Many people are stressed out during the winter. Aside from the rush and bustle of the holidays and the never-ending issue of when it will snow, staying warm may be difficult. Many people use a furnace to assist them in battling this. However, before you turn on your unit and wait for the warmth to soothe you, there are a few fundamental maintenance suggestions to keep in mind to guarantee it operates at peak efficiency.
If you find an issue that you cannot resolve on your own, it is suggested that you contact an HVAC specialist for assistance. Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air is one such firm that has been trusted for heating services in Tradition, FL, since 1988. They are always willing to make their consumers feel at ease when the cold sets in.
Furnaces last about 15-20 years. You can ensure that it will last as long as possible by following the guidelines below.
Filters Should Be Cleaned
Examining your furnace’s filters is one of the most basic activities you can perform. These filters can get clogged with debris over time, resulting in insufficient heating or even fires if not cleaned.
Begin by searching your furnace cabinet for the filters. Most filters are rectangular in shape and may be twisted out of their slots. Hold the filter up to a light source and look for any obstructions, such as dirt or other particles that might jam the furnace’s channels. If you find an obstruction on the filter, gently wipe it away with a wet cloth, being careful not to damage or tear the filter material. Then, when you slide the filter into its slot, make sure it contacts both sides of the slot. Finally, before you resume your normal activities, close and secure the furnace cabinet door.
Alter the Duct Direction
This is a maintenance procedure that few people consider, yet it may be highly beneficial to energy efficiency. Improperly located ducts can require your furnace to work harder than necessary to heat your home, resulting in higher energy costs and a shorter system lifespan.
Taking a few measurements is the simplest way to determine whether your ducts need to be modified:
- Calculate the distance between the vent at the end of each duct and the nearest outside wall or roof vent.
- Take measures across all of these distances, as well as from one side to the other of each measurement.
- Compare these measurements to the size and length criteria listed in your owner’s handbook or on a table specific to your furnace type.
If any values fall outside these ranges, the ducts must be adjusted to point in the proper direction for optimal airflow.
Request a Technician to Help You
While you may undertake some easy tasks on your own, larger jobs should be performed by experts who are knowledgeable about furnaces. This will prevent you from jeopardizing your own safety.
If you live in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, or Tradition, FL, Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air is the best option. Whether you just want a complete cleaning or notice something unusual about your unit, they will be there to help you in no time.
Calling Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air before the first cold front may also be extremely advantageous since you will be able to see whether your unit has any problems before you need it the most. You don’t want to be cold outside just to switch on a broken heater, do you?
A routine examination may also assist in figuring out whether or not your furnace has reached the end of its useful life and whether or not it is energy-efficient. Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air will educate you about ENERGY STAR-approved furnaces that you might want to consider if you want to save money on expenses. They aim to not only keep you warm, but they also want to help you save money!
With a little work and regular maintenance, your furnace will be able to keep you and your loved ones warm throughout winter.
