Centralia, IL Winter Furnace Maintenance
When winter comes, the furnace becomes one of the most important components in your house. A well-maintained heating system should warm your house adequately without wasting too much energy or producing harmful emissions. On the other hand, if furnace maintenance is not done on time, it could increase your energy bills, compromise the quality of indoor air, or even break down on the coldest day of winter. The following furnace maintenance tips can go a long way in ensuring that your heating system is running efficiently when you need it most.
Start the Maintenance Early
Furnace maintenance should be an integral part of your overall winter preparation. Therefore, it has to begin early when the weather is still warm or mild. This will go a long way in helping you to prevent the need for costly emergency furnace repairs when the winter is already brutally cold.
Start with an Eye Test
Before you start working on your furnace, you should administer a quick visual inspection. For instance, if your heating system has a gas furnace, you can check the venting pipe and ensure that it is securely angled and fastened. Drainage tubes should also be fastened appropriately. You can also look for leaks in the heating system’s gas line. If there is an aroma of rotten eggs, it means that the furnace could be having a gas leak. Therefore, you may have to seek the assistance of a reliable Centralia, IL HVAC expert for the necessary repairs.
Clear the Drain Tubes
As propane and natural gas burn, water is one of their byproducts. While most of this water is blown out through the exhaust, some of it can find its way to the drip pan from the exhaust manifold. If the drainage tube is clogged, the water may fill up the manifold, and consequently, the flame sensor could shut down the heating system. It is important to ensure that you clear the drain tube by blowing compressed air through it.
Dust and Vacuum
Dirt, dust, and debris may have the effect of causing the heating system to work sub-optimally. Therefore, you should get rid of them by applying a soft paintbrush gently on the interior surface of the furnace to make them loose without damaging components of the furnace. Vacuuming can then be done to get rid of dust and debris.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that ensuring timely maintenance of your furnace is one of the most important things to do as you prepare for winter. If you suspect that your heating system has issues that you cannot handle on yourself or you do not have time to do it, then it is imperative for you to find an HVAC professional to help you with regular furnace maintenance.