Looking to service your own furnace this fall? There are some basic things you can do, even without a professional’s help! Take a look at this article, and learn everything you need to know about DIY fall furnace maintenance.
How Can I Service My Furnace On My Own?
There are a few different things you can do to prepare your furnace for the fall and winter, like:
- Change the air filter – Your air filter is easy to access, and should be changed about every 3-6 months. If you have pets or live in a dusty climate, you may want to replace it even more regularly than this.
- Clean the combustion chamber – Using a wire brush and a shop vacuum, you can remove carbon buildup from the combustion chamber, which prevents corrosion and allows for a longer furnace life, and better energy efficiency.
- Inspect the flue – The flue is the pipe that sends exhaust outside of your home. You can inspect it and check for leaks, sealing any small leaks with foil tape. Large leaks and corrosion may require you to replace the flue.
- Clean floor vents – You should clean your floor registers with a vacuum every year, to make sure that they are not blocked, and that debris does not fall into the furnace.
These are easy enough for just about anyone to do, and performing these steps on your own can save you some money.
How Often Should I Service My Furnace?
Your furnace should be serviced at least once a year. It’s best to do it in the early fall, before you need to turn it on for the winter. This ensures that it’s operating properly and efficiently, and that there are no dangerous issues that have gone unnoticed, like carbon monoxide leaks due to a cracked heat exchanger.
Why Is Furnace Servicing Important?
Because your furnace is a big investment. The cost of purchasing and installing a new furnace can easily reach into the range of $2,000+, and with some basic maintenance steps, you can ensure that your furnace is in good condition, and will operate effectively for years to come.
Tips For Maintaining Your Furnace
How can you keep your furnace in tip-top shape all year long? Here are some top tips.
- Know when to call a pro – There are some things you can’t do on your own, like inspect the heat exchanger and adjust the burner. If you suspect your furnace needs more than just basic cleaning and maintenance, it’s best to hire a professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Never skip yearly maintenance – You may just assume your furnace is in good shape, and fire it up when the weather gets cold. In addition to causing damage to your furnace, this could put your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never skip your yearly furnace check-up.
- Keep the temperature low – Keeping the temperature below 70 degrees will prevent excess stress on your furnace, and also decrease your power bill. Throw on some wool socks and a sweater to stay warm, instead of cranking up the heat!
Stay Safe This Fall And Winter – With These Furnace Maintenance Tips
Follow these DIY maintenance tips, and your furnace will stay in great shape for years to come. But we’ll say it again – any serious issues with your furnace will require a professional, so it’s best to hire a furnace inspector, even if you do some maintenance yourself to save money.
