Stay Warm This Winter: Furnace Maintenance

It’s understandable that home maintenance tasks can fall by the wayside. But the last thing you want to deal with during the first cold snap of the season is a furnace that isn’t working. At Wm Price Heating, we want to help you stay warm, safe, and stress-free all winter long.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• 6 Furnace Maintenance Tips for the Homeowner
• Importance of Professional Furnace Maintenance
• Winter Energy-Saving Tips

6 Furnace Maintenance Tips for the Homeowner

Below are essential furnace maintenance tips to help prepare your heating system for the cold season ahead.

1. Understand Your Furnace and Thermostat

Understanding the operation of your furnace and thermostat in your home is the first step toward keeping it running efficiently and reliably. Each system has its own operational sequence depending on age, model, and fuel type.

Familiarize yourself with the operation of your furnace and thermostat. The manufacturer provides recommendations on routine tasks, such as filter changes. Understanding how your furnace operates and the functions with your thermostat will allow you to recognize early signs of wear or inefficiency, such as uneven heating or strange noises, which can help to avoid costly breakdowns.

2. Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly

This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your furnace running smoothly. A clean air filter helps maintain correct airflow, improves energy efficiency, and reduces wear and tear on your system.

ENERGY STAR® recommends changing your HVAC filter at least every 90 days, or more frequently during peak heating season.

Always refer to your furnace’s owner manual for manufacturer-specific guidelines. The wrong type of filter or too high of a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating could cause heating issues, even if a filter is labeled “best” or “high efficiency”.

3. Use Your Senses to Check on Your Furnace

It’s easy to overlook your furnace, especially when it’s out of sight. But take a moment during the fall to do a basic visual and sensory check:

• Smell: If you detect the odor of rotten eggs, contact your utility company immediately. This may sign of a gas leak which could be dangerous. A burning smell the first time your furnace starts may just be settled dust burning off, but if it persists, contact Wm Price Heating.
• Look: Make sure vent pipes are connected properly and are supported. After your furnace cycles a few times, look around the furnace to make sure there isn’t any water pooling on the floor or dripping from the cabinet.
• Listen: Unusual noises like grinding, rattling, or whistling may be early signs of a mechanical issue.

4. Keep Vents and Registers Clear

This is an important one and easily overlooked. Proper airflow is essential for your furnace to operate properly and efficiently. Make sure all supply and return vents are open and free from obstructions like furniture, rugs, curtains, or large décor. Blocked vents force your furnace to work harder, leading to uneven heating, increased energy bills, and potential wear on system components.

Regularly dust or vacuum the vent covers to remove dirt and debris that can restrict airflow. This simple step helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home and supports your system’s overall performance and lifespan.

5. Clean the Drainage Pipe of Your Furnace

If you have a high-efficiency gas it produces condensation in the secondary heat exchanger. High-efficiency furnaces have a drainage system that allows the condensation to exit the furnace drain through plastic piping, usually to a floor drain near the furnace. This plastic drainpipe can become clogged with debris overtime, and it is recommended to flush this drain a few times a year. If the drain clogs you may notice water leaking from around the furnace or in some cases, could cause the furnace to shut down. There is usually a vent opening or a tee installed for cleaning. It is recommended to flush that drain with white vinegar.

6. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Install at least one carbon monoxide (CO) detector to protect your household from this colorless, odorless, and deadly gas. CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel in appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. A detector provides an early warning of CO buildup, giving you time to evacuate and ventilate, preventing illness or death from CO poisoning. It is recommended that CO detectors be installed on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Avoid placing them near windows or doors the lead to the outside. Also, ensure the detector is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal performance and to avoid false alarms.

Why Schedule Professional Furnace Maintenance?

Even if you stay on top of these basic furnace maintenance tips, annual professional maintenance is crucial for long-term performance and safety. HVAC technicians have specialized tools, training, and knowledge to identify and correct issues, such as gas leaks, damaged or worn components, and checking for proper combustion and ventilation. Inspection and preventive maintenance is crucial for keeping your home safe, but keeping it warm and cozy all winter.

A professional maintenance inspection includes cleaning, component testing, and combustion analysis that go beyond DIY tasks. Regular service helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends the life of your furnace, and may even be required to keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid.

Fall is the ideal time to schedule a furnace maintenance inspection, before peak heating season begins.

What’s Included in a Professional Furnace Maintenance Inspection?

A typical furnace maintenance visit may include:

• Check air filter(s)
• Check/test blower motor
• Inspect blower wheel for debris or build upInspecting the heat exchanger and venting system
• Clean burners and flame sensor
• Test ignitorInspect wiring and all electrical components
• Test operationTest and adjust gas pressure
• Confirm operation of safety componentsPerform combustion analysis
• Clean furnace compartments and cabinet

When Is the Best Time for Furnace Maintenance

It is best not to wait until the first cold snap hits, as it might be difficult to schedule due to the amount of service calls for furnace repair. Call in advance to preschedule furnace maintenance because:

• Guaranteed appointment even during peak winter repair season.
• If your furnace is older or hasn’t received regular annual maintenance, prescheduling a maintenance appointment ensures that any issues can be addressed and corrected, or that there is enough time for replacement, if needed.
• If you regularly have annual maintenance, it’s not necessary to schedule it before the season as your furnace is probably in optimal condition. Instead, you can have it done during the season which will still help catch small issues before they become bigger problems.

Call the Furnace Pros at Wm Price Heating

When it comes to your comfort and safety, don’t leave anything to chance. Schedule your professional furnace maintenance in Girard, with Wm Price Heating today by calling us at 330-545-3722 or request service online.