For residents of Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Westminster, Colorado, keeping their HVAC systems…
The Average Homeowner’s Guide to Furnace Maintenance Part 1
Your furnace is one of the most important parts of your home, so it’s important to keep it running smoothly. You don’t need to be an expert to do this—there are many simple things you can do to help.
Even if you’re unfamiliar with how furnaces work or what’s behind the doors, there are easy ways to keep them running properly. Some simple steps can help ensure your furnace stays in good condition and doesn’t break down when you need it most.
Part 1 of this blog will focus on four furnace maintenance tips that even the average homeowner can do. Here are some ways you can keep your furnace operating at peak efficiency:
1. Change Your Air Filter
One of the best ways to keep your heating and cooling system running efficiently is to change your furnace filter regularly. A dirty air filter can block airflow through your heating system, making it harder for the fans in your blower unit to move the air needed to heat your home.
Filters are important for keeping your home’s air clean. They remove dirt, dust, mold, and allergens from the air. Over time, filters get dirty and lose their effectiveness. It’s important to replace dirty filters with new ones to keep your home’s air clean.
If you want cleaner air to breathe, high-quality filters are a great way to get it. Whether you have pets or live in an area with a lot of pollen, dust, or other airborne pollutants, filters can make a big difference in the air you breathe.
2. Clean Around and Inside Your Furnace
It’s important to keep the area around your furnace clean so that the inside of the furnace doesn’t get dusty and dirty. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will help keep the inside of the furnace clean. Make sure to store any chemicals or cleaners away from your furnace, as they can spread throughout your home.
You can complete the task of cleaning the blower motor and fan of your furnace if you are feeling up to it. Before removing the panel that accesses the blower, be sure that the circuit breaker to the furnace is turned off and the gas is shut off. Once you have access to the blower, use a shop vac and an extension hose to clean it.
You shouldn’t worry about handing this job over to a professional. They will take care of inspecting and cleaning the furnace during their regularly scheduled visits.
3. Keep Vents Clean
Duct cleaning is the process of removing debris and dirt from the ventilation system in a home. This is usually done every few years, especially if the home is older or if there are pets in the house. Duct cleaning can remove dust and dander and check for leaks or mold buildup. You should clean your air vents yearly to remove dirt and dust. This will improve your indoor air quality.
4. Keep Your Ears Open
If you hear strange noises from your furnace, it could signify something is wrong. If something doesn’t sound right, it’s often a good indicator of a problem. Unusual noises can be a sign that there may be a serious problem developing in your furnace.
If you hear strange noises from your car, it’s best to get professional help immediately. These noises could signal something is wrong with your car, so it’s best to check it out before it becomes a bigger problem.
Conclusion on Furnace Maintenance for Homeowners
It is important to remember that furnace maintenance is not a one-time event. Just as you would not only change the oil in your car once and expect it to run perfectly for the rest of its life, you cannot simply change your furnace filter once and expect your furnace to run perfectly forever. Regular maintenance, including changing your furnace filter regularly, is necessary to keep your furnace running efficiently and safely. Read on to Part 2 of this blog for more furnace maintenance tips.
CG Heating and Cooling is a licensed and insured HVAC company servicing Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Westminster, Colorado. With over 20 years in business and NATE- and EPA-certified technicians, we have the experience to handle all your heating and cooling needs. Get in touch with us if you need HVAC unit cleaning services in Castle Rock! Call (720) 284-2849 now!