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Your HVAC system is among the most essential equipment in your home, as it can make or break your comfort. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure this system runs smoothly. While you can always hire professional furnace maintenance services, there are several DIY tips you can follow to keep your furnace in tip-top shape.
Proper maintenance can save you money on electrical bills and regular maintenance, lengthen the lifespan of your system, and improve your comfort and home safety. In this article, you’ll learn what you can DIY for furnace maintenance and what should be done by a professional HVAC technician.
DIY Furnace Maintenance
When it comes to DIY furnace maintenance, you can handle a few basic tasks on your own.
Regularly Changing The Furnace Filter
Your furnace filter might become clogged by bacteria, dust, dirt, mold, and allergens after using it for some time. A clogged filter reduces airflow, making your furnace work harder. By changing the filter every one to three months, depending on usage, you’ll be able to maintain excellent airflow and improve the efficiency of your furnace. However, it’s a good idea to follow your manufacturer’s recommendation.
Cleaning The Blower Assembly
The blower is responsible for circulating heated air throughout your home. Over time, dust, debris, and mold can accumulate on the blower blades, affecting its performance. Cleaning your furnace blower improves energy efficiency, performance, and air quality. For better results, you can clean your furnace entirely.
Check The Ducts For Any Leaks Or Blockages
Are you experiencing uneven heating, less airflow, and higher energy usage? The culprit can be leaky or clogged ducts. Look for damage on any visible ductwork, such as loose connections or holes. Use duct tape or the proper sealant to plug any leaks. Additionally, ensure no obstacles obstruct the ducts’ ability to circulate air.
Clean The Area Around The Furnace
Ensure that the area around the furnace is clear of any debris or flammable material. Any obstacle near the furnace reduces proper functioning. On the other hand, flammable material poses a fire hazard.
Regularly Check The Thermostat Settings
Checking that your thermostat is set to the desired temperature and functions correctly prevents inconsistent heating and increased energy consumption. Furthermore, one can maintain a comfortable indoor environment with the right temperature.
Confirm The Drive Belt Is In Good Shape
The drive belt transfers energy from the motor to the blower, allowing it to distribute warm air throughout your home. After a certain period of use, the drive belt can become worn or loose, compromising the efficiency of your furnace. So, it’s important to check regularly to ensure the drive belt is in good shape and has good tension.
Lubricate Blowers’ Motor Bearings
Blowers may rotate smoothly thanks to motor bearings, which guarantee excellent airflow. Not lubricating these bearings can lead to excessive wear, friction, and possible motor damage. With proper and routine lubrication, you can increase your furnace’s lifespan and overall efficiency.
Professional Furnace Maintenance Services
Professionals are equipped with knowledge, experience, and specialized tools to ensure your furnace is in optimal condition. You can schedule your HVAC system once a year, specifically in the fall. If need be, you can service it twice per year before the cooling and heating season. Here are certain maintenance tasks that are best handled by a professional:
Thorough Inspection
An HVAC expert examines all the components of your furnace, from the heat exchanger to the burners and ignition system. The main goal is to look for any issues or wear and tear signs that can escalate and lead to a breakdown.
Replace Worn-out Parts
After inspecting your furnace, a professional replaces any worn-out parts. This helps improve the furnace’s performance and prevent existing problems from escalating.
Cleaning Of Internal Components
Even though there are parts you clean, an HVAC technician can clean all internal components, including those you’re unable to clean. They clean out all the dust, dirt, and debris that may obscure your furnace from working optimally.
Inspect All Electrical Connections
After inspecting all components in your furnace, the technician will check the electrical connections and gas line for any loose, faulty wiring or leakage. This helps prevent potential safety hazards and ensures your furnace is reliable.
Lubrication Of Moving Parts
Moving parts, such as bearings and belts, can become dry and cause friction, which leads to wear and tear and, eventually, the breakdown of the component. Lubrication will help minimize this friction and extend the lifespan of your furnace.
Ensure There’s Proper Airflow In The System
One thing that professionals prioritize during maintenance service is checking and ensuring proper airflow throughout the system. Adequate airflow helps in achieving optimal heating and cooling performance and energy efficiency.
On top of all these things, an HVAC technician will advise you on how to keep your HVAC system at its best until the next service day.
Take Away
Your heating and cooling system requires some TLC if you want your indoor quality to be at its maximum. Some tasks you can DIY to keep your furnace in excellent condition include replacing the filter, checking the thermostat settings, and cleaning the blower assembly.
On the other hand, an HVAC professional can inspect your system to ensure proper functioning, clean internal components, and lubricate moving parts. They can also replace worn-out components and ensure the system has adequate airflow.
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