As temperatures drop, it’s time to ensure your furnace is in good working order before you need to turn up the heat. While some furnace maintenance Portland is best left to the professionals, there are some simple tasks you can complete yourself to keep things running smoothly. Learning how to take care of essential upkeep can save you money on repair bills down the road.
Change Furnace Filters Regularly
One of the easiest ways to maintain your furnace is to regularly replace or clean the air filter. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder to push air through, using extra energy and potentially shortening its lifespan. During the winter, it’s recommended you swap out filters every month. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find the optimal replacement schedule. While you have the filter out, take a flashlight and peer inside to check for any obstructions or dirt buildup that needs cleaning. Replacing a furnace filter is simply removing the old one and sliding a new one into the same spot.
Carry Out Visual Inspections
It never hurts to open the furnace door and occasionally give the components a thorough visual scan. See if you spot any cracks or signs of corrosion in the heat exchanger. Make sure nothing has come loose or disconnected. Do you see any leaks, debris, or unusual dirt buildup? While furnace innards may look complicated and intimidating, you check to see that nothing is visibly broken or out of place. Contact a professional immediately if you discover any major issues.
Clean Around the Unit
Take a few minutes now and then to tidy up around the exterior of your furnace. Gently vacuum up cobwebs, dirt, dust, and pet hair to allow maximum airflow. Make sure no flammable products like paint cans or chemicals have been stored too close for comfort. Clear a 2-3 foot zone on all sides of your furnace if possible. Good ventilation around the unit will help it operate as efficiently as possible.
Test the Pilot Light
If your furnace has a standing pilot light instead of electric ignition, it’s wise to confirm it is still lit periodically. Newer furnaces likely have an indicator light that confirms operation, but you’ll want to check older models directly. Turn off the gas valve to the unit, reopen it, and test it with a lighter to trigger the pilot light again. A blue solid flame means all systems are go. Hire a professional if the pilot light doesn’t reignite after multiple attempts. Letting raw gas flow freely into your home creates a significant safety hazard.
Listen for Unusual Noises
When you turn your furnace on for the winter, take a few minutes to listen and make sure everything sounds normal. Healthy furnaces have minimal vibrations and produce a steady, even hum. High-pitched squealing, banging noises, or the sounds of parts scraping together likely indicate looming trouble. Make notes of anything that seems louder or harsher than you recall from past years. Catching problems early based on sound alone can sometimes prevent bigger breakdowns after months of strain.
Of course, there’s furnace maintenance like cleaning the burners, inspecting the flue, tightening connections, calibrating thermostats, and assessing combustion efficiency that really does require bringing in HVAC specialists periodically. But keeping an eye out as described above can get you through annual maintenance checkups with fewer issues. Take action at the first sign of trouble, and your furnace will purr smoothly for many winters.
