It would help if you always had your furnace cleaned by a professional at least once a year. You should also change the oil filter and clean the condensate drain. Your HVAC professional can also clean the blower as part of the annual furnace service. These steps will ensure your furnace is working properly and that you are not exposed to dangerous contaminants.
Clean Air Filter
If you’re considering replacing the air filter in your furnace every year, the first step is to remove the filter and inspect it. If it is dirty, you’re more likely to experience problems with your HVAC system. Not only that, but dirty filters also affect indoor air quality. That’s why annual furnace cleaning Geneva, IL, is recommended by HVAC contractors. One option is to use electrostatic air filters, which are washable and reusable.
An air filter protects your furnace from debris that can cause it to work harder than it should. This can decrease the efficiency of your furnace, and it also causes premature failure of the heating element. Additionally, a dirty filter will cause your furnace’s heating element to run longer, wasting more electricity and reducing lifespan.
To replace the air filter, follow the instructions in your furnace manual. It will show you which size filter you need. The filter will have a MERV rating, which ranges from one to 16. The higher the MERV number, the more pollutants it can remove. Generally, a six to twelve-MERV filter is good for most homes. However, if you have allergies, consider purchasing a higher MERV number.
It’s recommended that you replace your furnace air filter every few months or so, depending on how much use it receives. In addition to replacing the air filter, you should clean it four times a year.
Oil Filter Replacement
Annual furnace cleaning and oil filter replacement are essential for the longevity of your heating system. These maintenance tasks should be performed before winter begins so your furnace runs at its peak efficiency. You should replace the filter every six months, but you may need to change it more frequently if you live in an area with a cold climate or a long winter. Most newer furnaces come with disposable filters, but some older models use washable filters that need regular cleaning.
Regular furnace cleaning is important because it prevents many problems that can affect the oil supply and negatively impact your heating system. Dirty oil can be caused by corrosion, stray dirt, or moisture in the tank. Additionally, if the furnace has been inactive for a while, it may have older, dirty oil mixed in with the new oil. A professional inspecting the oil supply is essential to prevent costly and complete repairs later.
Over time, an oil furnace’s combustion chamber may get clogged with carbon soot. This can cause corrosion and material degradation in the furnace. Changing the oil filter can help prevent these problems and keep your furnace working at its peak efficiency. It also helps prevent the formation of harmful vapors in the air inside your house.
Condensate Drain Cleaning
Cleaning your furnace’s drain is important to prevent buildup and drain overflow. Using a rough paint brush, remove loose debris. You can also use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove finer debris. Also, ensure the area surrounding your condenser is clear of plants and other objects. If you notice that the drain is clogged, you can pour some water into it and check for debris.
Not only will cleaning your furnace drain help prevent the risk of water damage, but you’ll also prevent larger furnace repairs. A clogged condensate drain can cause your furnace to leak water, damaging your flooring and other items in the room. Maintenance on your furnace is essential because it can prevent small issues from getting out of control, leading to more expensive repairs.
Changing the filter in your furnace is easy and requires little tools. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing this job yourself, you should call a professional HVAC service provider. They can properly clean the essential components of your furnace, check the heating temperatures, and look for other problems.
Having a professional clean your furnace can help prevent major breakdowns. Moreover, you’ll be able to get tips from them on how to maintain your furnace in top shape. As a result, a spring furnace cleaning is better than a winter furnace repair.
