As winter has approached, it is very important for all of us to make sure that furnace of our house are in working order. It is important that the furnace is regularly maintained and periodic check is done by a licensed heating professional.
Here are some simple steps for you to take care of to make sure your natural gas furnace will keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long.
1. Clean and if needed, replace the filter– A clogged filter restricts the flow of heated air from your furnace, causing it to work harder and deliver less heat. Therefore, if you think that your furnace needs clean up, then do the needful.
2. Check the blower belt and oil the blower motor– Loose belts can increase furnace operating time. If needed, get them replaced. Keep the motor oiled as it will keep it running smoothly
3. Make sure blower doors are replaced properly- If the blower doors are replaced properly, than this keeps combustion by-products such as carbon monoxide separate from the warm air circulated through your home.
4. Keep all the vents in the house unobstructed– Air in your home needs to circulate easily through the vents. Your furnace works less when heated air is not blocked and the cooler air can circulate back freely.
5. Remove all flammable objects from around your furnace and water heater– Flammable items like boxes, clothes, paints, aerosols, gasoline, motorized yard tools, and any other flammable products should not be stored near the furnace as they can easily catch fire.
6. Replace your furnace- Your furnace is 15 years or older. It is time to replace it. An old furnace, even in good condition, may use only 60% of the available heat to warm the house – forty cents goes waste. New furnace fans will also reduce your electricity bills. Beside home comfort, it will higher the value of your property.