Introduction
As winter approaches, it is critical for both comfort and cost savings to ensure your heating system runs as it was intended. Regular maintenance will ensure your system doesn’t suddenly fail, create airflow problems, or even reduce the life of the heating system itself. A well-maintained Goodman furnace will keep your home comfortable all winter, and running a well-maintained heating system applies to any reputable heating system.
Here are five important steps to ensure your furnace is running optimally:
1. Replace or Clean Your Unit’s Air Filter Regularly
One of the simplest and yet most powerful maintenance measures is to change or clean your furnace air filter. A dirty filter can restrict your system’s airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and consume more energy. Depending on your circumstances and the quality of the indoor air you inhale, check your air filter every 1-3 months and change it with a quality filter if necessary. This quick and easy step can improve efficiency tremendously and will help you avoid costly repairs.
2. Check and Clean the Blower of the Furnace
The blower is in charge of circulating warm air around the house. Dust or other debris on the blower reduces the efficiency of your furnace. As is the case with the air filter, turn off power to the furnace and clean the blower fan and all adjacent components. If there is something you don’t know how to do, a professional HVAC technician can do an effective job of cleaning the blower. A clean blower can allow easy airflow and a consistent temperature throughout the space.
3. Verify and Adjust Thermostat Settings
The thermostat is an important aspect of your heating system’s performance. Make sure your thermostat is accurately configured to the recommended setting for your desired comfort and energy performance. If you do not have one already, consider purchasing a programmable thermostat, which will automatically adjust temperature settings depending on your schedule, will maintain your comfort while saving energy.
4. Inspect the Furnace Ductwork
If you have leaks or obstructions in your ducts, some locations will not receive meaningful heat, and you will potentially waste energy. Exposed ducts should be checked for holes, gaps, or missing sections. Repairing leaks with HVAC-rated mastic or tape will reduce airflow obstructions for the furnace and improve the overall energy efficiency of the furnace system.
Keeping the ducts clean will also eliminate dust and other allergens circulating in your home, which will help the performance of the furnace system and indoor air quality.
5. Schedule an Annual Professional Maintenance
In addition to regular and preventative DIY work, an annual checkup by a licensed professional technician is necessary. These technicians can check essential parts of your furnace, such as the burners, heat exchangers, and safety controls. A professional can also provide a system tune-up that establishes optimum performance. Goodman furnaces are generally very reliable; other furnaces, such as an Amana furnace or Lennox furnace, will also benefit from an annual professional maintenance visit. Regular maintenance will deter major breakdowns and increase the lifespan of your heating system.
Caring for your furnace does not need to be intimidating. By following these simple steps: replacement of air filters; cleaning the blower; testing the thermostat; checking the ductwork, and ordering annual service by a professional, you can ensure maximum efficiency, lower energy bills, and consistent warmth in the winter. Well-maintained furnaces deliver optimum performance while protecting your investment in your home heating system.
Conclusion
CTA: For professional furnace service or repair, count on Hawk’s Services to heat your home comfortably and efficiently. Schedule service today for your furnace or other heating systems, such as Amana furnace and Lennox furnace, by contacting us at 507-226-9950