Why Is Furnace Maintenance Important?
Furnace maintenance is a preventive measure to safeguard your heating system and allow it to function effectively. Due to climatic changes, it preferred to schedule these tune-ups at the beginning of spring and fall. This is the most appropriate time frame due to the seasons’ change. Therefore, your heater requires regular tune-ups for maximum operation, efficiency, and reliability at an optimal level.
In this article, we will explain why furnace maintenance is worth it.
Extends the furnace lifeline: Regular tune-ups of at least twice per year will guarantee a large margin extension of furnace life. This results from maintenance and adjustments made during the inspection, which keeps the furnace running better and longer since it prevents wear and tear and also deterioration of moving parts. This can range anywhere between 15 to 20 years if well maintained, allowing someone to get the most out of that investment.
Minimizes the risks of breakdown: Seasonal inspection allows the technician to check all components of the heating system, and this allows the specialist to identify any faulty and unkept parts, which will eventually be addressed to prevent these minor issues from escalating into something drastic such as replacement or complete breakdown of the whole system. This, in return, culminates in fewer system failures and keeps it running at peak performance.
Lower utility bills: A well-maintained furnace will ensure the system runs efficiently, from tightening of electrical connections to gas pressure, condenser and evaporator inspection, lubrication of moving parts, and measurement of airflow, which transpires to less energy usage resulting in a reduced energy bill. Blower components inspection also ensures the circulation of cleaner air which increases the quality of the air in the homes.
Improved safety: Safety is a top priority in any home. Therefore, during maintenance, a comprehensive session is done to review safety features and possible problem areas. This includes; testing safety controls, replacing air filters, and cleaning and adjusting ignition assembly, burner assembly, and heat exchanger. With this, one can heat their homes effectively without worrying about potential safety issues.
A furnace tune-up includes some of the following;
- Checking the fuel lines.
- Checking the thermocouple.
- Testing safety control systems.
- Lubrication of moving parts.
- Cleaning the blower.
- Checking heat exchangers.
- Removing any blockage in the vent system, among others.
Below are maintenance tips for furnaces and heaters;
Heaters
Check Evaporator Coil Drain Pipe and Drain Pan
Ac units have drain pipes leading outside the homes and a drain pan nearby. When high humidity, mold, and algae will build up in the pipe and drain the pan. With time, the molds will potentially clog the pipes. Therefore, it is advisable to drain the pipe and pan to increase efficiency.
Clean the area around the HVAC Unit
The area around the HVAC unit should be cleaned regularly, limbs and bushes cut, sweeping dirt around the area and any item on top of the unit to prevent the entry of debris. If you see debris on or around the unit, a tune-up with max air should be done to remove the debris safely.
Furnace
Inspect the Flue Pipe
It’s important to ensure that the exhaust flue is in an ideal condition, or else it could leak carbon monoxide at the point where the pipe and furnace connect. You can patch any corrosion or hole noticed on the pipe with foil tape and replace the flues later.
Clean the Burner
When the gas is burnt, the burner creates a flame in the furnace, and soot builds up inside the furnace due to combustion. There should be a regular check of the burner for cleaning. Before cleaning, one should ensure that all the power and gas to the furnace have been turned off, then remove the panel cover to access the furnace’s interior and vacuum out any debris or soot accumulated.
Changing Air Filters
Air filters trap dust and dirt; with time, this builds up a lot of dust, becoming less effective. This makes the system strain to blow the air through the dirty filters and use more electricity, increasing the energy cost. Changing the air filters after a few months will increase efficiency and air quality.
In conclusion, furnace maintenance is indisputable since it preserves the system and ensures it’s operating at peak efficiency, saving on cost and wear and tear during operations.
