Pre-Winter Preparations: A Furnace Maintenance Checklist

Now that the weather’s getting a bit chillier, it’d be a good idea to check on your furnace. If it isn’t properly maintained, the furnace can break down and release carbon monoxide. That’s why the air conditioning installation experts at Air Products & Services have compiled a furnace maintenance checklist for you below. 

Pay Attention to Any Unusual Sounds or Smells

Before switching your furnace off, pay attention to any unusual sounds or smells, as these may be a sign of more serious underlying issues. 

Clean the Furnace 

Soot is a sign of poor combustion. Use a small brush and vacuum to clean it off the blower blades, as well as the belts and pulleys leading to the blower compartment. Don’t forget that dirty heat vents can also lower indoor air quality, so it’d be a good idea to clean them as well. 

Replace the Filters 

How often you should replace your filter depends on the type. Pleated or polyester filters, for example, should be replaced every three months, while fiberglass filters should be changed every month. If you smoke or have pets inside your home, the filters should also be changed about once a month. We also recommend installing disposable filters instead of high-efficiency filters, as these can limit the airflow inside your home. 

Inspect the Internal Components

You can check to make sure none of the combustion air openings are blocked, but overall it’s better to leave the inspection of the furnace’s internal components to residential AC and heating unit technicians. 

One more thing: make sure to hire experienced HVAC technicians. This way you can rest easy knowing that your furnace will undergo a comprehensive inspection. 

Air Products & Services, a company with nearly four decades’ worth of experience, offers residential HVAC repair and commercial AC maintenance services. To get a free estimate on a new HVAC unit, call us at (818) 989-2030 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Tarzana, CA.