem. In some instances, you may need to get a newer furnace model.
6. Let Your Air Registers Breathe
If your air registers are blocked, it may be difficult for your furnace to heat your home effectively. Always make sure that your air registers are away from furniture and anything that may close or block them.
7. Ensure That Your CO Detectors Are Working
Co detectors are helpful as they can warn you in case of a carbon monoxide leak in your furnace. The leak can be life-threatening to the members of your household. Always test your CO detectors to ensure that they are working well.
8. Administer Eye Tests
Give your furnace a visual test before you start working on it. If you have a gas furnace, the venting pipe must be fastened and angled properly. Check to ensure that other tubes have been securely fastened as well.
9. Avoid Blocking Outdoor Exhaust Pipes
Highly efficient gas furnaces have exhaust pipes that lead outside the home. Check to ensure that the pipes are not blocked. If anything is blocking the pipes, it may compromise their efficiency and safety.
10. Ensuring That Your Blower Motor Works Well
Check the blower motor of your furnace to ensure that it is working well. The blower motor is responsible for driving the fan that facilitates air movement. The heating elements of the furnace continue to heat the exchanger until it achieves the right temperature. After that, the blower motor will push air through the furnace’s heat exchanger. The warmed-up air is then distributed throughout the home.
Furnace blowers are not only responsible for airing the furnace but also giving air to the air conditioning system. If you suspect that your furnace’s blower motor may not be working, consider getting help from your heating and AC repair technician. Some signs to look out for include a shrill or humming noise.
11. Minimize Your Heating Load
Try to reduce the heating load in your home as much as possible. Any structural faults may allow cold air in and warm air out of your home. Lo out for causes of heat loss and address them. Consider working with a heating and AC repair contractor who may perform an energy audit and inform you about existing weaknesses.
12. Don’t Place Flammable Objects Close to Your Furnace
If there are any flammable objects around your furnace, get rid of them. Furnaces are not designed to work in close proximity to large storage containers, gasoline, paint, clothes, or other flammable items. If you are uncertain about where to place your furnace, get the opinion of professional heating and AC repair experts.
Heating and AC repair take up a lot of money. They may be some of the biggest energy expenses in any home. Furnaces account for up to 45% of energy bills in an average American family. It, therefore, makes sense to care for them to keep them efficient and in good working condition for a long time. If you are looking for a repair technician in Cleveland, TN, consider working with Metro Plumbing and Air. We are a family-owned and operated business with over 30 years of experience. Contact us today and enjoy 24/7 services.