Talking About Air Ventilation Systems

Three Ways To Reduce Your Likelihood Of A Furnace Breakdown

When the furnace in a home breaks down, there are times at which it was unavoidable due to the failure of a part and other times at which it was completely preventable. As a responsible homeowner, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering the latter scenario by performing an important series of steps that can keep your furnace working properly. You don't need to have any experience with furnace maintenance to brush up on these three simple jobs and get them done during the season you run the furnace. Doing so can prevent you with an untimely furnace breakdown in the future.

Remember To Change The Filter

Make a firm commitment to changing the filter on your furnace regularly. Plan to perform this important task every one or two months; it's a useful tip to write a reminder on your kitchen calendar so you won't forget the job. The frequency with which you change the filter can vary from home to home. In homes with shedding pets, it's better to perform the task closer to every month because pet hair can block the filter. Replacement filters are inexpensive and available at home supply stores. The process of changing the filter varies according to your unit but your owner's manual has clear instructions for you to follow.

Schedule Regular Inspections

It's a good practice to get in the habit of scheduling regular inspections for your furnace. Find an HVAC contractor in your community, such as Bel Air Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, and book one inspection per year. A good practice to adopt is to schedule this appointment shortly before the season in which you begin using the furnace so that it's ready to run when you need it. A furnace inspection can reveal any issues with the unit and allow the technician to repair them before they become significant enough that the furnace quits running. It includes an inspection of the electrical components to ensure they're healthy and a careful look at the unit as a whole.

Clean The Floor Vents

For your furnace to work properly, it needs to be able to pass air unimpeded through the floor vents throughout your home. If these vents become blocked over time due to dust, it can cause a premature breakdown of your furnace. Keep an eye on the condition of the floor vents and when they appear dusty, vacuum them out. The frequency that you should perform this task largely depends on the cleanliness of your home, but it's a good practice to check the vents every few times that you vacuum.


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