As the weather begins to cool down in Canada. Making sure your furnace is ready for the winter months is essential. Almost 60% of Canadian homes use forced-air furnaces for heat. Regular maintenance is important to keep them running well and to prevent sudden breakdowns.
Here are some basic maintenance tasks for your furnace before the cold weather arrives to keep you warm. It can also save you money. Preventative maintenance improves energy efficiency and extends the life of your system.
Let’s dive into some simple yet effective furnace maintenance tips to help keep your home cozy all season long. hang tight we have a furnace maintenance checklist, our simple tips for home owners.
Why Regular Maintenance is Important
Energy Efficiency
A well-maintained furnace runs much more efficiently, which translates to lower heating bills. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris build up in your system, making it harder for your heating system to push out warm air. Regular cleaning and annual furnace maintenance keep your system running smoothly and help you avoid wasting energy. Energy Efficiency is key to saving a little cash during the winter months?
Extending Furnace Lifespan
Your heating system is a significant financial investment, and you want it to last. With routine maintenance activities, you can extend your furnace lifespan, and avoid equipment failure. A good furnace can last 15–30 years! This means fewer repairs, less wear and tear and avoiding unplanned downtime on your heating system.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Your furnace doesn’t just heat your home; it also plays a crucial role in your indoor air quality. A dirty furnace filter can let allergens like dust, pollen, and pet hair spread in your home. This is not good for your health. Keeping your system clean helps ensure the air in your home stays fresh and healthy.
Homeowner Furnace Maintenance Checklist
While there are some furnace tasks that should be left to the pros, there’s plenty you can do yourself to keep things running smoothly. Performing routine maintenance on your furnace is an essential part of home maintenance. Here’s your step-by-step, Furnace Maintenance Checklist:
1. Replace Furnace Filter - Every 2-3 months
The furnace filter is your first line of defense against dust, dirt, and other airborne particles. The best part? Replacing your furnace filter is super easy!
Filters with higher MERV ratings trap more particles, but you need to change them more often. For most homeowners, replacing the filter every three months is ideal. If you have pets or allergies, you might want to do it more frequently. Remember, a clogged filter makes your furnace work harder, reducing efficiency and potentially causing it to overheat.
2. Check Thermostat - Furnace Yearly Service
Your thermostat is the control center of your heating system, so it’s important to make sure it’s working properly. Start by turning up the heat and seeing if the furnace kicks on.
If it shuts off after a few minutes, it may be short-cycling. This could mean your system isn’t getting enough airflow. Be sure to check that filter again!
If you have a smart thermostat, check for any updates and ensure that you connect it to Wi-Fi. Set it to your desired temperature schedule, and you’re good to go!
Do this in the fall before it gets cold just to make sure your heating system is working properly. Including this in your furnace yearly service ensures you don’t have issues once winter hits. Better to know now than learn once it gets cold.
3. Inspect Air Registers, Dampers, and Ductwork - Yearly maintenance on Furnace
Your ductwork and air registers help spread warm air in your home. Keeping them in good shape is important. You can do this during your yearly maintenance on the furnace. Look at the air registers (the vents) around your home and make sure nothing is blocking them.
You should check for clear signs of damage or leaks in any visible ductwork, especially in your basement. Leaks in your ducts can waste a ton of energy. Finally, make sure all the dampers are open so that warm air can flow freely throughout your home.
4. Cleaning HRV Filters
If your home has an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) system, now is the perfect time to clean HRV filters too. We suggest doing this twice a year, in spring and fall. HRVs improve indoor air quality. They replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while keeping heat.
However, like any system, dust, debris, and dead bugs can clog its filters. Yes, you heard me right—little dead flies. This can reduce its effectiveness.
Simply remove the filters, vacuum them gently, and rinse with warm water. Make sure they’re completely dry before popping them back in.
5. Replace Humidifier Pad
If your furnace has a central humidifier, you should replace the humidifier pad at least once a year. Best time to do this is in the fall.
The humidifier keeps the air in your home from getting too dry in winter. This is good for your skin, breathing, and wood furniture.
Like filters, the humidifier pad can clog over time. Replacing it regularly, once or twice a year, will help it work better. This also prevents mold or mildew from forming.
Professional Furnace Maintenance
Importance of Professional Service
You can do many things on your own, but a professional furnace cleaning is still important. You should do it every three years or more often if you have pets.
HVAC technicians have the right skills and tools for this job. They can clean complex parts like the blower motor and burners. They also ensure that the ducts deep in your house are clean and disinfected. This helps your system run smoothly and keeps your air quality good before winter arrives.
When to Schedule Professional Cleaning
The best time to schedule your furnace cleaning is in the summer or early fall. This is before you need your furnace. This way, you can avoid the rush when the first cold snap hits and when calls flood technicians. Regular cleanings can prevent issues so they don’t turn into significant (and expensive) problems.
Cost of Professional Furnace Cleaning
A typical furnace cleaning by a professional costs between $200 and $400. The price depends on your home’s size and the number of vents. You only need to perform this maintenance every 2-3 years. Fixing a broken furnace in winter or replacing it completely is much more expensive!
Troubleshooting Common Furnace Issues:
Even with regular maintenance, and cleanings your furnace might run into a few hiccups. Here are some common problems and what they might mean:
1. Furnace Short-Cycling
If your furnace keeps turning on and off in short bursts, it could be because of poor airflow. Make sure your filter is clean and that nothing is blocking the vents. If that doesn’t solve the issue, it might be time to call in a professional.
2. Uneven Heating and Airflow
If some rooms are warmer than others, check your ductwork and dampers to make sure everything is open and clear. Leaky ducts can cause uneven heating, so if the problem persists, have a technician take a look.
3. Strange Noises or Smells
If your furnace is making banging or whistling sounds, or if you notice strange smells like rotten eggs, it’s time to call a pro. These could be signs of more serious issues, like gas leaks or problems with the motor.
IF YOU SMELL ROTTEN EGGS, evacuate the house and call your utility company.
Maintaining your furnace is essential to keeping your home comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe during the cold months. You can take care of a lot of the maintenance yourself. Just replace filters, check your thermostat, inspect airflow, and make sure your humidifier is working well. These routine maintenance tasks will save you a lot of money.
However, professional cleanings are just as crucial to ensure your system runs efficiently and lasts for years. Regular maintenance, whether you do it yourself or hire a technician, can help you avoid expensive repairs. The air quality in your home will also improve. With a little preparation, your furnace will keep you warm and worry-free all winter long.