Guide To Winterizing Your Furnace
A furnace is a must-have if you live somewhere that isn't nice and warm all year round. However, it is just as important for you to prepare your furnace for winter before it gets here. The last thing you want to do is wait until you are in the brisk of winter to find out your furnace isn't prepared for it.
Step One: Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter
You are going to find an air filter in almost any unit that blows air. It is a vital part of what makes your furnace work, and it is unfortunate how many people neglect filters. When your furnace filter is dirty, it becomes clogged, and that forces your furnace to work twice as hard to produce heat. This means all of the other parts in your furnace are working double time, which decreases the overall lifespan of the unit. Depending on what type of furnace filter you have, it might be one you can clean and reuse. However, you always have the option of purchasing a new one and replacing it.
Step Two: Dust and Vacuum the Interior
As your furnace does its job (and even when it is not doing anything), dust and dirt are going to collect at the base and near the burners. You need to do your part to keep the dust and dirt cleared out to prevent your furnace from becoming clogged and overheating. The hose of an ordinary vacuum is all you need to suck the dust out of the inside of your furnace.
Step Three: Blower Doors Should Be Replaced By a Professional
The blower doors on your furnace need to be in perfect condition because they prevent carbon monoxide from circulating in your home. If there is something wrong with the blower doors, they need to be replaced. Considering the level of safety the blower doors offer, it is vital for them to be repaired or replaced by a professional furnace technician.
Step Four: Inspect the Blower Belt
If the blower belt on your furnace is worn out or loose, it is going to make it more difficult for your furnace to do its job. If the belt is frayed or cracked, it needs to be replaced. If you are not sure if the belt is bad or you do not know how to replace it, hire a professional to do it for you.
Your furnace is the one thing keeping the winter temperatures outside of your home. With these four steps, you can winterize your furnace and be ready for when the cold temperatures arrive. For more information, contact a local HVAC company like Shideler Electric, Heating & Cooling.