
When winter arrives in Arlington Heights, IL, homeowners expect their furnaces to keep their homes comfortable. However, a furnace can only perform if you maintain it well. Otherwise, it will operate inefficiently and may struggle to warm your home. The good news is that it’s easy to maintain and keep a furnace running properly. Here are six furnace maintenance tips that help do just that.
1. Keep up With Air Filter Changes
One of the simplest ways to keep your furnace running efficiently is to replace its air filter regularly. Most disposable furnace air filters require replacement roughly every three months. Make sure to replace yours with a new one that’s the same size and similar MERV rating. If your home has pets or is especially dusty, you may want to replace your filter more often. It will simultaneously improve your home’s air quality and furnace’s airflow.
2. Vacuum Registers and Vents
Vacuuming your home’s registers and vents is another essential maintenance tip to keep your furnace healthy. Doing so about once a month will help your air filter keep the system’s components clean. It also helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear and will improve your furnace’s efficiency.
3. Keep the Area Around Your Furnace Clear
If you have a standard gas furnace, it’s important to always keep the surrounding area clear. Most furnaces rely on atmospheric combustion, so they use air from the room they’re in to function. If the area around your furnace gets cluttered, this will obstruct airflow into your furnace. The only exception is if you have a high-efficiency furnace. They typically have a sealed combustion chamber that pulls in necessary air from the outdoors. However, to reduce fire risk, you should also clear the area around them.
4. Periodically Check Your Pilot Light or Burner Flame
One of the most common issues gas furnaces develop is dirty or clogged burners. When you run a furnace in that condition, it will operate inefficiently and produce less heat. To keep this from happening, you should periodically check your furnace’s pilot light or burner flame. Most furnaces have a small peephole that allows you to perform this task. The flame you see should be blue. If it’s orange or yellow, there’s a problem. Those colors indicate incomplete combustion inside your furnace. To fix the problem, you’ll need a visit from a trained HVAC technician. We will either clean the problematic burner or replace it if necessary.
5. Check Exposed Ducts for Air Leaks
The ductwork that carries air to and from your furnace also needs periodic maintenance. That’s because it can develop air leaks that sap your furnace’s efficiency and effectiveness. Although you can’t inspect every part of your ductwork, you can look at any exposed parts. Pay careful attention to the joints on the ductwork immediately attached to your furnace. If you feel any air coming from them while your furnace runs, we can apply new foil tape or sealant to stop the leaks.
6. Clean Your Blower Motor and Fan Blades
Finally, cleaning accumulated dust and dirt off your furnace blower motor and fan blades helps it maintain optimal comfort. To do so, turn off your furnace and open its blower access door. You can use a vacuum to clean most of the motor and blades. You may need to use a dust cloth to reach some of it. However, do not use cleaning products on the blower’s inner workings. If you have trouble cleaning the mechanism, you should enlist the help of one of our experienced HVAC technicians.
Your Furnace Maintenance Partners
Since opening our doors in 1946, IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. has been the company Arlington Heights residents trust for furnace maintenance. We’re a family-owned and operated HVAC company with a staff of NATE-certified HVAC technicians. We offer complete HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services. We also provide comprehensive indoor air quality solutions. We’ve received the Angi Super Service Award and are BBB-accredited with an A+ rating. So, if you need furnace maintenance in Arlington Heights, call IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. today!
