While you’re ready for sleigh rides and mistletoe, your aging furnace has a different kind of winter in mind. Without regular maintenance, it could end up failing at the most inopportune time. When the temperature is below freezing, and the snow starts falling, you don’t want your furnace to leave you shivering and reaching for more blankets. Fall is your chance to stop this scenario from happening, which is why you should invest in HVAC maintenance as soon as possible. 

3 Ways to Prevent Furnace Problems This Fall

1. Clean the Combustion Chamber

The combustion chamber of your furnace is where the chemical reaction happens that produces heat. Debris buildup is common, and it can affect the machine’s efficiency and function. To clean the chamber, you’ll need to know how to shut off the power and fuel supply safely. Cleaning it is as simple as vacuuming it out, but it’s important to be familiar with the inner workings of the system. If you aren’t, hiring a professional is the best way to handle it, as they’ll also inspect the chamber for signs of deterioration.

2. Change the Filter

A furnace filter is used to trap dust, dirt, and debris before it enters the system to wreak havoc. Ironically, the more it collects, the more problems it could cause. Clogged filters restrict the airflow and put additional strain on the system’s components. Ideally, filters should be cleaned or replaced every three months. Prepare for the heating season by changing the filter in the fall.

3. Inspect the Blower Compartment

Like the combustion chamber, the blower compartment collects dirt and other substances. It blows those particulates out with the heated air that’s circulated through your home. With your windows shut tight against the winter chill, maintaining good indoor air quality is important. For the best results, ask your HVAC maintenance technician to clean the blower compartment and ductwork while they look for holes in the exhaust flue.

Furnace repair can be expensive and inconvenient, but regular maintenance will help you catch the small problems before they turn into a costly crisis. Duncklee Cooling & Heating, Inc., serving South Eastern, CT, and Western Rhode Island, has been the area’s most trusted HVAC company for over 40 years. Get ready for winter the right way by calling them at (860) 535-2552, and learn more about the furnace services online.