If you’re like most people, you hardly ever think about your home’s furnace. As long it keeps cranking out the heat all winter long, you’re happy to live in blissful ignorance of its inner machinations. And why not? Modern furnaces are quite reliable. Especially when compared to the groaning, fire-breathing behemoths of yesteryear. But did you know that routine post-winter HVAC system maintenance can prolong the life of your furnace and ensure it continues to run as efficiently as it did when it was brand new? Below are some easy tips on how to treat your furnace after a long hard winter spent keeping you and your family cozy and warm.
Keep Your Air Ducts Clean
Dirty, clogged air ducts not only hurt the efficiency of your furnace, they can also be tough on you and your family’s lungs, leading to health problems. This is especially true for people who have asthma or issues with allergies. Spring is great time to inspect ducts for dust and debris that can choke up you and any HVAC system. And if you do find your home has ducts that need cleaning, it’s best to rely on experienced professionals to carry out the work. Both you and your furnace will breathe easier because of it!
Check the Furnace’s Belts and Filter
Belts are responsible for running the blower on your furnace, so it’s a good idea to make sure that they are tight and properly aligned. Check the belts for wear and be prepared to change them if you see significant cracking or thinning. Clean off any dust and debris around the belts and fan blades.
Your furnace’s filter is an essential component of the system and it must be clean to function properly. Check the filter for dirt and debris and if you can’t see through it, it’s time to replace it with a clean new one. The general rule is to replace the filter every six months.
As with other components of your HVAC system, if you are unsure of how to perform filter maintenance, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at it.
Make Sure Your Thermostat Is in Good Working Order
It may seem obvious, but if the brain of your heating system isn’t working properly, then the system as a whole cannot function effectively. In the case of your furnace, the thermostat is the brain.
If you have an electric thermostat, as many people now do, check the battery every spring to make sure it isn’t dying. A fading battery will cause temperature fluctuations that will in turn cause inefficiencies along the whole system. Changing out the battery each spring will keep feeding the furnace accurate information, making sure everything keeps running as efficiently as possible.
Looking for a professional tune-up for your furnace?
After the long winter, spring is a great time to have the experienced professionals at MM Comfort Systems inspect your furnace and HVAC systems. MM Comfort Systems can service your home or commercial building in the Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond or Tacoma area. Call us today at 425.533.9058 for recommendations on your building and to hear about our current specials.
