A home heating emergency occurs when your furnace isn’t working properly. These situations are never pleasant, but many can be avoided if they’re detected sooner.
Turn off your system immediately if you hear an unusual popping sound or notice a sudden dust accumulation. This could indicate a serious problem with your heat exchanger or gas valve and will require an immediate Arvada Furnace Repair.
Check Your Filters
You should check and change your filters at least once a month during winter. A dirty filter will choke off airflow and cause the system to short cycle, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road. You can check if changing your filter is time by removing it and holding it up to the light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time to replace it.
You can either purchase disposable filters or reusable, washable ones. If you’re purchasing a new one, make sure it matches the size of your existing filter. When you’re ready to install it, remember to slide it in with the arrows facing the correct direction. It’s also a good idea to set a recurring reminder on your calendar or phone to remind you to check and change your filters. This will ensure you get the most out of your heating system and improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Make Sure Your Air Ducts Are Clean
One of the most overlooked furnace maintenance tips is keeping your ducts clean. Dirty ducts are full of dust, dirt, and allergens, leading to poor indoor air quality and respiratory problems. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, can help you avoid these issues.
When you schedule your air duct cleaning, technicians will use specialized tools to mechanically agitate and dislodge the debris within your ductwork before using a powerful vacuum to pull it away. Once the ducts are cleaned, they will be inspected to ensure that all contaminants have been removed.
By following these simple furnace maintenance tips, you can help prevent the need for emergency repairs and save money on your energy bills! Make sure to watch for warning signs, like squeaking or scraping noises or noticing that your furnace is cycling on and off more frequently than usual. Then, be proactive and schedule your annual maintenance today!
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Furnaces use fuel to create heat; as a side effect, they produce potentially dangerous fumes like carbon monoxide. To prevent these fumes from entering your home, the furnace must vent them outside through a flue or other ventilation system. Make sure your vents are clear of clothes, toys, and containers that could block airflow. You can also help prevent dangerous fumes in your house by regularly checking to ensure your gas supply isn’t running low.
If you suspect your furnace is leaking fire, shut off the fuel source by turning off the gas valve (the oblong stem should point perpendicular to the inlet pipe) or flipping the main electrical breaker for your home. Open windows to ventilate the area, then call a professional immediately. If you have kids, establish rules about where they can and cannot play, and help them understand that furnaces get very hot and can cause serious burns.
Keep Your Furnace Clean
Keeping your furnace clean helps prevent fires, which can be extremely dangerous. It also helps improve indoor air quality by removing harmful dust particles that can clog important mechanical systems.
If you move into a new home, cleaning the furnace before using it for the first time is important. This includes removing access panels, shutting off power and gas to the unit, and vacuuming inside and around the unit and vent frames.
Establishing a schedule for changing the filters and cleaning the vents throughout the season is a good idea, especially during the fall and winter. It’s also important to ensure children do not play around the furnace, which can be a fire hazard. Make sure that you clear away any flammable materials, such as boxes and gardening supplies, near the unit. Lastly, be sure that the pilot light always glows blue. If it ever glows orange or yellow, this is a sign that the burner or flame sensor is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
