Upkeep helps the furnace run efficiently and reduces the need for emergency furnace repair in Saratoga, CA. But regular maintenance also helps keep the heating system in good condition and helps it run safely so it doesn’t emit harmful gasses or catch fire. Here are a few basic maintenance tips you can use with any type of furnace to keep it safe.
1. Establish Furnace Rules
First thing, if there are children in the home who might accidentally end up playing around the furnace it is important to establish some rules. Children often don’t realize how dangerous furnaces can be. So it is important to help them see that the grate can get hot and they should not get close to the area where the furnace is located. And making sure they stay away from the furnace will also prevent them from leaving toys near the furnace as well.
2. Vacuum
Lint and dust can be extremely dangerous around the furnace. By vacuuming inside year-round you can keep the dust to a minimum so it doesn’t get drawn into the ductwork of your heating and cooling system. You also want to keep the area around your furnace clean, vacuuming at least once a month during times of peak use.
3. Keep Air Flowing
To work, the furnace needs a steady flow of fresh air. If the furnace doesn’t get fresh air it will start to pull from the oxygen in the home. And low levels of oxygen will be unsafe. So keep the floor registers open and make sure none of the vents are blocked. You also want to make sure there are no obstructions over the registers that could block airflow.
4. Keep Flammable Items Away
This should go without saying, but you should keep anything flammable far away from your furnace. Many people use their furnace room for storage, and that is ok. But you don’t want anything to catch fire and put your home at risk. So in addition to keeping three feet of clearance around the furnace, it is also important to store things like gasoline, paint, wood scraps, old rags, papers, and sawdust in another area of the home.
5. Replace Air Filters
Replacing the air filters is one basic maintenance task a lot of homeowners neglect. They forget or put it off, not realizing how much damage a clogged filter can do to the system. The main purpose of the air filter is to keep dirt and debris out of the ductwork and machinery. But it also helps eliminate dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the air circulating in the home. A clogged filter will do neither of these things. It will also restrict airflow and cause the system to overwork and often overheat.
6. Set Up Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be a standard in every home. But it is up to you to make sure your alarms are in working order. Be sure to test out your alarm systems at least once a month. And when the battery goes out, replace it as soon as possible.
7. Schedule Annual Inspections
The last thing you can do to keep your furnace running safely is schedule an annual furnace service. These routine checks by a trained professional will help the system run as safely and efficiently as possible. For furnace repair in Saratoga, CA, contact us at Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning today.
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