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Everything You Need to Know About Furnace Maintenance
Posted On: November 7, 2024
Maintaining your furnace is crucial for keeping your home comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient, especially during the colder months. Regular furnace maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns, lower energy bills, and extend the lifespan of your system. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to take care of your furnace and what to look for in professional services.
1. Why Furnace Maintenance Is Important
Furnaces need regular upkeep to perform optimally. Neglecting maintenance can lead to higher utility bills, reduced efficiency, and an increased risk of breakdowns. Proper care helps:
- Extend Furnace Lifespan: Regular tune-ups prevent wear and tear, helping the furnace last longer.
- Reduce Energy Costs: Clean, well-maintained furnaces use less energy, which can lower heating bills.
- Improve Air Quality: Clean filters and ducts reduce dust, allergens, and pollutants circulating in your home.
- Ensure Safety: Regular checks can catch issues with gas leaks or faulty connections, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. Signs Your Furnace Needs Maintenance
Some signs indicate your furnace may need maintenance or repair. Look out for:
- Strange Noises: Banging, rattling, or whistling sounds can indicate mechanical issues.
- Weak or Inconsistent Airflow: This can result from a clogged filter or a failing blower.
- Increased Heating Bills: If bills are rising without a reason, the furnace may not be operating efficiently.
- Frequent Cycling: A furnace that turns on and off too frequently may have a thermostat or sensor issue.
- Yellow Pilot Light: A yellow or flickering pilot light can indicate a gas leak or ventilation issue.
3. DIY Furnace Maintenance Steps
Some basic maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners to keep the furnace in top shape. Here’s a checklist:
- Replace the Air Filter: Change the filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage and air quality.
- Check the Thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is working properly, and consider a programmable one to save on energy.
- Clean the Furnace Area: Keep the area around the furnace clear of dust, debris, and flammable materials.
- Inspect Vents and Ducts: Make sure all vents are open and unobstructed to allow proper airflow.
- Clean the Blower and Motor: Check and clean the blower fan and motor to prevent dirt buildup.
4. Professional Furnace Maintenance Services
Hiring a professional HVAC technician at least once a year is a good idea. Here’s what you can expect from a professional furnace maintenance service:
- Thorough Cleaning: Technicians clean the blower, motor, and other internal parts, improving efficiency.
- Lubrication of Moving Parts: Reduces wear and tear on components like the blower motor.
- Inspecting the Heat Exchanger: Professionals check the heat exchanger for cracks or other signs of damage to avoid gas leaks.
- Testing Electrical Components: Ensures that all wires, fuses, and connections are safe and functioning properly.
- Gas Line and Pressure Checks: For gas furnaces, professionals inspect the gas line and test for leaks.
5. How Often Should You Service Your Furnace?
The general recommendation is to have your furnace inspected and maintained at least once a year, ideally before the heating season starts. This can prevent last-minute repairs and give peace of mind that the system will perform when you need it.
6. Tips for Choosing a Professional Furnace Maintenance Service
When looking for an HVAC professional, consider these tips:
- Check Credentials: Ensure they’re licensed and certified.
- Read Reviews: Look for positive reviews and satisfied customers.
- Ask About Warranties: Reputable companies usually provide warranties for their services.
- Get a Detailed Quote: Before committing, get a written estimate and understand what services are included.
7. Common Furnace Problems to Watch Out For
Even with regular maintenance, furnaces can encounter issues. Some of the most common problems include:
- Pilot Light Issues: Often caused by a faulty thermocouple or a draft.
- Blower Issues: A blower that runs constantly or not at all can result from a faulty relay switch.
- Thermostat Malfunctions: Can cause uneven heating or frequent cycling.
- Dirty or Clogged Filters: Reduce airflow and can cause the furnace to overheat.
8. Safety Tips for Furnace Maintenance
- Check for Carbon Monoxide: Install carbon monoxide detectors and test them regularly.
- Turn Off Power Before Servicing: Always disconnect power to the furnace before cleaning or changing parts.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Gas furnaces need adequate ventilation for safety.
Conclusion
Regular furnace maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, reduces costs, and ensures safety for your household. By combining simple DIY upkeep with professional annual inspections, you can extend the life of your furnace and keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Jan 9, 2016
I was referred to Twintech by a neighbour and was not disappointed. Not only was the customer service excellent their workmanship was second to none. Greg and Grant work extremely clean covering the pathway to the furnace room, labeling the essential parts, left the area spotless and were efficient. They cleaned up the mess left by the previous installers (wiring, improperly installed AC coil, and gaps in venting etc). They also ran through the operation of the new furnace and gave me some maintenance tips. Greg and Grant are professional and all around good guys. I will definitely recommend their service to anyone without hesitation.
Dec 18, 2015
Very satisfied with service from Twintech , beginning with all the information provided by Dave , which helped make the decision much easier . Installation was very smooth & done on time as promised & cleanup was well done . Would definitely recommend this company & use them again for any future needs . Well done.
Sep 18, 2015
Twintech Heating & Cooling Inc. came in and replaced my 39 year old furnace with a beautiful Napoleon variable high efficiency furnace! Their work was efficient and professional and they were a pleasure to deal with, from sales to installation! I would highly recommend them.
May 6, 2015
After receiving numerous quotes to replace my old furnace and AC unit (which was 20 years old) I went with Twintech. Dave, in sales, answered questions professionally and promptly and worked diligently in order to secure my business. Installation was scheduled the week after and Greg and Peter showed up, as scheduled, and did a fine job installing both units. The site was left tidy and neat. I would highly recommend Twintech for your furnace and AC work.
Dec 17, 2014
I chose TwinTech because they installed my new furnace a few years ago and did a great job. When they installed my new A/C, they replaced all parts -- the copper pipes, the housing on top of the furnace and the wiring. (Apparently, the wiring for my old A/C was insufficient.) Their pricing was competitive. The sales representative came to see me within a few hours of my call. My new A/C was installed a few days later and I couldn't be happier with Twintech's professionalism and work. I would recommend TwinTech to any homeowner.
Feb 3, 2014
Had a great experience with this company. Great price and great customer service. You wont be disappointed with twintech. Discussed the job with Greg while he was installing who was extremely informative and obviously enjoys the work he does.
Mar 31, 2014
I needed my AC unit relocated due to upcoming landscape work. I reached out to the Twintech team through Homestars. Dave connected with me immediately to discuss the project and various options. We decided the best option was to mount the unit on the wall. Greg was in touch with me the same day as well and we scheduled the work for later that same week. This was a small job so I did not think I would get immediate attention. The Twintech team exceeded my expectations in every respect. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. The team arrived exactly on time on the scheduled day and worked efficiently to get the job done quickly. I would definitely use Twintech again for any Heating and AC projects.
Jan 1, 2015
I have used Greg Dainty for over 15 years in 3 different homes, for heating, cooling, pool heaters, appliances and bbq lines. Greg has always been so professional, friendly and the workmanship nothing short of fantastic. Greg has always discussed my options and fixing versus replacing, giving his honest opinion and what works best for me cost effective wise and long term. I have valued his opinion so much and have not trusted my gas needs with anyone since using him. I have also referred him to many of my friends and family and have always been so thankful with how well and quickly he looks after us all. I hold Greg in the highest regard and would recommend him to anyone with complete confidence!
Jan 1, 2015
Really nice honest guys. It was a pleasure to do business with a company that does exactly what they say theyre going to do! My basement was cleaner after they installed my new furnace and AC. Thanks again Greg and Grant and for doing such a great job.
Jan 1, 2015
5 star service!! I had twin tech install a high efficiency furnace and hot water tank at my home. I am taking time to write this review as a thanks for what I viewed as next level service that went above and beyond. Prior to installation they explained my specific options without pushy sales tactics and up front costs. Greg and Grant replaced a large portion of the duct work (built in their own shop) that had rusted over the years which resulted in a great looking job. It was a pleasure to work with people are passionate and take pride in their work. Following the installation they explained all aspects and maintenance of the new equipment. Products have worked flawlessly. Thanks again Greg and Grant! Highly recommend!!
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