Maintenance Tips For Your Furnace

Annual furnace maintenance is an essential component of your Pittsburgh heating system, and should take place every fall to ensure that your heating system is running up to speed throughout the winter. Because there are a number of parts that make up your entire furnace, it is important to not only know what those parts are, but their function in your HVAC system:

• Thermostat – measures the temperature of the air, set at a predetermined temperature as to when to signal the heater to come on
• Heater – Creates heat through the use of combustion
• Blower – Distributes air into the heat exchanger
• Heat exchanger – Transfers heat from one matter to another
• Heating ducts – Used to distribute heat throughout the home

Each of these components must be in working order, as well as having the ability to work together in order to create a cohesive heating system that runs efficiently and effectively. Following a few simple tips each year can help you to not only perform a furnace maintenance check, but to determine whether your furnace is in need of expert Pittsburgh repair.

Give your furnace a thorough once-over

The area around your furnace should be clean and free of any soot or scorch-marks. The flame in your furnace should run steady and be blue in color. There should be no loud, unnecessary noises, or an odor which could be a gas leak. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is important to contact a Pittsburgh Furnace Repair Specialist so that they can determine the source of the problem and prevent a breakdown of your system.

Check your furnace filter, and replace if necessary

Your filter is designed to prevent dirt from getting into your furnace. A filter that is dirty or clogged cannot properly do its job. Filters frequently need changing, with the frequency depending on the type of filter used. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter changing.

Assess that your thermostat is working properly

If you have your heater turned up, and the room still feels cold to your, there may be a problem with your thermostat. If so, it is important to have this issue addressed by a qualified Pittsburgh Furnace Repair Specialist.

Clean the furnace blower and furnace ducts

This is the perfect time to remove accumulated dust and dirt, as well as check for any potential problems that may affect your heating system. Be sure to cover all of the furnace ducts when you are finished, to avoid air leaking into your furnace.

Clean your vents

Blocked or clogged vents often go unnoticed and can prevent the air from circulating properly. Removing the vent covers and vacuuming the inside can help to remove trapped dust and debris.

If you suspect that there is a problem, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Failure to perform the job properly can result in your furnace being inoperable when you most need it, as well as needing costly repairs. Contact the experts at Pittsburgh’s Best Plumbing, Heating and Air, PITTSBURGH’S BEST CHOICE for all of your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs for over 25 years.