How to Maintain Your Furnace Between Professional Repairs

A furnace is one of the most critical systems in your home, especially during the cold winter months. Keeping your furnace in top condition ensures that it runs efficiently, provides consistent warmth, and avoids unexpected breakdowns. While professional maintenance and repairs are essential for the long-term health of your system, there are also several tasks you can perform to maintain your furnace between professional visits.

At Texas Air Authorities, we believe in helping our customers maintain their heating systems to prolong their lifespan and improve efficiency. Here’s a guide to maintaining your furnace between professional repairs and ensuring it operates smoothly year-round.

Replace or Clean the Air Filter Regularly

One of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain your furnace is by changing or cleaning the air filter on a regular basis. Clogged or dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder to circulate air. This can cause overheating, reduced efficiency, and even damage to the components.

How to do it:

1. Check your furnace filter once a month during peak heating season.
2. Replace or clean the filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter.
3. Opt for a high-quality filter that fits your system’s specifications.

Regularly replacing your air filter not only improves the efficiency of your furnace but also contributes to better indoor air quality.

Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clean and Unobstructed

A furnace needs proper airflow to operate efficiently. Ensure that the area around the furnace is free of clutter, dust, or any obstructions. This includes furniture, boxes, and anything that might block vents or airflow.

How to do it:

1. Keep at least two feet of clearance around the furnace to ensure unrestricted airflow.
2. Regularly vacuum around the furnace to remove dust and dirt that can accumulate.
3. Check and clean any vents, ductwork, or intake/exhaust pipes near the furnace.

By maintaining a clear area around your furnace, you reduce the risk of debris blocking airflow or causing your system to overheat.

Test Your Thermostat

The thermostat controls your furnace’s operation, so it’s crucial that it functions correctly. If your thermostat is malfunctioning or misreading the temperature, it can cause your furnace to short cycle or operate inefficiently. It’s easy to test and adjust your thermostat to ensure your furnace is working optimally.

How to do it:

1. Set the thermostat to your desired temperature and check to see if the furnace turns on and heats the home accordingly.
2. If your furnace isn’t responding or the temperature feels inaccurate, try recalibrating or replacing the thermostat’s batteries.
3. If you have a smart thermostat, check for any firmware updates or error codes that might be causing issues.

If you notice any inconsistencies or problems, a technician from Texas Air Authorities can help recalibrate or replace the thermostat.

Check for Leaks or Drafts Around Ductwork

Leaky ducts are a common issue that can reduce the efficiency of your furnace. If warm air escapes before it reaches your living space, your furnace will have to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential system strain. Checking for leaks and drafts in your ductwork can help ensure your furnace is working as efficiently as possible.

How to do it:

1. Inspect visible ductwork for any signs of wear, damage, or gaps.
2. Look for areas where ducts may be disconnected or damaged.
3. Use a piece of tissue or a candle to check for drafts around vent registers and ducts.

If you find any leaks, you can seal small gaps with duct tape or purchase a duct sealing kit. For larger issues, it’s best to call a professional to properly seal and insulate the ducts.

Clean the Furnace Burner and Blower

Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the furnace burners and blower, which can reduce the furnace’s efficiency and performance. Regular cleaning can prevent dirt from interfering with the ignition and airflow.

How to do it:

1. Turn off the furnace before cleaning.
2. Clean the burners and blower with a soft brush to remove dust and dirt buildup.
3. Clean the furnace’s vent system to ensure nothing is obstructing the airflow.

Note that while cleaning is essential, it’s always a good idea to have a professional HVAC technician perform a thorough cleaning as part of annual maintenance.

Inspect the Furnace’s Pilot Light and Flame Sensor

The pilot light and flame sensor are key components in the furnace’s ignition process. If your furnace isn’t lighting correctly or frequently shuts off, it could be due to a dirty or faulty flame sensor. Regularly checking these components can prevent larger problems from arising.

How to do it:

1. Inspect the pilot light to ensure it’s burning steady and blue. If the light is out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it.
2. Check the flame sensor for dirt or buildup. Clean it gently with a soft cloth if necessary.

If you continue to experience issues with the pilot light or flame sensor, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to inspect and repair the system.

Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

While this guide focuses on tasks you can do between professional visits, scheduling annual furnace maintenance is crucial for keeping your system in peak condition. Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace is checked for any potential issues and is cleaned thoroughly.

What to expect during a professional tune-up:

1. A comprehensive inspection of the furnace and its components.
2. Cleaning of the burners, heat exchanger, and blower.
3. A check of the thermostat, pilot light, flame sensor, and heat exchanger for any issues.
4. Safety checks, including inspecting the gas lines and combustion system.

At Texas Air Authorities, we offer professional furnace inspections to ensure that your system is running smoothly and efficiently throughout the year.

Conclusion

Maintaining your furnace between professional repairs is a great way to ensure it operates efficiently, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and extend its lifespan. By following the tips mentioned in this article, including replacing filters, checking the thermostat, and ensuring clean ductwork, you can prevent common issues and keep your furnace running smoothly all winter long. However, annual maintenance by a professional HVAC technician is still vital to keep your system in optimal condition.

If you ever notice issues with your furnace or need professional maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Texas Air Authorities. With over two decades of experience and NATE-certified technicians, we provide expert HVAC services to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We’re here to help keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.