Winter Furnace Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Winter is here, evidenced by the drop in temperatures. Everyone in your home welcomes the warmth and safety that the furnace provides. It is running fine, with no problems, but, being a responsible homeowner, you are wondering if there is anything you can do to protect the system. Here are a few Furnace Maintenance steps that you can do.

Check Your Records

The information in your records concerning the system can be very beneficial.

• Identify the year the HVAC system was installed. If it was installed before you bought the home, do an internet search of the make and model number found on the plaque. The average useful lifespan for HVAC systems ranges between 15 and 20 years. The age of the furnace can be very valuable information, helping to predict potential problems and predict a potential replacement range.
• Examine the maintenance schedule; when was the last time the system was inspected and cleaned by a technician? For best results, the system needs to be inspected annually; the benefits are well-documented. A preventative maintenance call may be in order.
• It is recommended that home ductwork be cleaned about every three to five years. Cleaning ducts can reduce the airborne particles in the air, improving indoor air quality.
• Do you have a reminder prompt to change your air filter every three months?

Visual Inspections

You can do a lot by just observing the obvious parts of the HVAC system.

• Check the air filter between replacement dates. This will alert you if the air filter is collecting a larger-than-normal amount of dust. A clogged filter can have a detrimental effect on the furnace.
• Check for dust around the return air and supply vents. Return vents are a little higher than midway up the wall, and supply vents are generally close to the floor. Excess dust in these vents may indicate dirty vents or clogged filters.
• With gas-powered furnaces, check the ignition and combustion chamber. Troubling sights would include black soot marks around the ignitor and rust on the burner. Either would be a precursor to ignition/burner problems.
• If your system includes a heat pump, inspect the condenser unit outdoors. Make sure leaves or limbs have not blown around the unit. This debris can restrict the airflow necessary for heat transfer.
• Observe the face plate of the thermostat and become familiar with its readings. The heat settings may include HEAT and EM or AUX HEAT, indicating heat pump or electric/gas-powered primary heat. If the setting does not reflect reality—higher or lower than what seems to be the current temperature. If something does not seem right, follow up with a repair call to a technician. Also, check for a low-battery indicator.

Listen Carefully

You have become very familiar with the normal sounds of home. Do you hear anything unusual?

• How long does the heating cycle last? This will vary depending on the outside temperature and the insulation value of the home. A normal cycle may range between 10 and 15 minutes. A cycle longer than 30 minutes or more may indicate a problem unless experiencing an extremely cold snap.
• Do you hear noises coming from the furnace that seem unusual? Banging, excessive clicking, or a loud hum? If these sounds persist, they may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

Use Your Sniffer

Unusual smells should be addressed immediately. Do not ignore:

• A rotten egg smell, indicating a natural gas leak.
• A burning smell, indicating something overheating.
• A musty, molding smell, indicates excess moisture in the ductwork.

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