Your furnace works hard to keep you comfortable and cozy throughout the colder months. To keep it running properly and efficiently for many years, you must conduct regular maintenance with the help of a heating contractor. Here are a few tasks to perform.

How to Maintain Your Furnace

1. Change or Clean the Filter

Your furnace’s filter prevents dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other debris from contaminating your indoor air. Over time, the debris can clog the filter and hinder airflow. Your furnace must then work harder to distribute air throughout your home, reducing its efficiency and potentially raising your energy bills.

Avoid this situation by changing a disposable filter or cleaning a reusable one every 30 days for basic filters or every 90 days for higher-quality filters. Check the filter’s owner’s manual for a more specific time frame.

2. Clean the Air Vents 

As with a clogged filter, dirty air vents impede airflow and force your furnace to work harder to heat your home. That’s why you should clean them out before winter starts.

Shut off the power to your HVAC system, unscrew the air vent covers or grilles, and clean the grates with a cleaning brush. Add some soap and water if they’re extremely dirty.

Next, clean out the ducts using a vacuum with a hose attachment. If necessary, use a broom to clean unreachable ceiling vents. 

3. Lubricate the Blower Motor

The furnace’s blower motor powers the fan that moves heated air through the ductwork and into your home. Keep it functioning properly by lubricating it once a year.

Turn off your HVAC system and look for the oil ports on either side of the blower motor. The motor itself may be covered by an access panel, which you can remove with a screwdriver.

Remove any plastic caps covering the oil ports, and add a few drops of 10-weight nondetergent motor oil. Replace the caps, and turn your HVAC system back on. If you feel uncomfortable performing this task, ask a heating contractor for assistance.

The best way to maintain your furnace is to schedule professional maintenance from a trusted heating contractor. The licensed, EPA-certified team at Peak Performance Heating & Air serves homes and businesses in Cleveland, GA, and the surrounding areas. They’ll meet all of your HVAC needs with care and efficiency, including inspections, repairs, and installations. To learn more about their services and schedule an appointment, call (706) 219-1016.