Preventative Maintenance Steps That Can Save Homeowners A Lot On Furnace Repairs

The furnace is an important heating system, especially as temperatures start dropping during the winter months. It's also an appliance that can be expensive to fix. So that furnace repairs aren't a regular occurrence that hurt you financially, be sure to take these maintenance steps. 

Monitor the Air Filter 

When the air filter gets to be too dirty, it can no longer prevent dirt and debris from entering your heating system. It will then be more likely to overheat and break down prematurely. All of this can be prevented by regularly monitoring this component, though.

You'll need to take it out of its housing unit and inspect both sides. If you see a lot of dirt and debris that have accumulated, it may be time for a replacement. When assessing your options, make sure you get the right size. Otherwise, you'll face installation issues right out of the gate. 

Lower the Heating Load 

One of the major reasons furnaces malfunction is because they're forced to work harder than they should. This can happen for several reasons. For example, there may be drafts in your home that are causing your furnace to constantly run.

To combat this issue, you need to check your home's windows and doors for drafts. If you can feel any air coming through, you'll need to seal them up properly. Another factor that can cause your furnace to work harder than normal is dirty air ducts. For this problem, you'll want to hire a professional duct cleaning company.

Lubricate the Blower Motor 

The blower motor is what powers your furnace, and as such, it's forced to do a lot. For this reason, you need to get in the habit of lubricating this component as often as you can. When you do, the motor won't have a tendency to overheat and will last a lot longer.

You don't just want to use any lubricant on the blower motor, however. Ideally, you need to use a product that's recommended by your furnace's manufacturer. It's also imperative that it has a non-sticky makeup, because if it is sticky, dirt and debris will collect on the motor and potentially cause damage.

If you own a home, it's your responsibility to take care of the furnace. Failing to do so will result in costly, chronic repairs. You don't have to be an expert to take care of this home appliance either. You simply need to take the right preventative maintenance steps. 

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