While you might not think about it until it breaks down, keeping your furnace in peak condition helps keep your home healthy and comfortable. Getting a yearly check-up will ensure your furnace is in optimal working order and prevent costly repairs in the future. Before you’re forced to pay for a complete replacement, hire a professional to perform a thorough inspection.
What Does a Furnace Actually Do?
Your furnace controls the temperature of your home by moving air, ideally warm air, throughout the ventilation ducts. At the same time, it filters out dust particles and other potential allergens that blow through the system. Keeping your furnace in prime working condition helps ensure cleaner air and a more efficient heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system for your home. Without proper care you might notice a significant decrease in comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ).
Senior male reaching up to open filter holder for air conditioning filter in ceiling
What Can I Do?
In-between regular professional cleanings, there are a few things you can do to ensure your furnace is running efficiently. The easiest, most important part of furnace maintenance is changing out the filter. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, force your fan to use more energy and release allergens that worsen symptoms of asthma and other illnesses.
HVAC manufacturers typically recommend you change your furnace filter every three months or so. However, it’s important to check your system each month to see if the filter is filled with dust and debris. Households with pets or smokers might need to change their filters more often than others.
When Should It Be Inspected?
Because your furnace system helps control the temperature of your home, it’s best to schedule an inspection before a problem occurs and you’re left without heating. Before cold weather sets in each year, set up an appointment with a heating professional. A licensed technician will perform a thorough examination and diagnose any potential issues.
The professionals at Paris Heating and Cooling perform a comprehensive 18-point furnace inspection, which includes the following checks:
- Lubricate blower motor and bearings (if equipped)
- Check belt condition and tension (if equipped)
- Install standard furnace clean air filters
- Check to make sure furnace flue is venting properly
- Adjust burner for proper flame (if necessary)
- Check condition of pilot and clean (if necessary)
- Check manifold pressure
- Check combustion
- Check fan and limit control
- Check pilot safety
- Check heat anticipator
- Check pressure regulator
- Check burner operation
- Check heat relay
- Check safety controls
- Check thermocouple
- Check temperature rise through furnace
- Check fan speed for winter operation
Your Heating and Cooling Experts in Western New York
Paris Heating and Cooling has proudly served the needs of Monroe County and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. Our team of professionals is committed to getting the job done right the first time. Contact us today for all of your heating, air conditioning and ventilation needs.
