Having your furnace break down in the middle of winter is never a good situation. Keeping your furnace well maintained will ensure that you have the heat you need and that the furnace runs as efficiently as possible. Yearly inspections and cleaning of your furnace is a fairly simple and inexpensive step to take.
When you have a contractor inspect your furnace, take the time to observe what the technician is doing and ask them questions about what steps you can take to keep your system working correctly. Many blower motors do not require the addition of oil on a yearly basis but some models do. It can be important to remember this because failure to oil the bearings can cause premature failure.
Keeping your furnace clean is only one-step in overall furnace maintenance. You also need to keep the area around your furnace clear and never store volatile chemicals in the area. You should also have your ductwork cleaned and inspected. Cleaning ductwork is sometimes a job that many homeowners can do themselves. If you do clean this yourself, take a few minutes to inspect exposed ducts for leaks. Duct tape can be used to easily cover any seams that may be leaking.
Change your furnace filter regularly. While advanced filtration systems may be beneficial to those that suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, regular filters will normally work perfectly well in most situations. If you have several pets or live in a dusty area, you might wish to change your filter more often than recommended. Write down the information regarding the size of filter your furnace requires. Keep the information handy in your wallet or purse. If you see filters on sale, you can stock up.
In addition, it is a good idea to keep a reusable, washable furnace filters clean and on hand for emergencies. If you forget to purchase a replacement filter, you will at least be able to have a temporary solution for a clogged dirty filter.
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