Your home's furnace is by far one of its most important assets, and because of this, you need to do what you can to ensure it lasts as long as possible. There are many steps that you can do to maintain your heating system, including scheduling routine maintenance and having repairs performed if and when needed. As a homeowner, you may have questions regarding the care of your furnace. Keep reading to learn the answers to some commonly asked questions by homeowners across the country.

Does Your Furnace Need a Break from Operation?

There are some people who wonder whether or not their furnace should be switched off when they leave the house. As a general rule, turning the heating system off will place more stress on the system when you have to turn it back on and it has to increase the temperature in the home than when it simply maintains a consistent temperature in the home. If you would like to conserve some energy without straining your furnace, you can lower the temperature by a few degrees when you leave the house.

What Steps Can Be Taken to Keep the System Operating Well?

An easy and effective way to promote the good operation of your heating system is to ensure the filter remains clean. The filter is responsible for capturing dust, pet hair, dander, and a variety of other small particles that float through the air. Once the filter gets clogged, the heating system must work that much harder, which can lead to stress and premature wear. Clean or change the air filter each season at a minimum, and more frequently if there are pets in the home.

When Should Furnace Tune-ups Be Scheduled?

The general recommendation is for a furnace to undergo a tune-up at least once per year. During a tune-up, the furnace will be inspected for any potential issues that can be repaired or replaced prior to becoming very serious issues. These tune-ups help to prevent more extensive and expensive repairs and maintain overall furnace efficiency.

How Do You Know When Repairs Are Necessary?

Apart from the obvious lack of sufficient heat, signs of problems with your furnace can include inadequate air quality, persistent noises, and an increase in soot. If your carbon monoxide detector ever goes off, then you will need to contact a furnace repair contractor after evacuating your home.

If you have any further questions or believe your furnace is in need of maintenance or repairs, contact a local heating company, such as https://www.erickson-plumbingqc.com/.