Important Tips for Proper Furnace Maintenance
It’s that time of the year again; time to warm up the house and get the furnace running. Depending on the age and type of furnace you have, your maintenance requirements will vary. However, there are a number of very important tips that need to be followed to ensure that your finance is working correctly and not posing a potential threat to your safety.
Potential threats posed by your furnace
The truth is that a furnace that is not functioning correctly not only will cost you money and increase your energy bill; it is also a threat to your health. Failure to keep your furnace in good working order could cause it to emit carbon monoxide through your home vents. If a large amount is produced it could be fatal. Remember that carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. This is why it is so important to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home and to have your furnace inspected.
Probably the most commonly asked question that people ask about furnace maintenance is “how often should I get my furnace checked/serviced?” No matter how old your furnace is, it is a good idea to get it checked and cleaned every year. If you have a service package with the furnace company, yearly maintenance may be included in your warranty. The older your furnace is, the more important it is to be diligent with getting it serviced.
Outside of getting your furnace checked annually, being diligent is the second most important thing that you need to do. It is recommended that you clean/replace your furnace filter each season, so 3 to 4 times per year.
Other important considerations
Here are a number of other things that you should keep in mind when it comes to your furnace. They include:
- Keep the area around your furnace free of any items
- Never store combustible item such as paint or gasoline near your furnace
- Never attempt to fix or alter your furnace if you do not know what you are doing- leave it to a trained professional
When it comes to your furnace it is always best to error on the side of caution. There is too much risk involved. Get your furnace inspected annually by a trained professional.