Keeping your furnace in good shape is important, especially as the colder months approach. You might be wondering, “What can I do myself, and when should I call a pro?” While there are some tasks you can easily handle on your own, there are others that require a professional’s touch.
Let’s break it down so you can keep your furnace running smoothly and safely.
Why Furnace Maintenance Matters
Before diving into what you can and can’t do, it’s crucial to understand why furnace maintenance is essential. A well-maintained furnace not only keeps your home warm and cozy, but it also works more efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills. Plus, regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, which are never fun when it’s freezing outside.
Understanding Your Furnace
To really grasp the importance of maintenance, it’s helpful to understand how your furnace works.
Your furnace is the heart of your home’s heating system. It pulls in cold air, warms it up, and then circulates the heated air throughout your home. This process involves several key components like the blower, heat exchanger, and thermostat. If any part isn’t functioning properly, the whole system can struggle. Regular maintenance ensures that all these parts are working together efficiently, keeping your home comfortable and safe.
Caring For Your Furnace: What You CAN Do Yourself
There are a few simple tasks you can do to maintain your furnace. These are safe, straightforward, and can make a big difference.
1. Change the Air Filter
Changing the air filter is one of the easiest and most important things you can do. A clean filter keeps your furnace running efficiently and improves the air quality in your home. Check your filter every month, and if it looks dirty, replace it. Typically, filters should be changed every 1-3 months.
2. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clean
Dust and clutter can build up around your furnace and cause it to overheat or even start a fire. Make sure the area around your furnace is clean and free of any objects that could block airflow.
Why It Matters
Keeping the area around your furnace clean is essential for a couple of reasons. First, dust and debris can restrict airflow, making your furnace work harder than it needs to. This not only reduces efficiency, leading to higher energy bills, but also puts extra strain on the system, increasing the likelihood of a breakdown.
Second, clutter around the furnace can be a fire hazard. Furnaces generate heat, and if flammable materials like paper, cardboard, or even certain fabrics are too close, there’s a risk of them catching fire. By maintaining a clean, clutter-free area around your furnace, you’re not just ensuring it runs efficiently—you’re also protecting your home from potential fire risks.
3. Check the Thermostat
If your furnace isn’t kicking on when it should, the thermostat might be the issue. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. If it’s battery-operated, try changing the batteries.
Remember, the thermostat is like the brain of your furnace. It tells the furnace when to turn on and off based on the temperature you set. If the thermostat isn’t working right, your furnace might not turn on, even if it’s cold in your house.
Sometimes, the problem is as simple as the thermostat being on the wrong setting, like “cool” instead of “heat.” Other times, the temperature setting might be too low, so the furnace doesn’t kick in because it thinks the room is warm enough.
If your thermostat runs on batteries, weak batteries can cause it to malfunction. Changing the batteries is a quick and easy fix that can save you from thinking there’s a bigger issue with your furnace. Keeping an eye on your thermostat ensures your furnace responds correctly, keeping your home warm when you need it to be.
4. Listen for Strange Noises
Your furnace will make some noise while it’s running, but unusual sounds like banging, rattling, or squealing could be a sign that something’s wrong. While you can’t fix these problems yourself, recognizing them early can help you call in a pro before things get worse.
What You Should Leave to the Professionals
Some tasks are best left to the experts. Furnaces involve complex systems that can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here’s what you should avoid doing yourself:
1. Annual Inspection and Tune-Up
An annual inspection by a licensed HVAC technician is crucial. They’ll check all the components, clean internal parts, and ensure your furnace is running safely and efficiently. This isn’t something you can do on your own because it involves testing and calibrating various parts of the system.
2. Fixing Electrical or Gas Issues
Furnaces are powered by electricity or gas, both of which can be hazardous. If you suspect an issue with your furnace’s electrical system or gas line, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call a professional immediately.
3. Repairing or Replacing Parts
If your furnace stops working or a part needs to be replaced, it’s best to call a technician. Furnaces have many components, and trying to repair or replace them without the proper knowledge can be dangerous and may void your warranty.
For residents in Windsor, CO, professional help is just a call away. Furnace Repair Windsor CO services offer expert technicians who can safely diagnose and fix any issues with your furnace. Attempting DIY repairs might seem like a way to save money, but without the right expertise, it can lead to bigger problems or even safety risks. Trusting a professional ensures the job is done right, keeping your furnace running smoothly and your home safe.
4. Addressing Carbon Monoxide Concerns
Carbon monoxide is a serious concern with gas furnaces. If you ever suspect a leak, leave your home immediately and contact a professional. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can be deadly, so it’s not worth taking any chances.
When to Call a Professional
Knowing when to call in a professional is just as important as knowing what you can do yourself. If your furnace isn’t heating properly, is making strange noises, or if you’re ever unsure about something, it’s better to be safe and call an expert. Regular professional maintenance can help catch small issues before they become big problems.
Stay Safe and Warm
Taking care of your furnace is key to staying warm all winter long. By handling the simple tasks yourself and knowing when to call a professional, you can ensure your furnace runs efficiently and safely. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way, but some things are better left to the pros. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll be ready to handle whatever comes your way.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of your furnace, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Your safety and comfort are worth it!