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It’s not unusual for housework in general to fall by the wayside, but home maintenance tasks - especially those that only need to be performed once or twice a year - can really get neglected if we aren’t being intentional about caring for our home. Our lives are often so busy and hectic that many homeowners fall into that “If it ain't broke, don’t fix it” attitude with a lot of homeowner duties, and furnace maintenance is definitely one that can fall into that category in your mind if you aren’t being conscientious. However, neglecting your furnace will only cost you more time, stress, and money… and probably at the most inconvenient time when you least expect it. 
Who wants a broken furnace on the first sub zero-winter day of the season in Cleveland?! We’re going to give you four basic tips in which the whole family can get involved to preserve the life and efficiency of your furnace.
Your furnace’s air filter is a simple yet essential component that, over time, accumulates debris, dust, and other particles. This accumulation forces your furnace to work overtime and restricts airflow, which often leads to increased energy bills and sometimes damage to your system. All of this can be avoided by regularly cleaning the air filter every one to three months, especially during periods of heavy usage, such as winter. Disposable filters need to be replaced at this time, and reusable filters should be thoroughly cleaned according to manufacturer instructions.
Your thermostat is the control center for your Cleveland home’s heating and cooling system, deciding if, when, and at what temperature the furnace should kick in. Part of your furnace maintenance routine should be to periodically check and ensure that the thermostat is calibrated and giving accurate readings so it’s not running unnecessarily. The first step should be replacing the thermostat batteries if needed. Second, set the thermostat to a higher temperature than the current room temperature, and listen carefully for the furnace to engage. If the furnace fails to start or you notice any unusual noises, this may be a sign of a bigger problem that should be left to an HVAC professional. If your thermostat is programmable, be sure to review and revise your heating schedule to align with your routine.
A big part of an efficient furnace system is proper airflow. With enough use, vents and ducts accumulate dust, pet hair, and other debris; this debris hinders the flow of warm air and prevents your home from getting warm. Regularly inspecting vents and ducts will aid in optimizing your furnace’s efficiency so it can do its job. Step one is removing the vent covers and clearing away any visible debris with a handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment. If you find that your ducts are extremely clogged, consider calling in a professional duct cleaner that has the tools to eliminate excess buildup.
Most furnace owners know that furnaces come with a carbon monoxide hazard, but do you know the signs to look out for? If your furnace has a pilot light, check to make sure it’s burning a steady blue flame. If you notice a flickering or yellow flame, this could indicate a malfunction in the combustion process. A malfunctioning furnace can release harmful carbon monoxide into your home. If you see this, shut off the furnace immediately and call a professional without delay.
These are just a few of the most basic practices that can keep your furnace in tip-top shape so it does what you need when you need it. While these tasks are easily handled by most homeowners, there’s no substitute for professional expertise. From basic furnace maintenance to furnace installation or replacement services, our professionals at Budget Heating and Cooling will make sure your home stays warm even on the coldest days of Cleveland's winters. Give us a call or contact us today!
You may contact us at info@budgetohio.com, or simply provide your information in the following form.
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