Preventative Maintenance For your Forced Air Furnace

Cold weather and snow can do a lot of damage to the systems of your home, and your furnace is no exception. With the cold temperatures and snow, there are a few preventative maintenance tips every homeowner should do that will prolong the life of your furnace.

1. Change the filter. Every HVAC company says you should change the filter on a regular basis, which is true. The filter filters out the bad stuff floating around so that only "pure" air is being forced through your forced air furnace. If you have pets such as dogs or cats, you should change the filter more often. Every 3 - 6 months is a good rule of thumb.

2. Keep intakes and and discharges free and clear. Many furnaces have discharges or air recyclers that are linked to the outside through vents in your home. It is important that you keep these vents free and clear of debris and snow throughout the winter to allow for optimal performance and safety.

3. Get a tune up. Many HVAC companies offer semi-annual services for your home services. These are worth their weight in gold. You will have a tech come out and tune up your furnace, pointing out issues for you to think about. They generally check the pilot light, connections, and more. Worth the money.

4. Know the signs of a failing furnace. If your system's pilot light is yellow, certain rooms are not staying as warm as others in the home, or the system is blowing but without any warm air, your furnace could be failing. Especially if it is older then 10 years. It's best to call an HVAC company and get someone out as soon as possible for a check up.

We hope you have a winter with no heating problems! Stay warm out there!