Professional furnace installation is very crucial for Columbus residents as it is about ensuring proper installation. As a result, the failure to have these indoor heating solutions professionally installed can lead to serious issues, including:
- Safety Hazards – Such as electrical risks, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide poisoning
- Frequent Breakdowns – Primarily due to premature wear & tear
- Shortened Lifespan
- Reduced Efficiency – Due to uneven heating and costly energy bills
- Noise Issues
- Poor Air Quality – As a result of humidity issues and/or dust & debris
- Legal & Insurance Problems
By the way, some of the above-listed are more severe, especially those that put people’s health and lives on the line. One such is carbon monoxide poisoning. To find out how dangerous it can be in indoor spaces, you can check: https://www.cdc.gov/.
While it is good to note that more people are conscious of the need to have furnaces properly installed and even repaired, people tend to be passive when it comes to maintenance. This is wrong as poor maintenance is equally not good for Columbus residents. To this end, this article shared some checklists for proper furnace maintenance.
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Tips for Keeping Furnaces Running Smoothly in Columbus
Most of the risks associated with poor furnace installation can still play out when this indoor heating equipment is not well maintained. So, while installations need to be professionally and properly executed, the buck does not stop there.
In simpler terms, proper and timely maintenance is also vital. Bearing this in mind, some maintenance tips are discussed below:
Pre-Maintenance Preparation
Overall, this is about ensuring personal safety before the maintenance proper. Some things to do to that effect include:
Complete Shut Off of Power
While this is simply possible from the unit end, it is not enough. Also, make sure to shut off the power supply from the circuit breaker end.
Proper Lighting
The space where the furnace is located should be well-lit. This is particularly for safe and proper maintenance.
Use Essential Tools
Do not take chances when it comes to safety as it is better to do too much than do less than required. Bearing this in mind, make sure to use essential safety tools such as work gloves and safety glasses. Other required tools such as screwdrivers and pliers should be used, rather than improvising.
Furnace Inspection
The furnace in question is supposed to be thoroughly inspected periodically. Besides this, any new development should also necessitate an inspection, regardless of how slight the changes are. Some things/areas to focus on during this inspection are:
- Damage Signs on the Exterior – These could be cracks, odd wear patterns, or rust
- Blower Belt’s State & Shape – The goal is to ensure that the belt has adequate tension and that there is no sign of wearing off
- Air Duct Connection – You should be looking out for loose connections, visible damage, and gaps
- Heat Exchanger – Inspect for corrosions and cracks
Any issue with the above-listed areas/parts should not be considered minor. Against this backdrop, reliable furnace maintenance services should be contacted for the next line of action if any complications are noticed with the said parts/areas. Doing these saves you a lot of trouble in the near and distant future.
Cleaning Tasks
Although cleaning for the most part is something that consumers can handle, faithfully cleaning one’s furnace would save consumers from a lot of furnace-related complications. So, do not make light of it. Having made this clear, some things to do include:
- Dust & Debris Removal from Exterior Surfaces – This also extends to the surrounding areas as dirt and debris in the surrounding can ultimately affect the equipment
- Vent & Register Cleaning
- Interior Cleaning – Some interior parts can be cleaned effectively with the aid of a vacuum cleaner. The burner and blower assembly areas are prime examples
- Periodic Replacement of Air Filter – The timeframe is between 60 – 90 days. Factors such as pet ownership determine the specificity of the replacement timeframe
By the way, some cleaning aspects may require instructions from technicians. One such is interior cleaning with the use of a vacuum cleaner. Just make sure to consult your technician especially when unsure of certain cleaning tasks.
Functionality Testing
The functionality should be deliberately tested, especially during those periods when it is not needed. One such is during summer.
Frankly, this is a common mistake by some Columbus residents as they end up shocked when their furnace is needed. To avoid such an experience, some things to verify include the proper functioning of the:
- Thermostat Accuracy & Programming Capabilities
- All Vent & Return Airflow
- System Efficiency through Inspection of Complete Heating Cycle
- Ignition System’s Operation
It would also help if you know how to test for specific things with the effectiveness of the pressure switch being one such. You can click here for more information on this.
In Closing
User maintenance is a vital part of ensuring that a furnace performs at its utmost best for a very long time. As a result, consumers should be committed to promptly and properly maintaining theirs.
