Your heating system accounts for 45% of your yearly energy bills. Recent events in Texas show how important home heating is. Any period without properly functioning heat is too long. Regular furnace maintenance is how you ensure your heating system’s integrity. It’s also how you avoid costly furnace repairs.

Do you want to know how to take care of your furnace? Read on for HVAC maintenance tips.

1. Clean and Replace the Filter

Your furnace filters do a lot of heavy lifting. They remove dust and other harmful particles to keep your indoor air quality high. A filter also keeps your furnace running as efficiently as possible.

Dirty filters restrict the air intake your furnace needs to work. Inadequate airflow means your furnace runs longer and harder to pull the air it needs. The longer your furnace runs, the shorter its lifespan.

A dirty furnace filter also contributes to illness. Dust and other pollutants exacerbate respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis. A clogged or dirty filter recirculates these harmful particles.

2. Check the Blower

Your furnace’s blower motor circulates the air your furnace needs to run. The blower motor literally blows heated, recirculated air through your ducts and vents.

A noisy blower indicates a problem. If you notice your furnace making a loud noise, call a professional immediately.

3. Clean Your Vents

Anything that increases your heater’s workload decreases its life. Dirty furnace filters are the main culprit. Dirty vents also stress your heater.

Your heating system has two types of vents, supply and return. Supply vents are where the heated air blows out. Return vents suck in air to be heated.

Dirty or clogged vents force your furnace to work harder to bring in and blow out the recirculated air. It’s also important to make sure your vents are free to blow. Clean them before winter comes to maintain your system.

4. Check Your Thermostat

Is your furnace not functioning properly? It might not be a mechanical problem. Sometimes a faulty thermostat causes heater issues.

A good way to tell if it’s your thermostat is to adjust your temperatures and listen to your heater. If you adjust your temperature and hot air comes from the vents, you have a thermostat issue.

If you adjust and hear rumbling but no heat, you have a mechanical problem.

5. Furnace Tune-Ups

Furnace tune-ups extend the life of your heater and ensure consistent warm air. Schedule one during the fall, right before the winter.

What is a tune-up?

An experienced HVAC technician cleans and adjusts all furnace mechanisms. They’ll lubricate all mechanical parts, change your filters, and perform an inspection of your entire system.

Furnace Maintenance is Your Only Guarantee

Don’t go without heat during the winter. Furnace maintenance is the key to keeping you and your family warm throughout the frigid months.

Clean and replace your filters, check your thermostat, and schedule a yearly tune-up.

Do you need help maintaining your furnace? Contact us today for an appointment.