DIY FURNACE MAINTENANCE
If you’re preparing for winter, it’s important to service your furnace before the blistering cold temperatures hit so that you stay comfortable all season long. By practicing the proper furnace maintenance, you can save time and money. If you are not sure how to maintain your own furnace, here are some valuable maintenance tips from the experts at Blue Ox Heating & Air to help you avoid a system breakdown at the worst time of year.
POWER THE SYSTEM DOWN FIRST
The very first step to maintaining your furnace is switching the system off. Locate the power supply, turn off the switch plate, and switch off the fuel supply. This is a safety precaution that must be taken every time you maintain the furnace. Once you have done this, you can move on to cleaning out your furnace.
CLEANING OUT THE CORROSION
If you have not cleaned out the combustion chamber of your furnace, you are in for a treat the first time you open it up. Locate the chamber, put on your gloves and mask, grab a wire brush, and get ready to scrape away the corrosion and soot that is accumulating on the walls. After you have scraped this away, vacuum away the corrosion and replace the chamber cover.
INSPECTING FOR LEAKS
Furnace leaks can be dangerous and you will need to schedule immediate furnace repair if you notice leaks. You may not notice leaks if you do not take time to inspect for them. Start by checking the exhaust flue to see if there are holes that could be leaking carbon monoxide. Small holes can be closed with foil tape, but be sure to call professionals to replace the flue if it is corroded.
CHANGE YOUR OIL FILTER AND AIR FILTER
Changing the filter is a must if you want to prolong the life of your furnace. When you have an old filter, the impurities that are being let through to the burner can actually cause misfires. By replacing the filter, your furnace will run more efficiently and you can put off the need for premature furnace replacement. It is also important to change the air filter to ensure that you are breathing in quality air as your heater is running.
You do not have to call a professional HVAC expert to perform basic furnace maintenance each year if you know how to do some basic maintenance on your own. Maintain your furnace on your own and call a Minneapolis furnace repair company if you notice leaks or damage. If you find that you need furnace repairs or that you need a more efficient system, call us at Blue Ox Heating & Air and schedule an appointment today.
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