Spring is almost here. With the new season comes warmer temperatures, which means you will no longer be needing your furnace to heat your home. However, you cannot simply leave the equipment unchecked and sitting in the corner the entire time. To make sure you still have a well-functioning furnace once the next heating season arrives, you need to provide the regular care and maintenance your unit needs.
Here are a few helpful tips to care for your heater this spring:
Image by Aleksey Kutsar
Switch off the pilot light
Before you turn your attention to your air conditioner this spring, make sure to properly turn off your heater first. If you have a furnace that uses a pilot light, switching it off this hot season would be the right thing to do. Letting the pilot light burn when your furnace is not in use can waste energy in your home. If you are not familiar with the procedure, you can always ask a qualified technician to do it for you.
Clean the unit
Regular cleaning is key to preserving the good working condition of your furnace. Dirt and dust can still build up on your furnace even when it is turned off. That can wear down the parts and cause the early deterioration of your unit. Experts recommend cleaning your furnace any time the season changes.
Change the filters
Changing the air filters is very easy to do. Yet, it can hugely impact the operation of your unit. When your furnace filter is clogged with dirt and dust, it can slow down the flow of air and force the system to work harder, consuming more energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using clean air filters can help reduce your HVAC’s energy consumption by 5 percent to 15 percent. To make sure the filters are good to go once you start using your furnace again, remember to replace it every 90 days.
Clear the surrounding area
Maintaining your furnace includes cleaning the area surrounding it. If you have a small space, you may be tempted to store some of your house items near the unit. That would be unsafe for your HVAC system and home. As a general recommendation, your furnace must have at least 30 inches of clearance on all sides.
Repair faulty parts
Waiting for the next heating season before you repair your furnace can cost you a lot of money. By the time you call a repair technician, the minor furnace issue could have already escalated into an expensive full-blown breakdown. Prevent this situation from happening by calling for a professional heating repair at first sight of the problem.
Talk to your trusted local HVAC contractor today
Are you having any problems with your heating system at home? If yes, do not hesitate to report it right away to a licensed and skilled HVAC company in your local area. Addressing furnace repair issues before they get worse can help save you a lot of money. Before putting your heating equipment to rest this spring, make it a point to have it professionally checked first for any potential damage. Call the pros now!
