Furnaces are available in varieties such as gas, electric arc, and induction furnace. From the mentioned varieties, the most used furnace in homes is the gas furnace. The heating system is the most considerable energy expense at homes, especially Canadian ones. Regular maintenance is therefore crucial, as well as periodic checkups for ensuring the furnace remains efficient. Most people wait until a problem arises, but a problem arises after the damage has already occurred. To catch the problem early, it is essential to ensure that the appliance remains fully functional despite its going for weeks without being used 24 hours per day. However, buying a high-quality appliance also helps in preventing future problems. If Your efficient furnace requires maintenance or has stopped working, then contact Smile HVAC.
An efficient furnace is measured in terms of annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The higher the AFUE rating, the more the furnace will be more efficient. There is an infinite list of ways of making a furnace more efficient, but only six will be listed for this article. The checklist that can help in furnace maintenance includes;
- Cleaning and replacing the filter
The furnace filter plays a vital role in delivering warm air throughout the rooms in a home. A furnace filter is often installed in the location where the return duct enters the furnace. This filter is responsible for removing particulates from the air before it moves into the furnace equipment, and it is heated. All kinds of particulates include dust, dust mites, bacteria, pollen, spores, and pet dander. An inexpensive filter offers total protection. These filters are designed to catch a high percentage of the particles that flow through the house.
On the other hand, a more expensive filter provides improved air quality, which assists people suffering from asthma and allergies. If a dirty air filter hinders the airflow, the furnace will have less airflow, thus failing to operate as per the original design efficiently. Inexpensive filters should regularly be changed at intervals of 30 to 90 days. The more expensive and disposable pleated ones should last for three months or more, depending on the furnace’s quality. It is also vital to look at the manufacturer’s recommendations or ask a certified technician for more information.
- Ensure the blower motor is correctly functioning
In a furnace, the furnace blower motor drives the fan, which offers air movement for the efficient furnace. The heating element of your furnace heats the heat exchanger until the desired temperature is achieved. Then the blower motor thrusts the air through the heat exchanger. This warms the air, which is then distributed throughout the house. Apart from providing air to the furnace, most of these furnace blowers offer air conditioning. It is in the furnace blower, where the air filter is installed. Therefore, the blower motor has numerous working parts and can break down if not well maintained. If a furnace blower becomes noisy, it is a red light that there is a problem either in the electric motor or the wheel. A loud humming is an indicator of an electrical problem. Seeking help from a certified and trained technician can help identify the problem’s source and correct it before the furnace begins to deteriorate.
- Reducing the home’s heating load
Whenever there is a weakness in the shell structure, cold winter air is allowed to seep in while warm air starts to leak out. But if the home’s envelope is sealed up, the heat load gets reduced, which in return is the amount of heat required to keep the house warm. An HVAC contractor is used to identify the sources where heat is getting lost in a place. HVAC contractors provide an audit for home energy, which helps in determining the home’s weakness. A heating professional can also use specialized gadgets and infrared cameras to determine where the problem lies and where improvements are needed.
- Ensuring all households vent are free
For a heating system to work appropriately, the house’s air should have total circulation throughout the system. This means that the furnace should be fully operating. It also means that the vents are clear and working appropriately. If a vent is closed down or blocked, it can lead to the furnace working hard in an inefficient way, resulting in serious damage.
- Cleaning of heating system vents and ductwork
According to Nick Laurens, CEO of Furnace Repair Vaughan, every system needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure it is in good condition and appropriately functioning. Taking a quick walk around the start of each season is of paramount importance. Some major but ignored factors that need regular checkups include; vents accessibility, pet hair, and dust and paper scraps. Also, anything found inside the vent has a likelihood of moving down to the ductwork, thus reducing efficiency. It is crucial to eliminate all the floor registers using a vacuum. It is recommended that one cleans the filter continuously depending on the use. It is because it filters and traps dust, dirt, and other debris. Neglecting furnace cleaning affects its performance. If it is not cleaned, one may find out that the furnace no longer heats evenly or as strongly as it did in the past. Failure to clean the furnace lets harmful debris get distributed around. It can cause a lot of health problems such as colds and other viruses. It can be troublesome for people with asthma, allergies, and breathing disorders.
- Removing any flammable object around the furnace
The furnace is often located in different areas starting from the base, crawl space, and storage room. However, this appliance is not designed to operate with storage containers found around it. Anything flammable such as paint, gasoline, boxes, among other household items, should not be placed in the furnace’s general area.
Conclusion
There are plenty of things one can do to make their furnace live longer and works more efficiently. Make sure to follow these tips and do regular maintenance check-ups to keep your appliance ready to go for winter. Give us a call at Smile HVAC and we will make sure your furnace is as good as new!
