It’s tempting to take your home furnace for granted – until it breaks down in the middle of winter! If your furnace requires any kind of repair and maintenance, don’t wait until the cold sets in to take care of it – start planning now!
It’s no secret that furnaces require regular maintenance to operate at their best. But what does that actually entail? How often should it be done? What should you be looking for?
In this ultimate guide to furnace maintenance, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in order to keep your furnace performing smoothly all winter long. So read on – your comfort depends on it!
Furnaces: Bigger isn’t Always Better
A home furnace is an integral part of any home, and it’s important to choose the right one. It is a heat-producing appliance typically installed in a home to provide warmth during the cold winter months.
A bigger furnace does not always mean a better one. In fact, a furnace that is too large can actually be less efficient and end up costing you much more money as time goes on. That’s why it’s important to size your furnace correctly – not too big, not too small, but just right.
Furnaces are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and while a bigger furnace may be tempting, it’s not always the optimum option. A bigger furnace may be more expensive to purchase and operate and may also take up more space.
Understanding the Different Types of Furnaces
Many different types of furnaces are available, and it can be confusing trying to figure out which one you need for your home. Here, we’ll discuss the different types and help you decide which one is right for you.
Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces are the preferred type of furnace on the market. They’re efficient and affordable, and they work well in most climates. Gas furnaces are available in both single-stage and dual-stage models, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces are a viable choice for homes in colder climates. They’re affordable and efficient, and they work well in tight spaces. However, they are less efficient in hot climates and have a higher risk of being overworked or shutting down completely.
Heat Pumps
If you live in a place with no access to natural gas, a heat pump may be the right choice for you. Heat pumps are electric furnaces that extract heat from the surrounding air instead of generating heat, making them more efficient than traditional electric furnaces. Heat pumps are available in single-stage and dual-stage models, just like gas furnaces.
Dual Fuel Furnaces
If you want an affordable furnace that works well in hot or cold climates, a dual fuel furnace may be the right choice for you. These furnaces are powered by both gas and electricity, which means you can choose the fuel source that best suits your needs.
Geothermal Systems
Geothermal systems are also known as “geo-exchange systems.” They work by drawing heat from the earth instead of generating heat, which makes them efficient and eco-friendly. Geo-exchange systems are available in single-stage and dual-stage models.
How A Furnace Works
A furnace is a household appliance that is used to produce heat. The heat is often used to warm up a room in a home or to provide hot water for showers and baths. Furnaces can be fueled by natural propane, gas, oil, or electricity.
The furnace works by blowing air across a heat exchanger. A furnace will also have a filter to help keep the air clean. This air is then used to heat up the rooms in your house. Furnaces rely on a series of filters to clean the air before it’s blown through the ducts. These filters need to be replaced on a monthly basis to keep your furnace running properly.
In addition, it’s important to keep the inside of your furnace clean. The best way to do this is to schedule annual furnace maintenance. This way, your furnace will be ready and working in the event of a cold snap, and you’ll avoid spending time and money trying to get it repaired.
Sounds that Signal your Furnace is Failing
If you hear unusual and strange noises coming from your furnace, it might be a sign that signal your furnace is failing and needs emergency repair. Here are three sounds that could indicate a problem with your furnace:
- Rattling or banging noises. The noise could be an early warning sign that something is blocking the furnace’s airflow, causing damage and increasing your energy bills.
- A humming noise. If you hear a humming noise coming from your furnace, it could mean that the motor is starting to fail.
- A clicking noise. If you hear a clicking noise coming from your furnace, it could mean something wrong with the ignition system.
Multiple issues could cause unusual sounds coming out of your furnace, so before assuming the worst – such as replacing expensive parts – call in a professional to first identify what is causing the problem.
Can a Broken Furnace Contaminate the Air in Your Home?
It is the most frequently asked question regarding furnaces, and its answer is YES; a broken furnace can negatively impact the air in your home. If your furnace is not working properly, it can release harmful pollutants into the air in your home. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and even asthma attacks.
It is important to have your furnace regularly serviced by a qualified technician to prevent this from happening. They will identify any problems with your furnace and fix them before they cause any damage or health problems.
Furnace Maintenance Tips Everyone Should Know
The cause of a furnace failure can be caused by several factors, and numerous measures can be taken to prevent it. Maintaining your furnace is imperative to keeping your home comfortable and safe. Here are some valuable tips to help you get the most out of your furnace:
Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear of Obstructions
In order to ensure your furnace operates at its best, it’s important to keep the surrounding area clear of any obstructions. This means keeping furniture, drapes, and other objects away from the furnace, as well as ensuring adequate clearance on all sides. It will ensure that your furnace has enough airflow and run more efficiently. You should also check for any obstructions in your ductwork, as these can also impact your furnace’s performance.
Regularly Clean Your Filter
One of the most important furnaces maintenance tips is regularly cleaning your filter. A dirty one can impede airflow and cause your furnace to work harder than necessary, leading to decreased efficiency and higher energy bills. It may be possible to clean filters with a vacuum or brush, while others may need to be replaced entirely.
When cleaning it, be sure not to damage it. If you can’t get your filter clean anymore, replace it with a new one. It’s better than trying to salvage an old, dirty filter that has become damaged.
Inspect Furnace and Ductwork for Leaks
Periodically inspecting your furnace and ductwork for leaks can help ensure efficient operation and prevent potential problems down the road. Look for any leaks and fix them as soon as possible. Sealing up any leaks can help improve your furnace’s efficiency and reduce your energy bills.
Vacuum Around the Furnace
An easy way to maintain your furnace is by vacuuming around it. This will help keep the dust and dirt from building up and clogging the vents. Make sure to use a vacuum with a hose attachment to get into all the nooks and crannies. You can also vacuum the furnace filter to help maintain it.
This is a great practice for two reasons: It will keep your breathable air as dust-free as possible and your heating system as efficient as possible by maximizing airflow.
Use a Programmable Thermostat to Save Energy
Using a programmable thermostat is a smart solution to save energy and money. You can save up to 10% on your heating bill by adjusting your thermostat to just 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day.
A programmable thermostat lets you choose and adjust different temperatures at specific times of the day, so you can save energy while you’re at work or asleep. For example, you can set the temperature to be higher when you’re at work and lower when you’re home.
Schedule a Yearly Tune-up With a Professional Technician
It’s essential to have your furnace inspected and tuned up by a professional technician at least once a year. During this tune-up, the technician will clean and inspect your furnace to make sure everything is in good working order. They will also adjust any settings as needed to help ensure optimal performance.
If you don’t schedule a yearly tune-up, there’s a good chance that eventually, your furnace will start to malfunction. This could lead to hefty repairs or even a replacement. So it’s definitely worth it to schedule a yearly tune-up with a professional technician.
Have a Backup Plan if there is a Power Outage
Having a backup plan is always important, especially when furnace maintenance. In case of a power outage, make sure you have a strategy so that you can still keep warm and comfortable in your home. Here are a few tips for creating a backup plan:
- If you are using a fireplace, be sure you have enough firewood to last through a power outage.
- If you own a generator, it is critical to know how to operate it properly.
- Keep a list of emergency contact numbers handy in case you need to call for help.
If you don’t have any backup plan, your furnace could stop working, and you could end up with a costly repair bill.
Replace Your Furnace if It’s More Than 10 Years Old
If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace it. Furnaces older than this tend to break down more often and are less energy efficient.
Although furnaces can last up to 15 years, they generally need to be replaced every 10 years. Not only will a new one be significantly energy-efficient, but it will also help keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long.
When it’s time to buy a brand new furnace, be sure to check out the latest models available today and consult with a professional to find the best option for your home.
Start Proper Maintenance of your Furnaces Today
Your furnace requires periodic maintenance just like any other piece of home equipment. By planning ahead and taking care of small issues before they turn into big ones, you can avoid an expensive repair bill or a cold winter without heat!
If you’re not sure what kind of maintenance your furnace needs, or if it’s been a while since the last check-up, consult with a qualified HVAC technician. The professionals can help you choose the right model for your home and needs.
Greetings, I’m Dallas. I’m a small business owner living in Winnipeg, MB, Canada and operate Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg: Heating Cooling Sewer & Drain.
Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg plumbing, heating, cooling is a small family owned and operated business since 1980. We pride ourselves on quality work completed by licensed technicians. We believe our outstanding customer service sets us apart from other Winnipeg residential plumbing, heating and cooling companies. Experience the difference and be a part of the Lynn’s family! “We provide comfort at your door!”
Services we provide:
– HVAC repair, – AC repair & install, – Furnace repair & install, – Hot water tanks, – Water heaters, – Clogged drains & sewage, – Plumbing
Areas we serve:
Winnipeg, Oakbank, Beausejour, La Salle, Ile Des Chênes, Stonewall, Niverville, Gimli, Ste. Francois Xavier, Landmark, Selkirk, Steinbach, Stony Mountain, Winnipeg Beach, Lorette & More!
