Most homeowners hardly think about their heating until they get hit with unexpected breakdowns. If it’s not broken, why worry about it? Sure, that’s a fair approach, but that doesn’t mean you should completely neglect a few furnace maintenance tasks. It’s much cheaper to keep up with basic maintenance than face a draining bank account as a result of a preventable issue. Here are some easy ways to help keep repairs at bay for as long as possible.
Replace Your Furnace’s Filter
Replacing the filter is an effective method of preventing many furnace problems; the good news is it takes only minutes. You should do it every one to three months. Some factors that determine frequency include if you have pets, whether there are seniors or kids in the home, and your preference. All you have to do is turn the unit off, take out the old filter, put the new one in, and turn the unit back on.
Clear Supply Vents
Blocking supply vents may cause your furnace to overheat. Check them periodically to make sure items like kids’ toys, rugs, furniture, and curtains aren’t blocking them. Leave at least a few feet of clearance around each supply vent.
Professional Tune-Ups and Inspections
We get that having a pro inspection when your furnace is working fine may seem unnecessary. But a preventative tune-up will catch potential problems before they turn into repair-level issues. Call in the fall so we can check your furnace from top to bottom and make sure it’s in good condition.
Do Inspections On Your Own
Many furnaces are situated out of the way. While this may be more aesthetically pleasing, it makes them easy to forget about until they exhibit signs that are impossible to ignore. Inspect the unit on your own about once a month. This can be as simple as a quick look and a listen for new or developing sounds, such as grinding. If you do notice something different, just take note. Attempting to take things apart and trying a repair yourself will most likely worsen the damage and make it more expensive to fix.
Don’t Put Off Repairs
It’s tempting to delay repairs, especially if the issues don’t seem that serious. For example, you can’t see a leak, just mop up the water, and call it a day. The longer you put off repairs, the worse the issues will likely become. Furnace problems tend to keep happening (and escalating) until they’re fixed. Call us as soon as you notice a problem so we can assess the situation. In some severe situations, we may recommend replacing the unit.
Giving your furnace TLC regularly offers numerous perks, including helping to prevent expensive breakdowns. It may even allow you to lower your utility bills. A little attention for your furnace can go a long way in keeping you warm, cozy, and comfortable throughout the season. When you need furnace services in Phoenix, AZ, contact Ace Home Services.