Keeping your furnace in good shape can be very important. Not only will it help keep your house warm in the winter, but it will also help to keep your heating bill low. Here are some tips for maintaining your furnace in Middlefield, CT.
1. Replace the Air Filter
Changing the air filter in your furnace is an important part of home maintenance. Not doing it can lead to a short cycling of your furnace, which can make your heater burn out prematurely. It can also lead to respiratory problems and bodily irritations.
To find out how to replace the air filter in your furnace, you need to know where the filter is located in your furnace. If you have a horizontal furnace, you may need to remove an access panel to access the filter.
The best way to find out the size of the filter you need to change is to take measurements of your furnace’s ductwork. Then you can check with your homeowner’s manual for the size of the smallest filter you will need.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional furnace maintenance service to take care of the air filter and every other part of your furnace.
2. Check the Flames
Taking the time to check the flames in your furnace is important. It’s not only a safety measure, but it’s also a good indicator of the condition of the furnace.
When you have a yellow flame in your furnace, it’s a sign of a problem. It indicates that the heat exchanger is not working properly. If you notice a yellow flame, the best thing to do is to shut down your furnace immediately. You should also call an HVAC professional near you.
When you have a blue flame in your furnace, it’s a sign that the flames are burning efficiently. The blue flames burn without byproducts such as soot. It also indicates that the furnace is burning clean gas.
If you’re unsure about the state of your furnace, you should have it checked by a professional. A Middlefield heating technician can diagnose the problem and fix it.
3. Check for Soot Build-Up
Keeping up with your furnace’s maintenance should include checking for soot build-up. While a little soot is normal, too much can cause problems. This can indicate a problem with your heat exchanger or the burner.
Several things can contribute to soot build-up, including clogged burners, an improper fuel-air mix, and a clogged exhaust vent. You should also check to see if your furnace has a barometric damper.
If you notice a rotten egg smell, it could mean your heat exchanger is clogged. This can cause combustion byproducts to mix with air, releasing carbon monoxide. It also can release water, which can lead to a leak.
If you notice soot in your heating system, you should immediately call a local HVAC technician to investigate. Soot is not just harmful to your health; it can also block other parts of the furnace. It can also accumulate in your living quarters.
4. Clean the Blower Motor
Keeping your furnace blower motor clean is an important part of furnace maintenance. Dirt can be a major factor in reducing furnace efficiency and increasing energy costs. By keeping the blower motor clean, you can reduce your furnace’s operating costs, decrease downtime, and extend the life of your equipment.
Always use a wet or dry vacuum to remove debris, dirt, and dust from the area surrounding the motor and blower.
For best performance, a professional should clean the blower assembly of your furnace once yearly.
If the furnace has a squirrel-cage fan, it is even more important to clean the blower assembly because this type of furnace tends to become clogged with dust and dirt.
Direct Home Services
478 Main St, Middlefield, CT 06455, United States
860-339-6001
https://directhomecanhelp.com/
Serving Middlefield and nearby areas
