Modern heating technology allows us to enjoy comfortable temperatures throughout the fall and winter. However, we sometimes take the technology for granted and fail to properly maintain our heating systems. A little bit of regular maintenance can extend the life of your system, help it operate more efficiently and save on your electric bill. The best part is that the maintenance steps are very easy.
The first thing to consider when servicing your furnace is the air filter. The filter is located within the return air duct and failure to change or clean it on a regular basis allows dirt to build up and obstruct air flow. This leads to higher electric consumption, forces the furnace to work harder and, ultimately, wear out more quickly. You should be replacing your filter roughly once per month during prime heating season but circumstances may dictate more frequent changes. If your home experiences excessive dust such as hardwood floor refinishing or drywall sanding, you might need to replace or clean it more frequently.
If you have a permanent filter, you will need to clean the filter according to the manufacturers instructions. If you have a disposable filter you have several choices. The most budget conscience might select a basic filter, made of spun glass, that only screens out the largest particles. These can purchased for about $2.00 each. On the other end of the spectrum are allergen filters that filter more finely and can be priced upwards of $15.00 each. Visit a home improvement store and research each type to determine what will work best for you.
A second part of your furnace to check is the blower. The blower, as it name implies, causes the air to circulate throughout your home. Before inspecting or working with the blower be sure the furnace is off by flipping the furnace switch. Double check that the unit is off by turning your thermostat to a very high temperature and waiting several minutes.
Once you have confirmed that the unit is off, remove the access panel and inspect the blower and belt. If the they are not obviously damaged or broken, remove any dust or debris on the blower to help your furnace work more efficiently.
By taking these simple steps, you are helping to ensure that your furnace is working at its best and that you will enjoy toasty warm winters from your system for years to come.
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