Keeping your home warm is already expensive enough. You don’t want your furnace to work harder than it has to. This can lead to higher energy bills and costly repairs – and in a worst-case scenario – no reliable heating in the coldest temperatures.
This blog will cover five simple home furnace maintenance tips to keep your HVAC system at the top of its game.
Furnace Maintenance Tip 1: Regularly Replace or Clean Air Filters
The first home furnace maintenance “hack” is to replace your air filters regularly – every one to three months is recommended, especially before winter.
Filters are key to improving air quality and energy efficiency. They remove impurities such as dust, smoke and other allergens; promote even heat distribution; help to maintain the right temperature; and prevent debris from damaging internal components.
Over time, it’s common for debris to accumulate, which can lead to overheating and higher energy bills. Regularly replacing an old air filter will keep your furnace in tip-top condition when you need it the most.
Furnace Maintenance Tip 2: Check & Adjust Thermostat Settings
The next home furnace maintenance tip is an often overlooked but simple tweak to maximize heating efficiency.
The thermostat regulates how and when a furnace heats your home. Before the cold winter months, make sure the thermostat settings are calibrated for your schedule. For example, you might want to adjust the temperature when you are at work or asleep. This will improve energy efficiency and reduce heating bills.
Furnace Maintenance Tip 3: Inspect & Clean Furnace Components
Furnace components will get dirty and degrade over time. To keep your HVAC system running efficiently, preventative maintenance is essential – you must inspect and clean it regularly.
Before you start furnace upkeep and repairs, remember to turn off the power supply for safety. You can then:
- Open the blower motor and clean any build-up with a soft brush
- Examine and tighten the belts with a wrench
- Remove soot and debris from the burners with a vacuum
If you are worried about DIY repairs, we recommend calling a professional to carry out a furnace inspection. They will be able to conduct home furnace maintenance to the highest standard – giving you peace of mind year-round.
Furnace Maintenance Tip 4: Ensure Proper Ventilation & Airflow
Next on the furnace inspection list: checking the vents and ducts to see if they need clearing. Any blockages here can restrict airflow through the HVAC system and reduce energy efficiency. It’s not always dirt, either; homeowners can accidentally block entry points with drapes or furniture.
We recommend clearing vents at least once a year as part of your regular home furnace maintenance. To get rid of excess dirt, simply remove the covers and use a vacuum attachment to clean them.
Furnace Maintenance Tip 5: Schedule Professional Furnace Inspections
The best way to keep your HVAC system running safely and efficiently is by scheduling an annual professional furnace inspection. A qualified technician is the best person to identify potential issues before they become major problems while performing much-needed tune-ups and furnace upkeep.
Preventative maintenance is key. You can never be too careful with a system that will keep your family warm and cozy during the coldest months in Canada.
To schedule a furnace inspection, call McMullen’s today at +1 (403) 342-1155 or visit our contact page to request a quote. We serve both residential and commercial furnace and HVAC customers.
