Longview’s average January low is 34 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you don’t want to find out mid-winter that you neglected your furnace and now it’s not working. Regular furnace maintenance throughout the year reduces the risk of major problems and keeps your HVAC system running smoothly.
Check out this furnace maintenance checklist to protect your heating system.
1. Change the Filter
Breathe easier and help your furnace run more efficiently with regular air filter changes. Most furnace filters need to be changed at least every 90 days and sometimes as often as monthly. Lots of dust, allergens, or pet dander in the air can require more frequent changes.
2. Inspect Air Ducts
Even if your furnace runs well, it can’t deliver the heated air to the rest of your home if your ductwork is leaking or damaged. Grab a flashlight and inspect the visible ductwork to look for gaps, tears, or other damage.
If you’re not comfortable inspecting the ductwork yourself, ask your HVAC pro to handle the work. They can repair or replace the damaged ductwork, which allows your system to work more efficiently. When the furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, it has less strain and can last longer.
3. Clear the Vents
Check the vents throughout your home regularly to make sure they’re clear. Look for items sitting over vents, such as furniture or curtains. Slip the floor registers out if they’re removable to check for dust, pet hair, and other debris that can block the airflow.
Keep your vents open while you’re running your furnace. When you close off certain vents, your furnace has to work harder to heat your home, which makes it less efficient and can cause premature wear.
4. Clean the Furnace
Keeping your furnace and the area around it clean helps it operate efficiently and safely. Move anything flammable, including paint, clothing, and aerosols, away from your furnace unit.
Check the evaporator and condenser coils on indoor and outdoor HVAC components. Hosing down your exterior unit helps remove outdoor debris to help it run more efficiently. Dirt and debris in any part of the HVAC system can create clogs, which make the system work harder.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Your DIY maintenance is important, but you also need a professional inspection and tune-up at least once per year. This inspection checks all of the internal moving parts that have to work precisely to keep your furnace functioning. The HVAC tech checks for parts that need to be replaced, clears clogs, lubricates parts, and identifies problems so they can be fixed before they get worse.
Bring up any issues you’ve noticed during your annual furnace maintenance. Call sooner if you notice issues that you can’t troubleshoot yourself, such as musty odors or strange noises.
Follow Furnace Maintenance Tips
If you follow these furnace maintenance tips, your system can run efficiently and keep your home warm. Simple maintenance often prevents major problems that can result in expensive repairs.
Is your furnace ready for a professional tune-up? Schedule HVAC maintenance with us now in your East Texas home to ensure it’s in tiptop shape. Alco Air has served the Longview, Texas, area for 30 years, and our licensed technicians make customer service a priority.