Furnace maintenance is an important part of home ownership. While you likely know that it’s important to get maintenance, many homeowners have questions regarding the actual maintenance process.
How Often Do Filters Need Changing?
Furnace filters typically need to be replaced every 90 days, but a few things affect this replacement schedule. If you have someone in the home with allergies or asthma, you may want to replace filters more frequently. Homeowners with pets or a smoker in the family will also want to replace their filters more frequently. On the other hand, if you have yet to use your furnace very much, you may be able to go more than three months before a filter replacement is necessary.
What Size and Type of Filter Does Your Furnace Need?
Every furnace is different when it comes to the size of filter and the filter type it needs. There is no standard one-size-fits-all filter. You can consult your owner’s manual or your local HVAC professional to find your filter size. You can also look at the size written on the filter that is currently in the unit.
There are many different types of furnace filters on the market. More expensive filters are usually able to filter out more allergens. It can be a good idea to use these types of filters if anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. There are also standard, more inexpensive filters on the market. It really depends on what you’re looking for in terms of specific needs.
Some filters are the disposable type, but there are filters on the market that will withstand washing and/or dusting. These are referred to as permanent or reusable furnace filters.
Do Furnace Parts Need Any Lubrication?
The parts on a furnace that need lubrication really depend on the individual furnace that you have in your home. Some furnaces need all their moving parts lubricated annually, and others do not require lubrication for parts like the blower motor.
Bearing oil or non-detergent oil is usually something professionals will use to lubricate the parts of a furnace that need lubrication. WD-40 is not ever a good choice to use during the lubrication process, and knowledgeable professionals will not choose to use it as it can do damage.
Does the Furnace Thermostat Need Calibration?
Many people may not know this, but your furnace’s thermostat should undergo recalibration as part of your regular maintenance. Having the proper calibration for your thermostat is important so that your furnace can heat your home to the temperature it needs to be at during colder weather.
It’s recommended that thermostat recalibration happens at least once per year when regular maintenance takes place on your furnace. If your thermostat cannot handle recalibration, a thermostat replacement is likely in order.
Should Your Ducts Undergo Cleaning During Maintenance?
Duct cleaning is a part of the routine maintenance process. It is very important that they are adequately cleaned during regular intervals because they can accumulate massive particles inside them over time. Cleaning of the ducts can help ensure that your family isn’t breathing in unnecessary dust particles.
Duct cleaning is not a process that homeowners should attempt themselves. During a duct cleaning, an HVAC professional will use high-powered vacuums to remove dust and other debris from the ductwork. They may also use air compressors to help break up and remove debris buildup.
Does Furnace Maintenance Really Save Any Money?
Proper furnace maintenance can save you money in many ways. First, it helps your furnace operate as efficiently as possible, so you will likely save money on your energy bills. A properly maintained furnace will also require fewer repairs and reach its full expected lifespan, saving you money over the long term.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Today
When you’re ready to schedule a professional tune-up, the team from Coffman & Company is available to help. We maintain furnaces of all makes and models and offer a maintenance agreement to take the guesswork out of keeping your unit in optimal condition. We can also install and repair heating systems and provide you with a full range of cooling services. In addition, we install and repair water heaters, provide indoor air quality solutions, and install gas lines. Contact us today for more information or to set up an appointment in Wheat Ridge, CO or the surrounding area.
