San Antonio, Texas, is known for its hot summers and chilly winters. During those colder months, homeowners depend on their furnace to perform. However, system issues can happen over time, and they can be severe if you don’t properly maintain your unit. Not sure what kind of furnace maintenance your system needs? Luckily, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll explain eight furnace maintenance tips to keep your unit running smoothly.
1. Change Your Filter
Changing your air filter keeps the indoor air clean and improves the performance of your unit. Failing to change your furnace filter can cause the unit to overheat and eventually lead to several system issues, or even a complete breakdown.
A furnace filter, usually found at the return air duct of the furnace, works to remove pollen, bacteria, dust, spores, and more from the air. Experts recommend changing your furnace filter at least every three months for optimal indoor air quality. Pets living in the house might require monthly filter changes.
2. Ignore the Initial Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell when you first turn on your furnace for the season, don’t worry. While this smell may seem problematic, it’s usually not an emergency. You’re smelling dust burning from the heating element and shouldn’t last very long.
3. Pay Attention to Gas Smells
Although an initial burning smell is normal, a gas smell may indicate a gas leak which can be life-threatening if ignited and needs immediate attention. To keep your family safe, everyone in the home should understand what gas smells like. Since this gas is odorized, if your family isn’t sure what it smells like, turn on your gas stove for a few seconds and pay attention to the smell.
4. Don’t Rush to Call the Gas Company
In the event you do smell gas and it doesn’t go away, you may be tempted to call your gas company. Be aware that they will only be able to shut off your gas. Unless you believe you are in immediate danger, you’ll want to contact an HVAC provider like North East Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing who will detect where the gas smell is coming from and find a solution.
5. Lower Your Home’s Heating Load
Lowering your home’s heating load allows your furnace to work more efficiently. Not only can this result in a long-lasting unit, but it can also help you save on your heating bills. First, you will want to make sure to properly seal your home, particularly at your doors and windows, to ensure maximum efficiency. Additionally, having a properly insulated home reduces the amount of heat that can escape through the walls and other areas, helping you save energy.
To find other ways to lower your home’s heating load, contact us today. We can inspect your home’s insulation, install equipment upgrades, and help you discover additional ways to save.
6. Examine the Furnace Blower
A furnace blower moves air throughout the heating system and, if not maintained, can break down over time. When inspecting this area, look for the blower wheel and electric motor. If there’s an issue, you’ll usually hear an unusual sound, such as a loud humming or metal grinding against metal.
7. Schedule Professional Inspections
If you want your furnace to work smoothly for many years to come, annual professional furnace inspections and maintenance are a must. During these appointments, HVAC experts will inspect your system, look for any areas of concern, and tune up key components if needed. Professional technicians will also make sure the furnace safety shut-offs work correctly, ensuring the system shuts down when a problem occurs and providing you with peace of mind.
8. Get It Serviced When Needed
Over time, a part can wear out or a component can break. When this happens, repairing your system quickly is essential. Even a minor problem can lead to a drop in comfort and can also result in more severe issues down the road, so scheduling repair services should be a top priority.
In Conclusion
From routine cleanings to servicing your system regularly, following these eight maintenance tips can ensure your family stays comfortable all season long. To work with one of the leading HVAC service providers in the San Antonio area, make an appointment with North East Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today!
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
