You might not know it, but your furnace is probably one of your most loved appliances in your home. It works hard to keep you and your family warm throughout the frigid winter season. However, if you don’t properly care for the unit, you could wake up to a freezing house one morning. Below are a few maintenance tips you can perform to ensure your home stays toasty.

3 Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Furnace

1. Visually Inspect It

Before beginning any repair work, you can simply give your furnace a once-over. To begin, look at the venting pipe to ensure it is securely fastened. Then, if the unit is turned on, watch for floating flames or a flame distortion as this could indicate a leak. You also want to check for rust or corrosion on the side panels and water or orange spots on the floor near the furnace.

2. Check & Replace the Air Filter

At least once a month, you should check the furnace’s air filter and replace it if it is dirty. Too much dust and debris can block the air flow to the rest of your home and cause your furnace to work much harder than it needs to. This can, then, result in more frequent repairs.

3. Have It Cleaned

The air filter is not the only part that will accumulate dirt. The furnace’s blower and motor can also get dirty after they’ve been used for a while. Cleaning these inside components at least once a year will help it to work more efficiently and prevent your monthly energy bill from spiking. If you are unsure how to clean your furnace, it is recommended you hire a contractor to prevent accidentally damaging any parts or harming yourself.

Performing regular inspections and maintenance on your furnace will ensure it works without issue throughout the entire winter. When you need help keeping it in good condition, contact the HVAC contractors at Bradford & Sons Electrical Plumbing & Heating in Canandaigua, NY. They provide heating and air conditioning services to the Upstate and Greater Rochester area. Call them today at (585) 657-7309 to schedule an estimate and visit their website to learn more about their additional services.