As the leaves change color and the weather cools down, it’s time to start thinking about furnace maintenance. Here are some tips to help make sure your furnace is in good working order for the winter.
Furnace Maintenance: Check the air filter
The air filter is one of the essential parts of your furnace and is also one of the easiest to check. Every month or so, look at your air filter and ensure it’s not dirty or clogged. A clean air filter will help your furnace run more efficiently and prevent problems down the road.
If your air filter is dirty or clogged, replace it with a new one. It’s essential to choose the right size air filter for your furnace. Check your furnace’s manual or ask a professional to determine what size you need.
Once you have the right size, replacing the air filter is easy. Just remove the old one and insert the new one in its place. Ensure the air filter is securely placed before turning on your furnace.
If you’re unsure how to change your air filter or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, contact a professional HVAC technician for help. They can inspect your furnace and change the air filter for you.
Furnace Maintenance: Inspect the blower belt
The blower belt is another essential part of your furnace that should check regularly. If the belt is frayed or cracked, it could cause problems with the blower motor. Every few months, look at the waistband and ensure it’s in good condition. If it needs to be replaced, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another component of your furnace that you’ll want to keep an eye on is the blower motor. This part is responsible for circulating air throughout the system.
Over time, the engine can become overloaded and overheat. If this happens, it can cause severe damage to your furnace. To prevent this from happening, make sure to have the motor checked regularly by a professional.
The heat exchanger is another essential part of your furnace that should inspect regularly. This component is responsible for transferring heat from the combustion chamber to the rest of the unit. If there are any cracks or damage to the heat exchanger, it could cause problems with your furnace’s efficiency. To avoid this, have the heat exchanger checked by a professional every few years.
Lubricate the blower motor:
The blower motor is a vital part of your furnace and needs to be kept lubricated to work correctly. You can purchase a furnace-specific blower motor oil at most hardware stores. Simply apply a few drops to the motor every month to keep it running smoothly.
If your furnace starts making strange noises, it could be a sign that the blower motor is going bad. If you notice a rattling noise, it could mean that the motor’s bearings are starting to wear out. A grinding noise may indicate that you must replace the motor’s brushes. In any case, it’s best to have a professional inspect and repair the problem as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your furnace.
Test the thermostat:
The thermostat is what controls your furnace, so it must be working correctly. Once a month, test the thermostat by setting it to a different temperature and ensuring the furnace turns on and off as expected. If it doesn’t, it may be time to replace the thermostat.
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it. New furnaces are much more efficient than older models, so you’ll save money on energy bills. You may also want to consider upgrading to a unique model if your furnace isn’t working as well as it used to.If you’re unsure whether your furnace needs to be replaced, call a professional for an inspection. They can help you determine whether a new furnace is the best option for your home.
Schedule an annual tune-up:
Even if you don’t have any problems with your furnace, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a professional every year. An annual tune-up will help keep your furnace running efficiently and catch any problems before they become serious.
During a furnace tune-up, a technician will clean the furnace and all its parts. They’ll also check the furnace’s operation to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently. If they find any problems, they can fix them before they cause more significant issues.
If you’ve been having problems with your furnace, or if it’s been a while since it was last serviced, it’s a good idea to schedule a tune-up as soon as possible. Waiting too long to service your furnace can lead to more severe problems down the road. And if you’re not sure when your furnace was last serviced, you can check the manufacturer’s website or contact a local HVAC contractor. They’ll be able to tell you when the furnace was last serviced and if it’s due for another tune-up.
Following these simple tips, you can keep your furnace in good working order for many years. AM Heat Cool is a local Tucson air conditioning company specializing in AC maintenance and repair. We are here to help you keep your AC unit running all year correctly. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a service appointment.
