DIY Furnace Maintenance
We’re approaching the coldest months of the year, and you need to make sure that your furnace is ready to take on the job!
Responsible homeowners should be completing some DIY maintenance on their furnaces on a regular basis. We have 5 suggestions to keep your furnace in tip-top shape.
Check the Burner Flame
The burner flame’s colour is a great indicator of the overall health status of your furnace. Ideally, the flame should be blue, and any other colour needs to be checked immediately. If the flame is yellow, call a furnace repair company immediately. This is usually a sign of dirty burners, but it could also be a sign of carbon monoxide. Make sure your family gets out of the house until a furnace repair company can check out the problem.
Vacuum Burners
If the burner flame is yellow because of dirty burners, that’s an easy fix! You’ll need a long, thin attachment for your vacuum. Use the vacuum to remove any debris near the burners, blower compartment, or furnace base.
However, before you start vacuuming, it’s extremely important that you turn off the furnace system and your gas supply to ensure safety.
Change the Filter
One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your furnace is to replace the filter regularly. The furnace’s filter is extremely important—it keeps your filter free of obstructions and allows the airflow to keep moving smoothly. If airflow becomes obstructed, you may notice the air quality in your home diminishes.
A dirty air filter is also a hazard and can result in a house fire! We cannot stress enough the importance of changing your filter frequently. As a rule, you should replace your furnace’s filter every 1-3 months.
Clean the Air Ducts
Another thing that can mess with your furnace’s airflow is clogged air ducts. Dust and debris can clog up your vents, causing airflow restrictions.
You can use a vacuum to clean out your air ducts; however, some homeowners find this task challenging and frustrating. Hire a professional to help you out if needed.
Check for Corrosion and Wear & Tear
Once a year, you should do a quick inspection to check for the decline of your furnace. Here are two things to look out for:
- Check if there’s any corrosion. A sign of this could be a white powder on the exhaust fan.
- A blower’s drive belt is prone to wear and tear. Over time, it will fray or crack, so make sure to check it occasionally.
Get Your Annual Inspection
Never skip out on your furnace’s annual inspection by a professional! A professional can detect any early problems at a nominal cost.