If you’re like many homeowners, your heating system is one of the most expensive appliances in your home. Keeping it running at peak efficiency requires regular furnace maintenance. Ignoring routine maintenance makes your system work harder, reducing efficiency and shortening the system’s lifespan. It also increases your utility bills and could result in a breakdown that’s costly to repair.
Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your heating system in good working order and help reduce the need for Furnace Repair. The best thing you can do is to perform regular maintenance on your heating system before the cold weather arrives.
Regular maintenance minimizes energy waste and keeps your warranty valid. A qualified professional can identify small problems and fix them before they become major. This reduces the need for repairs, extends your furnace’s lifeline and lowers utility bills.
In addition to scheduling your maintenance appointments, you can take a few other steps to extend the life of your heating system. You can vacuum out your blower cabinet and blower fan periodically to prevent dirt from building up inside the unit. It’s a good idea to clean the furnace filter once a month during the winter. You can also test all exposed ductwork joints for air leaks by lighting an incense stick and watching for smoke.
If your heater is making loud noises, it could be a sign that there are loose parts within the system or the blower belt needs replacement. A shrieking furnace usually means that the blower bearings are wearing out, which is a simple repair. If you’re able to get the part and do the repair yourself, this is an inexpensive repair.
A smoky furnace is a fire hazard and could mean that there is a crack in your heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger can also produce carbon monoxide and should be repaired right away by a licensed technician.
The flame sensor is a critical safety feature on your furnace. It is responsible for sensing if there’s a pilot flame and shutting the unit down if necessary. This part often becomes coated with residue that prevents it from detecting the pilot flame. This can be easily cleaned by removing the sensor and gently rubbing it with a cloth.
The furnace is a vital part of your home, so if it’s not functioning properly, your comfort and safety may be at risk. A broken furnace can be a huge headache and expense. However, if you can afford to repair it and the issue that caused it isn’t too serious, repairing your furnace might make more financial sense than replacing it with an entirely new unit. Especially since most new furnaces are more efficient and come with warranties. If you’re unsure about whether or not to repair your furnace, contact a Brooklyn Furnace Repair company to discuss your options. They can give you expert advice and help you decide if it’s time to invest in a new system.