5 Tips For Maintaining Your Furnace Before The Winter Season

The furnace is an important component of any home. It plays a vital role when the cold season sets in. So, one must ensure that it is well maintained to help it deliver maximum heat during the winter months. Besides, it must deliver heat without releasing harmful gasses into the environment. Also, the furnace must be maintained often for optimal results. It prevents it from releasing harmful substances into the indoor air. Here are tips to maintain your furnace to ensure consistent heating and cooling.

1. Start the maintenance early

Waiting for the cold period to set in before you carry out routine maintenance could be catastrophic. The furnace may fail to work as anticipated. This could make life difficult for members of your family. Luckily, it can be avoided if you take a proactive approach. Here, you can choose to start the maintenance when it is still warm. Perform a visual inspection of the unit to detect obstruction in air flow. Also, look at the venting pipes and how they are angled. Ensure that the drainage tubes are fastened securely. Also, take your time to check and smell around the gas line. If you detect a rotten egg smell, know that there is a leak that needs to be fixed. It will give you more time to discover the points of weakness and carry out the repairs in a timely manner.

2. Clear the drainage

As the propane and furnace heat up, they produce droplets of water. Some of these droplets may be blown into the exhaust and make the drainage clog. Also, when the manifold is filled with water, the system may shut itself down. Fortunately, this can be cleared by blowing air through the pipe. After blowing, you should remember to pour some vinegar through the pipe. It helps in preventing buildup over time.

3. Inspect the chimney

Carbon monoxide could build up in the chimney and make it to the lungs of small animals. Therefore, allow a professional to inspect the unit periodically to remove the buildup. When you let dirt, dust, and debris to accumulate in the chimney, it becomes inefficient. So, to avoid this ensure that all the dirt is removed before the winter sets in. Use a brush to loosen and remove some of the debris. You may also need to use a portable vacuum to remove the dirt.

4. Let a technician inspect the heating system

Inspecting the furnace and ensuring that it can operate safely is essential. A competent technician should inspect the unit regularly. If they suggest repairs, you should comply or it could be a costly mistake. It reduces frustration and makes the furnace to operate efficiently. Also, it reduces the costs of fixing the furnace.

5. Change filters

Changing the filters ensures that the furnace operates optimally. It enhances its performance and longevity. Besides, it keeps the energy bills low.

Of course, there are many other tips you could use to ensure that the furnace is up and running before winter sets in. But the furnaces, the drainage, and the chimney must be checked regularly. Ensure they are operating optimally.