If you haven’t already, now is the time to perform furnace maintenance in Mississauga. Taking the time to perform maintenance and do a thorough inspection of your furnace can save you money and time in the long run. Below are some tips and tricks to help keep your furnace in tip-top shape this winter.
Start Your Maintenance Early
One of the best winter furnace maintenance tips is to have your furnace inspected on a regular basis, particularly before the unit is expected to be in constant operation (e.g., during the colder, winter months). This preventative measure will also give you time to perform any necessary repairs when the outside temperatures are still mild.
Inspect the Thermostat Functioning
There may be times when the temperature within the house does not appear to be accurately measured by the wall thermostat. Ensure the thermostat is properly calibrated and clear of dust and dirt. During the regular inspection and/or maintenance of the furnace, a qualified technician can recalibrate the thermostat to ensure it is properly functioning.
Change the Furnace Filter
The furnace depends on a clean air filter to provide heat. With regular use, the air filter will become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, which will force the furnace to work harder to produce air throughout the house. In addition to reducing efficiency, a clogged filter places strain on the fan motor, leading to breakdowns and increasing repair costs.
Test the Igniter Switch
Since most updated industry codes and home insurance policies require furnaces to be of a newer model, the furnace should have an electric igniter switch. Older models would have a pilot light that requires the use of an open flame to ignite. It is recommended to regularly test the ignitor switch.
Keep an Eye on the Control Valve
It is important to regularly monitor the control valve on your furnace as any leaks can cause gas to be emitted. As the valve is located on the supply line, most furnaces do have built-in features to stop the flow of gas and to alert the homeowner of a problem.
Clean the Flame Sensor
A furnace has a component referred to as a flame sensor which is simply a metal rod within the burner to ensure the flame is active when the gas valve is open. Maintenance of the flame sensor requires a complete power shut-off of the furnace before the removal of the sensor.
Clear the Drainage Tube
The drainage tube refers to the condensate drain line connecting the furnace to the outside. If the drainage tube becomes clogged, the safety features of a furnace force it to stop working. It is important to remove any debris causing the clog to prevent the buildup of mold and ensure the furnace works as needed.
Inspect the Vents and Ducts
One of the more common furnace maintenance tips for winter is ensuring the vents and ductwork are regularly inspected for potential signs of blockage. Dirt, debris, dust, pet hair, and small objects such as toys can cause the airway to be blocked, causing carbon monoxide to build up and distribute through the home.
Oil the Motor
To help ensure the motor on a furnace continues to cool and work as it should, the oil ports require lubrication on an annual basis. It only takes a few drops of nondetergent motor oil on each section to maintain a properly functioning motor.
Check the Tension Belt
With regular wear and tear, a tension belt can become loose or worn, causing vibration or noise during the operation of the furnace. Without regular inspection and replacement as needed, the furnace will eventually not properly emit warm air throughout the house.
Inspect the Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer as it is an odorless gas. The furnace produces carbon monoxide as a by-product with the gas escaping through a properly fitted ventilated pipe. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near the furnace to detect any problems, as well as throughout the rest of the home.
Tune Up for Annual Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is an essential service every homeowner requires to ensure proper functioning of the heating unit. Most homeowners opt to have a semi-annual checkup by a professional service to comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations and for house insurance policy requirements.
Contact Econoair Heating & Cooling for Furnace Maintenance in Mississauga
For professional furnace maintenance for Mississauga homes, contact Econoair Heating & Cooling Inc. As a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and indoor air quality company, we provide installation, maintenance, and repair services year-round. Call us at (905) 763-8100 for a free quote!