A new furnace is normally free of trouble and easy to maintain. However, to remain in this condition, you must observe good maintenance practices regularly. Here are some things you should do to keep your furnace in good condition.
Change the Air Filter
Air filters are responsible for keeping the air quality in your home in top condition. These filters do this by preventing allergens and airborne illnesses. However, when air filters gather dust and dirt, their ability to cleanse the air is significantly reduced.
A furnace with dirty air filters works harder to clean the air. This results in high energy costs and inconsistent air temperatures. The solution to this is to change the air filters regularly. Ensure you consult an HVAC technician regularly to determine the condition of your air filters and change them if necessary.
Reduce Your Home's Heating Load
The heat load is the heat required to keep your home warm. When the structural shell of your home is weak, cold air moves in. Consequently, the warm air leaks out. Therefore, you should seal your home's envelope to minimize the heat load.
A furnace technician can help you identify the source of heat loss in your home. The contractor will use infrared cameras and specialized equipment to find your home's weaknesses. The technician will recommend some areas that need improvement. For example, you may be required to seal and insulate ductwork, weatherstrip your doors and windows, and add insulation to the attic.
Inspect the Pilot Light
When diagnosing the condition of your furnace, one of the first things you should check is the pilot light. This light tells you whether the gas is burning properly. A furnace's pilot light should be blue. If the flame is yellow or any other color, it is an indication that there is a problem with your furnace. For example, it could mean there is an excess of carbon monoxide. In this case, you should report this issue to a technician for immediate repairs.
Clean Your Furnace Often
A dirty furnace doesn't produce heat efficiently. Furthermore, if you neglect a dirty furnace, you risk a part of the system breaking. Therefore, another good practice for furnace maintenance is to keep your furnace clean. This not only minimizes heating and energy costs but also prevents the need for unnecessary repairs. The filter system, motor, and blower are the first place you should start when cleaning your furnace. However, if you are unsure how to clean your furnace, contact an HVAC technician for assistance.
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