Regular furnace upkeep can help you avoid costly home repairs down the road. In addition to preventing untimely breakdowns, consistent heating system maintenance can reduce energy usage and keep your monthly bills affordable. Several types of routine maintenance can extend a furnace’s life and lower energy costs.
1. Change Or Clean Your Air Filters
Air filters are the first line of defense against the buildup of dust, dander, and other contaminants in your home’s HVAC system. If you don’t change or clean your filters, they can become clogged and require replacement sooner than expected. The more often you change your air filters, the less you’ll have to spend on new ones. Clean filters can also increase the lifespan of your furnace and reduce energy usage. If you have allergies, changing or cleaning your filters more frequently can help reduce the number of allergens in your indoor environment. Filters collect dust, dander, and other allergens in the air. Frequent filtering changes prevent these contaminants from accumulating on the filter and being recirculated into your home.
2. Rotate Your Furnace’s Ductwork
The ductwork attached to your furnace’s blower wheel distributes heated air throughout your home. Air circulates through the ducts by way of a draft inducer. The draft inducer pulls air through the furnace’s ductwork and pushes it into your home. If you don’t rotate your furnace’s ductwork every one to two years, warm air can collect in the ductwork where the blower wheel is located. Warm air can collect in the ductwork when a furnace is not balanced or when a furnace is installed improperly. This warm air can cause the blower wheel to overheat. If your furnace’s blower wheel overheats, it can break and need to be replaced.
3. Check For Repairs
If you notice signs of wear and tear, you may need to have the ductwork repaired or replaced. If your ductwork is badly damaged, it can reduce the efficiency of your furnace and increase energy usage. The ductwork is responsible for pushing heated air throughout your home. If the ductwork is damaged, warm air may not be distributed evenly throughout the house. Damaged ductwork can also increase your risk of indoor air pollution by circulating contaminants into the air supply.
4. Have Your Burners Serviced
Burners are responsible for igniting the gas that fuels your furnace. During regular furnace conservation, you can have your burners serviced to ensure they are operating properly and ready to handle the next heating season. A furnace’s burners may stop producing flames for various reasons, including debris buildup. If your burners are not producing flames, your furnace will not be able to function. Having your burners serviced can help prevent costly furnace repairs.
5. Check And Change Gas Filters
Gas filters are responsible for trapping contaminants as the gas travels from the natural gas line to your furnace. Contaminants such as dust, dander, and insects can build up on the filters and cause them to clog. If the filters are not changed regularly, they can cause your furnace to stop functioning. An inoperative furnace can lead to high energy bills and home discomfort. Replacing the gas filters during regular maintenance can help prevent a furnace breakdown and reduce energy usage. Regular gas filter replacement can also reduce indoor pollution. A clogged gas filter can circulate contaminants into the air supply, leading to respiratory problems, allergies, and discomfort.
6. Install Programmable Thermostat
While regular furnace maintenance can extend the lifespan of your heating system and reduce energy usage, repairs and adjustments can take several months to affect your utility bills. An energy-efficient thermostat can reduce your furnace’s energy and your monthly bill. Programmable thermostats can be set to automatically adjust your home’s temperature during periods of low energy demand. Lowering your home’s temperature during off-peak hours can reduce your energy usage and utility bills. An energy-efficient thermostat can be installed during regular furnace conservation.
Conclusion
Regular furnace conservation can prevent costly repairs and reduce energy usage. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your furnace and reduce energy usage by increasing efficiency, cleaning debris from the ductwork, and reducing indoor pollution. With a regular maintenance schedule, you’ll be able to identify and correct small issues before they become big problems.
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