Investing in furnace maintenance is something that every homeowner should do. It doesn’t just help in avoiding costly repairs or replacements but also increases the life of the furnace. There are many ways in which maintenance on furnaces can be done, though it can be difficult for a regular homeowner to perform them. This is where the importance of heating contractors comes in.
At McMullen’s Refrigeration & Heating Ltd, we offer various residential and commercial services in Central Alberta and Red Deer. Our technicians are well trained to get the job done right the first time. We also provide 24/7 emergency service for all HVAC, refrigeration or plumbing issues.
Importance of Furnace Maintenance
Heating systems, such as furnaces, control the temperature and facilitate air movement throughout the home while filtering out allergens or dust. They are usually easy to maintain and trouble-free. Negligence in maintenance can result in problems that are costly and even dangerous. These include:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning – This gas is normally formed during incomplete combustion. It is colourless and odourless but deadly in nature. All gas furnaces produce a small quantity of carbon monoxide which is usually vented out; a furnace that isn’t serviced may generate hazardous amounts.
- High-energy bills – Being inactive in the summers can result in a furnace accumulating dust and dirt, affecting its capabilities. Doing a complete equipment tune-up before you start using it in the winter can prevent problems resulting in high energy bills.
- Short lifespan – Replacing your furnace can cost you lots of money; it is advisable to maintain it for efficiency. This is because the interior parts of the equipment are complex and even minute malfunctions can shorten its lifespan.
- Keep your warranty intact – If a licensed heating contractor does not execute the maintenance of your furnace, the manufacturer’s warranty can be voided. This means that you will be completely responsible for the bill if your unit needs maintenance.
Maintenance or Tune-Up Tips for Your Furnace
Ensuring your furnace is at its best will not just avoid unnecessary bills but also help keep you comfortable in cold climates. You can follow this simple checklist for maintenance:
- Clean or replace your filter in time
The filter of your furnace helps in spreading warm air throughout the home. It is usually kept where the return duct is attached to the equipment and separates the particulates (dust, pollen, bacteria and more) from the air before it is heated. When the filter is dirty, the airflow becomes insufficient and functional efficiency is reduced. It should be changed from time to time, depending on its quality. - Ensure that the blower motor is functioning properly
The blower motor operates the fan that drives the movement of air. The heat exchanger of the equipment gets heated by the heating source and then the blower motor moves the air via the heat exchanger. This process distributes the warm air throughout your home. Most furnace blowers provide air for air conditioning systems along with furnaces.
The blower motor has many working parts and it can break down without proper maintenance. A trained and experienced technician can easily identify and repair the issue before any permanent damage occurs. - Keep all flammable objects away from your furnace
Furnaces are normally kept in separate areas such as a basement or a crawl space. This is because they aren’t designed to function with storage containers around them. Ensure that they are kept separate from anything flammable. - Check whether all household vents are free
Adequate air circulation is required for your heating system to work. This means that all the vents in your home should be open and regulated. Make sure that the floor registers are free of debris or dust and consider cleaning the ductwork. - Reduce the heating load of your home
The weaknesses in the structure of your home can allow cold air to seep in and warm air to leak out. An energy audit can help identify the weak spots that need to be sealed up.
Let Us Help
Doing some of the maintenance work on your own is good, but some things are better left with trusting the professionals. Certain issues can have long-term consequences if not fixed properly and result in higher repair or replacement costs. It’s better to have a heating contractor check for system pressure, carbon monoxide, and ventilation leaks.
McMullen’s Refrigeration & Heating Ltd has been providing homeowners with all-inclusive heating services for over 58 years. We strive to ensure 100% customer satisfaction; our employee training policies make sure that our technicians are up to date with industry advancements.
For information on efficiency in your heating and cooling budget, read our blog – How to Save Money and Increase Efficiency in Your Heating and Cooling Budget.
Call us today for further guidance on furnace maintenance.
