Are you searching for furnace repair near me? Furnace maintenance is critical in the months leading up to winter to avoid such repairs. If you haven’t turned on your heating system since last winter, this guide will provide tips to ensure your system is ready to handle the winter and avoid costly repairs.
Tips for Maintaining Furnace During the Winter
A part of yearly maintenance involves checking your HVAC system before the winter settles in. Chances are high that you haven’t turned on your furnace since last winter, which has left ample time for dust and other debris to build up. This could send you into a panic and cause you to search for furnace repair Minnesota residents can trust. Fortunately, with proper maintenance, you can easily avoid or solve minor issues.
Check Thermostat
Before winter arrives, turn on your HVAC heating system to see how it runs. Gradually increase the temperature and listen to see if your heat kicks in. If it does, and you notice air blowing out of your vents, then you are good to go. If your system fails to turn on, it could be a problem with your connections.
If you have a gas furnace, it is possible that you have to relight your pilot light. Modern furnaces have electronic switches that can be turned on and activated with the touch of a button. But, if this still isn’t doing the trick, you may need to contact a professional.
Change the Filter
If your filter hasn’t been changed since last winter, this is the perfect time to do so. Depending on the thickness of your filter, it should be replaced every 1-3 months or every 6-12 months. Dirty filters that are left in for too long will reduce the amount of airflow throughout your home. As a result, your home will take much longer to heat up.
Clear Clutter Around the Furnace
If you store a lot of items near your HVAC system, now is the time to eliminate them. You should never have anything flammable near your HVAC system, such as cardboard boxes or paper files. Now is the perfect time to ensure that you have ample space between your personal items and your furnace.
Eliminate Debris from Vents
You can also experience a reduction in airflow if debris and dust are present in your vents. Thankfully, this is an easy fix. You can take off the metal lid from your vents and use a vacuum cleaner extension to eliminate all the dust.
Check Outside Exhaust Flues
Your exhaust flues are located on the outside of your home. They are small pipes that help vent out exhaust fumes from your heating system. They are likely located on your roof. It is important to do an inspection to ensure that there are no leaves, branches, or other debris blocking the fumes from escaping. A clogged exhaust flue means these fumes will end up back in your home.