Essential Furnace Maintenance: A Checklist

If you want to keep your home warm during the upcoming winter months, you need to go through your furnace maintenance checklist right now.

Your furnace is an essential component because it heats your home. And when it’s not working properly, you immediately need to get it serviced, repaired, or otherwise sorted out.

Looking to keep your furnace working in good condition? Here are 6 maintenance tips to help you avoid untimely breakdowns.

What Routine Maintenance is Required for a Furnace?

Before going over the specific steps you have to take to maintain your furnace, it’s important to highlight that maintenance has to be performed once per year to keep your unit in great condition.

As long as you maintain your furnace once every 12 months, chances are it will heat your home for years to come, barring any unforeseen problems.

Here are the steps you should take to maintain your furnace.

1. Replace Filter

Replacing the filter on your furnace is the first thing you should do because this simple step can help improve safety and efficiency at the same time.

Clogged filters restrict airflow and force your furnace to work harder, increasing the risk of a breakdown. Not to mention the fact that the accumulation of debris can result in a fire hazard.

If you have pets or live in a home with a lot of dust, it’s advisable to change the filter every 3 to 6 months.

2. Swap Thermostat Batteries

Next, you should replace the batteries in your thermostat, which is the control center of your entire furnace.

This is important because it ensures that the sensors in your thermostat work properly and that your furnace is turning on and off at the right times.

3. Inspect Ducts and Other Parts

Inspecting your ducts is crucial because any leaks, blockages, or dust buildup can prevent warm air from reaching your rooms efficiently.

Check for visible cracks or damage, and if needed, clean out any dust or debris. Proper duct maintenance ensures your furnace doesn’t work harder than it needs to.

4. Prepare the Furnace for Winter

Before winter hits, it’s essential to test your furnace. Clear any surrounding clutter, make sure vents are open, and turn on the system to check for unusual sounds or smells.

A simple preseason check can prevent frustrating breakdowns when you need your furnace most!

5. Review Your Furnace’s Safety Features

Furnaces come with safety mechanisms designed to protect your home, but it’s a good idea to test and make sure these features are functional.

Test your carbon monoxide detectors, ensure emergency shutoff switches are accessible, and verify that safety sensors are functional.

6. Schedule a Professional Clean

While routine DIY maintenance is helpful, scheduling a professional furnace cleaning once a year ensures that hard-to-reach components are properly serviced.

A professional can clean the internal parts, check for cracks, and fine-tune the system for optimal performance and safety. Do you want to have your furnace professionally serviced? Contact Paragon Heating today and we’ll be glad to help.

 

How Can I Avoid Furnace Repairs?

As we detailed above, your maintenance regime should include cleaning or replacing the air filter, cleaning the area around the furnace, and checking that there is adequate ventilation.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that professional services can also help expand the usable life of your furnace. Besides your own maintenance, it’s a good idea to have a professional contractor maintain and inspect your furnace once per year.

Can New Furnaces Skip Maintenance the First Year?

A lot of furnace owners believe that having a new unit installed saves them maintenance jobs during the first year. The truth is that new furnaces work every bit as hard as old units, so it’s essential to get them serviced as much as with an old furnace.

As such, you should not skip the maintenance of your furnace just because it’s new! Instead, you should look forward to extending its usable lifespan by taking great care of it from the moment it was installed in your house.

Getting Ready to Maintain Your Furnace? Contact Paragon Today

Keeping your furnace in good working condition is essential if you want to keep your family warm during the cold months.

As long as you replace the filter, swap your thermostat batteries, inspect the ducts, and follow our other maintenance recommendations listed above, you should have a fully functional furnace for the winter.

Is your heating unit due for a professional service? At Paragon, our team of expert contractors has experience maintaining, repairing, and installing all types of furnaces in properties of all sizes.

Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and have your furnace serviced by a professional.