Fall Furnace Maintenance

Fall furnace maintenance steps can be a do-it-yourself project. The steps below will help you as a homeowner prep your furnace for the upcoming winter season. Doing maintenance on your own is effective and will prolong the life and effects of your unit but, have a professional look at your system for a more detailed check-up. Your local HVAC serviceman has more knowledge and experience to spot problems even before they they occur.

Common Fall Furnace Problems

Worn Out Parts

Over time the parts of your unit will wear out. Lack of maintenance takes a major toll on your unit and parts are easier to wear out. Keep up on maintenance regularly and the parts of your unit have the potential to have a longer life.

Faulty Furnace Pilot

A furnace with a pilot light often creates problems of blowing cold air out. It is not advised for a homeowner to relight the pilot their own. Call your local HVAC serviceman for help to relight the pilot as well as information on why the problem occurred in the first place.

Old Filters

Change the filter regularly to ensure optimal effectiveness. A dirty filter is an easy maintenance step to take to keep your unit in tip-top shape. You do not want to extra build up on your filter.

Poor Air Flow

Air flow is crucial in the heating process. Holes, leaks and poorly connected ducts are a lead cause of poor air flow. Check the ductwork to make sure everything is sealed and so airflow will be efficient.

Faulty Thermostat

If your thermostat if does not work properly your energy bills can become higher and the temperature inside your home will become irregular. The thermostat regulates the how hot it is inside your home.

Fall Furnace Maintenance Steps

• Step 1: Change Air Filter

The air filter is important to keep clean because it keeps dust, dirt and debris from getting into the furnace. If you do not change the air filter regularly build-up will occur and prevent proper air flow throughout your home. For even airflow, change the furnace filter every few months.

• Step 2: Vacuum Vents

After you change the air filter, vacuum the vents. Dust, particles and debris can collect in the vents over time. If you do not vacuum, the dust and particles can either get sucked into the furnace or blown back inside your home.

• Step 3: Seal and Insulate Ductwork

It is important for the quality of airflow inside your home that all ductwork is sealed and insulated. You do not want leaks or holes throughout the ductwork because air will escape in places it is not supposed to. Uninsulated ductwork in the attic or basement can either lose or gain heat while passing through.