With winters approaching, it becomes necessary to rely on heating appliances and furnaces to stay warm during the season. The last thing you would want is to end up cold because you didn’t pay attention to checking the furnace in advance.
Don’t wait until the cold winds blow through the windows to decide it’s time to clean and use the furnace. These have a way of troubling when you need them the most. But by taking care of a few issues in advance, you can ensure that the winter chill stays away from your home. You can have a cozy, warm, and comfortable winter without having to worry about a non-functioning heating appliance or a clogged furnace.
Talk to the maintenance service providers and book an appointment. You can sign up for an annual contract so that they would clean the furnace and keep it in working condition for you before the winter arrives.
You can also do your bit to inspect the furnace and see the extent of cleaning and maintenance it requires. Ensure that you check and clean the below components.
Filters
If you have an annual filter, you will have to change it every year. But, if you have disposable filters, try to change them once every three months. It doesn’t matter if you are not using the furnace. Dust will still get accumulated on the filters. And if you live in dry and dusty areas, it becomes even more important to change the filters regularly.
Intake Pipe
The modern furnaces use less fuel to generate more heat. The intake pipe supplies air to the furnace to aid in the process. Check the pipe to clear away bugs, ice, or dust that block the external intake pipe. A blocked intake pipe could result in carbon monoxide building up in the furnace, which is dangerous to health.
Drainage Tube
Furnaces using natural gas and propane release some water as they heat up. This water is drained through the drainage pipe that is located on the exterior of your house. Always check the drainpipe to see that no birds have built their nest in it. You can remove the pipe and clean it with vinegar or blow hot air through it and fix it back again.
Thermostat and Wires
Turn off the furnace before you start cleaning it. Once you remove the doors of the furnace, slightly tug the wires to see that they are not loose and are properly fitted. Don’t to them hard. A gentle tug will tell you if the connections are good or not. If you are doubtful of any connection, immediately call the maintenance service providers.
Flame Sensor
If the flame sensor is dirty, it will stop the entire unit from working. It is necessary to clean the flame sensor every year.
If you don’t have the time tackle these issues, it is advisable to call the maintenance company. They have the professional experience of handling the furnaces and will clean them thoroughly for you.