The best heating system is one that you never have to think about. Sometimes, though, a little thinking ahead can save you a great deal of bother in the future. Since emergency repairs are definitely best avoided, it’s always easiest to start with a happy furnace and take some basic steps to keep it that way. If you want to make the most of your furnace’s performance without the need for frequent service, we’ve got some tips for you. However, if you do need furnace repair in Boston, MA, it’s always best to get it done as soon as possible.
1: Change the Air Filter
While most furnace maintenance tasks should be performed by a professional, the air filter should be on your regular to-do list. It catches particles like dirt, dust, and pet hair so they don’t cause problems inside your furnace. It needs to be clean so that air can continue to pass easily through it.
A dirty filter makes the whole system work harder because pulling air through a thick layer of dust and debris uses a lot of energy. This strain can cause problems to develop and the dust itself can make components overheat. Each month while your furnace is in frequent use, change the filter. When it’s only being used occasionally, you can change it less often.
2: Thermostat Control
The most energy-intensive part of your furnace’s heating cycle is when it starts up. If you’re continually adjusting your thermostat, you’re causing additional startup cycles, putting strain on the system and increasing your utility bills. And if you do drop the temperature during the day (which is good for lowering your bills) you might be coming home to a chilly house on a cold winter night.
Don’t be tempted to crank the heat extra high to try to compensate for this! It won’t heat your home any faster and it will put unnecessary pressure on your furnace. Instead, program your thermostat to start warming your house up to the usual temperature before you get home. If your thermostat is very old and can’t be programmed, consider upgrading it.
3: Limit Use
If your furnace doesn’t have to spend as much time running, it won’t accumulate as much wear and tear. Make sure you heat your home as efficiently as possible. Use your ceiling fan to push the warmed air down to where you can enjoy it, allow sunshine to pour in the windows, and seal up doors and windows with weatherstripping. In addition to decreasing the need for furnace service, you’ll be saving money and doing the planet a favor.
4: Keep an Ear Out
One of the first ways a furnace signals that it’s struggling is by making noise. Pay attention to any sudden or unusual sounds such as rattling, clicking, groaning, banging, or screeching. Allowing a problem to continue means risking a much bigger problem. A technician can fix something like a wobbling blower fan very quickly and easily, but if that fan comes free and hits other components, you might be looking at a big repair and parts needing to be replaced.
5: Annual Maintenance
Yes, we know you’d like to avoid maintenance but it’s essential to keeping your system in prime condition. Everything in your heating system will be cleaned, inspected, tested, tightened, and lubricated. This decreases the likelihood that you’ll need any other service for the rest of the year.
Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. with any questions or to schedule furnace maintenance.
