Wondering how to take care of your furnace? Don’t sweat it. These 25 furnace maintenance tips will have you covered.
- Make a furnace upkeep checklist (or use this one). Having a list of what needs to be done on hand can make maintenance easier.
- Set reminders on your phone for scheduled maintenance tasks. This helps make sure you don’t delay or forget about anything important.
- Visually inspect your furnace for signs of damage that you can see. For example, rust or corrosion around pipes could indicate potential problems.
- Listen for any strange noises. If you hear banging, metal clanking, or screeching sounds when your furnace starts to cycle, this is a good sign there’s an underlying issue.
- Pay attention to any odors, like the smell of burning or rotten eggs. The smell of rotten eggs or sulfur usually indicates a gas leak, while burning or melting plastic odors could be caused by a faulty electrical connection.
- Check the temperature in each room and look for areas that are too hot or cold. Inconsistent temperatures could indicate inefficiency.
- Make sure your furnace isn’t short cycling. If it is, this will drive your energy bills up and put more wear and tear on your equipment over time.
- Wash your filters with warm, soapy water (if reusable) or replace them every 1 to 3 months. Dirty filters restrict airflow, which translates to reduced efficiency and even worse air quality.
- Check air ducts for leaks annually and seal them. This helps to prevent heat loss to spaces where warmth isn’t needed.
- Make sure you have enough ventilation for the combusion process. Without this, your furnace wastes more fuel, and you’re at a higher risk for carbon monoxide exposure.
- Keep vents clear of obstructions. Vents that are blocked by fabric curtains or furniture reduce your furnace’s heating efficiency and can create potentially dangerous conditions.
- Check the exhaust flue for blockages. You’ll need to make sure that exhaust gases produced during combustion are properly ventilated to prevent dangerous backdrafts.
- Sweep or vacuum often, especially around your furnace. This keeps dust, pet dander, and other particulates that are pulled into your ducts to a minimum.
- Look for signs of rust or corrosion. Sometimes corroded metal is just a cosmetic issue and isn’t anything to worry about, but it can also be a sign of a bigger problem.
- Test your safety shut-off to make sure it works. You don’t want to have a gas leak emergency only to be faced with a dodgy shut-off valve.
- Clean the condensate drain (for high-efficiency furnaces). This prevents water leakage and potential damage.
- Calibrate your thermostat. This makes sure the thermostat is sensing the correct temperature of your space. Otherwise, your furnace will produce too much or too little heat.
- Think about switching to a smart thermostat if you don’t already have one. A smart thermostat can help you optimize your temperature settings to increase efficiency, reduce energy bills, and protect your system.
- Keep a record of your maintenance tasks. Taking notes helps track what has been done and allows you to identify patterns over time.
- Watch your heating bills to identify unusual patterns quickly. A sudden increase in your heating costs one month could mean there’s a problem, especially if you can’t attribute it to higher energy use.
- Consider an upgrade if your furnace is 15 years old or more. A newer furnace can help you save money on your heating costs and create a cleaner, more comfortable indoor environment.
- Call a qualified heating expert. There are just some things that are better left in the hands of a professional, especially when you’re working with gas, heat, and electricity.
Cape Cod’s Preferred Furnace Services Provider
The heating experts at Cape Cod Heat Pumps know furnaces inside and out. That’s why home and business owners on Cape Cod choose us again and again. When you need maintenance, repair, and installation you can trust, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today for more information at 508-833-4822 or to schedule your personalized quote.
