If you and your home rely on a furnace to keep warm during the colder months, then you know how hard this appliance works, especially if it’s your main source of heating. In Renton, WA, winters are usually not extreme. Still, with the unpredictability of weather in recent years, it’s better to start planning and making sure that your Renton plumbing and heating needs are taken care of ahead of time.
One of the worst things that could happen would be if your furnace broke down in the middle of Winter. A well-maintained heating system or furnace is more likely to last longer than a furnace that is not properly maintained. Here are a few tips that you can use to ensure that your furnace has a long and healthy lifespan.
1. Clean or change the air filter
If you feel that your furnace isn’t producing enough heat, then the first thing that you should do is check to see if the air filter is clogged. Most HVAC systems have air filters that need to be changed or cleaned regularly. If they aren’t, then clogs can easily form and impede the flow of heat or air. Furnaces with an air filter that’s been blocked with dirt and debris often have to work twice as hard to push a sufficient amount of warm air into your home and if it overtaxes itself trying to push air through the blockage, it could cause your furnace’s heat exchanger to overheat and shut down. Then you’re left without heat.
Cleaning or changing the air filter isn’t difficult, just be sure to turn off the furnace completely before attempting to remove the air filter. If you’d rather leave this task to a professional, call a local heating company and schedule an appointment for your furnace.
2. Keep the area around the furnace clean
Keeping the area around your furnace does more than just one thing. Remember to keep flammable materials or items away from the furnace and save yourself from the disaster of an easily avoided fire. Sweeping away or vacuuming up any dust or debris will not only help to keep the air filter clog-free, it could also be a potential fire hazard if a large amount starts to accumulate near the furnace.
3. Regularly check your vents
Remember to check your home’s vents regularly. Similar to the furnace air filter, heating systems are not as effective if they have to push the heat through a vent that is clogged or blocked. While you should routinely check inside your vents to ensure that they are clear, you’ll want to make sure that there isn’t anything obstructing the vents externally as well, like furniture.
These are just a few simple tips that you can do at home to maintain your furnace, but if you have an older unit, then it might be time to consider a furnace replacement. Trusted Plumbing & Heating is a reliable and trusted Renton plumbingand heating company. If you need furnace repairs or replacement, or if you need to install a new furnace, Trusted Plumbing & Heating is at your service. Call (425) 333-2559 today to get more information!