Furnace Maintenance: The Ultimate Homeowner’s Guide

As we enter the dead of winter, it’s essential to ensure that your furnace is in optimal working condition. A well-maintained furnace not only provides a comfortable living environment for your family but also saves you money on energy bills and prevents costly repairs in the future. However, many homeowners tend to overlook the importance of furnace maintenance or are not sure how to properly maintain their furnaces. That’s where this guide to furnace maintenance comes in.

In this guide, we will discuss the basics of furnace maintenance, from understanding how your furnace works to performing regular DIY maintenance. We will also provide tips on how to keep your furnace running safely and efficiently, as well as the signs of a furnace in need of repair. Additionally, we’ll cover preventive measures to take to extend the life of your furnace and reduce the need for repairs.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that a furnace can be dangerous appliance if you don’t know what you’re doing. Therefore, if you ever feel unsure, contact a professional to help. With proper maintenance, you can ensure that your furnace is running at peak performance, saving you money on energy bills and providing a warm and comfortable living environment for your family throughout the winter.

How Your Furnace Works

Before you can properly maintain your furnace, you need to understand how it works. A furnace is a heating system that uses natural gas, propane, or electricity to heat your home. The furnace has several components, including the burners, heat exchanger, and blower motor. The burners heat the air, the heat exchanger transfers the heat to the air, and the blower motor blows the warm air through the ducts and into your home.

Annual Furnace Maintenance

The best way to ensure your furnace runs safely and efficiently is to schedule annual maintenance with your team here at Dempsey Energy. During a maintenance visit, a Dempsey Energy technician will inspect and clean your furnace, checking for any potential problems. They will also check the burners and heat exchanger for cracks, and make sure the blower motor is working properly. Additionally, they will check the exhaust and ventilation system. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your furnace and make sure it is running smoothly.

DIY Furnace Maintenance

While annual maintenance is important, there are also steps you can take as a homeowner to maintain and inspect your furnace regularly. Here are a few tips to keep your furnace running smoothly:

• Change the air filter: The air filter in your furnace helps to remove dust and debris from the air. It is important to change the filter every 1-3 months to ensure proper airflow and to prevent the build-up of dust and debris in the furnace.
• Check the thermostat: Make sure the thermostat is working properly and that it is set to the correct temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your furnace to run unnecessarily, resulting in higher energy bills.
• Keep the area around your furnace clear: Make sure there is at least a 3-foot clearance around your furnace to ensure proper airflow and to prevent the build-up of dust and debris.
• Listen for strange noises: If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace, it could be a sign of a problem. Contact a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

Furnace Maintenance Safety Tips

A reason why furnace maintenance is important is that it can harm you and your home if something goes wrong. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly. Make sure your furnace is properly vented and that the exhaust pipe is clear of any blockages.
• Gas leaks: If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the gas company.
• Fire: Keep flammable materials away from your furnace to prevent fires.
• Keep away from children and pets: Keep children and pets away from your furnace to prevent accidents.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

Even with regular maintenance, a furnace may still need repairs from time to time. Here are a few signs that it’s time to call a professional:

Not Heating Your Home Properly 

If you find that some rooms in your home are colder than others, or that the furnace is not maintaining a consistent temperature, it could be a sign of a problem.

Furnace is Making Strange Noises 

Any noises coming from the furnace, such as rattling, popping, or squealing, could indicate a problem.

Furnace is Cycling On and Off Frequently 

If the furnace is turning on and off more often than usual, it could be a sign of a problem with the thermostat or the furnace itself.

Higher Energy Bill 

If you notice an increase in your energy bills, it could be a sign that the furnace is not running as efficiently as it should.

Furnace is Emitting Strange Odors 

Any strange odors coming from the furnace, such as a burning smell, could indicate a problem.

Additional Furnace Maintenance Considerations

While regular maintenance is important, there are also preventative measures you can take to extend the life of your furnace and reduce the need for repairs. Here are a few tips:

• Keep the furnace clean: Regularly cleaning the furnace and its components can help to prevent dust and debris from building up and causing problems.
• Insulate the ducts: Insulating the ducts can help to prevent heat loss and improve the efficiency of the furnace.
• Seal any leaks: Any leaks in the ducts or around the furnace can cause the heat loss and reduce the efficiency of the furnace.
• Upgrade your furnace: If your furnace is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model.

Bottom Line 

Maintaining your furnace is an important part of being a homeowner. By understanding how your furnace works, you can keep your furnace running safely and efficiently. Remember to always keep safety in mind, be aware of the signs of a furnace in need of repairs, and take preventative measures to extend the life of your furnace. For all of your furnace maintenance, repair, and replacement needs, call the Dempsey Energy team today! Don’t forget to check out our Google reviews!