Heating System Preventative Maintenance Pointers
While heating systems in the past consisted of wood burning stove and fireplaces requiring little maintenance, today’s sophisticated
furnaces and building controls in New Westminster require a good dose of preventative maintenance in order to avoid mechanical
failures and inefficient operation.
For example, a furnace runs better and lasts longer when you maintain a regular schedule of filter cleaning or replacing. A dirty or clogged filter can
restrict airflow from the furnace into your home’s ventilation system and cause the furnace to work harder, putting more wear and tear on it and taking
months, if not years, off of its useful life. If your furnace uses disposable filters, check them every month and replace them if necessary. If your furnace
uses an electronic filter that requires cleaning, check it on a monthly or semi-monthly basis and clean it with soapy water and a hose. Be aware of the
change of seasons which could add extra pollutants into the air like pollens, ragweed, and cottonwood. This debris easily finds its way into the filters
and creates an unhealthy indoor environment.
You can also perform a simple visual inspection of working components inside your furnace by removing the access cover and checking – with a flashlight
– for loose fan belts, frayed electrical wires, or a build-up of dirt and dust. Simple solutions include tightening or replacing belts, repairing wiring,
and vacuuming out dirt and dust with a hose attachment. All of these actions will keep your furnace working better and prevent future failures.
You can also do a visual check of your home’s ventilation system, paying close attention to any cracks in duct seams or holes in flex ductwork. Using
sealing cement or duct tape can usually fix these problems and allow for better, unrestricted air flow. Again, these actions will help your furnace work
more efficiently and avoid premature failures.
Maybe the best advice for preventing heating system breakdowns is to have a regular maintenance schedule with a local qualified heating contractor.
Most contractors can set you up with annual furnace and ventilation system inspections. Having a service agreement – as a rule – gives you priority emergency
repairs and discounts on parts and services. Besides that, planned maintenance is also preventative maintenance, something that will give you peace of
mind in the long run.