Now that winter is almost here, it’s time to check on your furnace. After all, the last thing you need in the middle of winter is a furnace breakdown. Plus, there are health risks associated with furnaces that haven’t been properly maintained, carbon monoxide poisoning being one of them.
To make the inspection easier for you, WM Buffington Co, a top HVAC installation services company in the state, has compiled a comprehensive furnace maintenance checklist below.
Listen for any unusual sounds coming from your furnace, and pay attention to any strange smells. These could be signs of a more serious underlying issue with your HVAC unit.
When cleaning your furnace, you need to keep an eye out for soot In particular, which is a by-product of poor combustion. Use a small brush or vacuum to remove it off the furnace’s blower blade, and don’t forget the air vents—they may be covered with soot as well.
Next, check the furnace’s filters. If they’re quite filthy, we recommend replacing them with disposable filters. We can’t recommend high-efficiency filters, as these can hamper indoor airflow.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t wait for your filters to get dirty. Depending on the type of filter used, you need to replace them regularly. Pleated or polyester filters should be replaced every three months, for example, while fiberglass filters need changed every month.
Your lifestyle is also a factor here; if you like to smoke in your home or keep pets inside, you may have to change your filter more often, regardless of what type it is.
We recommend leaving this last task to your local HVAC contractors. Keep in mind that less experienced contractors are prone to making errors, so you need to make sure the contractors you hire have extensive experience in the industry.
Looking for Experienced Contractors in Your Area?
WM Buffington Co, a family-owned contractor with more than six decades’ worth of industry experience, offers a wide range of professional HVAC services, including new heating system installation services. To schedule an appointment with one of our highly-trained technicians, call us at (717) 657-2451 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Harrisburg, PA.
