Winter is here, and there’s no better time to ensure your home’s HVAC system is in good condition to provide you with enough heat to last throughout the season. A furnace is one of the most used central heating systems during winter. The main furnace components include burners, burner motor, thermostat, filter, ducts, and heat exchanger. All of these parts collectively heat and distribute warm air throughout your home or apartment at the desired temperature.
There are various furnace types, including electric furnace, gas furnace, oil furnace, and modulating furnace. No matter what kind of furnace you’re using at your home, you’ll need to perform routine maintenance and repair work on your furnace to achieve maximum performance, lower energy bills, and enhance its useful lifespan.
Here, we will present you with some answers to frequently asked furnace maintenance-related questions to expand your knowledge on this critical residential HVAC system.
How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?
Irrespective of the filter size, they can easily get clogged with dirt, dust, and debris relatively quickly, especially after frequent furnace use. In the case of a disposable filter, you should inspect it monthly and replace it once every three months. This will help you ensure your furnace doesn’t have to operate harder than it should.
What Should I Do If My Furnace Thermostat Doesn’t Work?
If your furnace thermostat doesn’t operate properly, it may be due to specific reasons, including a dirty thermostat, loose wiring, dead batteries, a blown fuse, an old or outdated thermostat. When your furnace is not producing enough heat, it’s best to reach out to an experienced HVAC repair technician to ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.
Why Is My Furnace Not Functioning Properly?
Although most furnace-related issues arise from its thermostat, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn’t any other issue with your HVAC unit. For thermostat-related problems, it’s advised to contact an HVAC expert for immediate help. Generally, your furnace may not be functioning correctly due to the following possible reasons:
- Clogged Filter: Your furnace heat exchange system might get overheated if your furnace filter gets clogged. This might cause your furnace to shut down as a safety precaution. That’s why it’s best to replace your filter after three months.
- Engaged Safety Switch: A typical furnace comes with a safety switch that turns on when the furnace door is opened or removed. In the case of an engaged safety switch, the fan and burner automatically disable, which means that your furnace won’t be able to turn on. Inspect your furnace to make sure that your furnace door is closed securely, and restart your furnace. If the issue persists, contact your HVAC service provider as soon as possible for corrective action.
- Uncleaned Burner: A clean burner usually emits blue flames. If your furnace burner is emitting red or yellow flames, it might suggest that the burner needs immediate cleaning.
Why Do I Need To Get Regular Maintenance Done On My Furnace?
Prevention is better than a cure; the same goes for your furnace or any other HVAC unit in your home. That’s why professional HVAC contractors suggest conducting a thorough inspection and maintenance on your furnace at least once a year to learn about early warning signs and correct any issues before they turn into something bigger.
Nor-Can Heating & Air provides expert installation, maintenance, and repair services for all of your HVAC units, including furnaces, via highly-skilled HVAC professionals. Contact us for a free quote on any of our expert HVAC services.
