Understandably, maintenance tasks often fall by the wayside. Many Burbank homeowners follow the mantra of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Everyone is busy and many seemingly more important priorities tend to creep up every month to consume time and money.
However, the last thing to worry about when the weather takes a turn toward winter is a broken furnace. Tassio Temp Control wants to help be prepared by providing the following furnace maintenance tips.
1. Change the Filter Regularly
This is probably the easiest and one of the most important regular maintenance items a California homeowner can perform. Clean filters allow air to circulate through the furnace efficiently and prolong the life of the system. Be sure to check the furnace and filter manufacturers’ recommendations on the frequency of filter changes.
This will also help improve overall indoor air quality in the home. And, according to Angie’s List, furnace filter changes can reduce energy bills by 5 to 15 percent.
2. Understand System and Recommended Maintenance
More common systems like natural gas heating need regular inspections and tune-ups to operate efficiently
Although most furnaces in the United States are natural gas or electric, many other heating systems such as propane, geothermal, heat pump, and radiant floor heating are now available.
Understand what kind of system provides the home with its heat, and learn how that particular system needs to be maintained. Some systems, such as radiant floor heating, may not require any maintenance. In contrast, more common systems like natural gas heating need regular inspections and tune-ups to operate efficiently and dependably.
3. Think Safety First
If users decide to perform any other maintenance tasks beyond basic filter changes, be sure to put safety first. Turn off the power to the furnace before users begin to take things apart to protect themselves from getting injured.
Consider hiring a professional to help with any inspection, cleaning, tune-ups, or repairs that are more complicated or users are uncomfortable trying themselves.
4. Use Senses
It’s easy to pass by the furnace every day and not notice it. Take the time to look at the overall system, especially in the fall, to see if users notice anything obviously amiss. First, if users detect the odor of rotten eggs, call the utility company immediately. That can signify a gas leak, which can be extremely dangerous in the home.
Second, be sure the venting pipe is sitting at the correct angle and is secure. Users should check to be sure all tubes are fastened as well. Listen for any unusual sounds or anything else out of the ordinary.
5. Clean Drainage Tube
Users can use compressed air to clear the tube as well as white vinegar to reduce any residual
If users are running a natural gas or propane furnace, it will create some water as a by-product. Although some moisture becomes steam, users will also have some water drain out into a drip pan.
Be sure this drainage tube remains clean and clear. Backed-up water can damage the flame sensor. Users can use compressed air to clear the tube as well as white vinegar to reduce any residual.
6. Get Tidy
Dirt and dust can hamper the performance of the furnace, so regular cleaning should be part of annual maintenance. Although users can clean around the unit easily, be careful if they try to clean the inside of the furnace.
Some components are very sensitive and can become damaged if users don’t know what they are doing. Users can use a soft brush to gently loosen dust before vacuuming or contact one of Tassio Temp Control professionals to do the job.
7. Perform More Thorough Inspections
If users are mechanically inclined, they can continue checking things like burner flames
If users are mechanically inclined, they can continue checking things like burner flames to be sure they are even and blue.
Users can check thermostat wires to be sure they are securely connected. Clean the flame sensor so it can continue to do its job well. This can be done with an emery cloth.
Contact for Furnace Needs
Even if users can handle many of these maintenance items, it’s a good idea to have one of the trained and experienced professionals come annually and do a thorough inspection and cleaning.
It keeps the system’s manufacturer’s warranty intact, as most specific professional maintenance must be performed annually.
