Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Maintaining Your Furnace

Unfortunately for us, we're all still using our furnace. Heating systems are usually trouble-free and easy to maintain. Like most things, efficient operation is a function of good regular maintenance. No matter what type of furnace you have, there are several things you can do to keep your heating system in top condition.

Dirt is your biggest enemy! It can waste fuel and drastically lower efficiency. Dirt affects all three basic components of your furnace (heat/cold source, distribution system & thermostat), so cleaning it is the most important part of regular maintenance. The three parts of the furnace should be cleaned: the filter system, the blower, and the motor.

The furnace filter should be replaced or cleaned at the beginning of the heating season and about once a month during periods of continuous use. To check the filter, take it out and hold it up to the light. If it looks clogged, replace it with a new filter of the same type and size regardless of the length of time it has been used.

To keep the motor running cool in your furnace, make sure it's clean. Most motors are permanently lubricated and sealed by the manufacturer and, therefore, require no further attention. Some motors, however, have covered oil ports above the bearings near the motor shaft.

If the motor has oil ports, it should be lubricated annually. Apply two or three drops of 10-weight non-detergent motor oil to each port. Do not over-lubricate. If the blower shaft has oil ports, lubricate that too, annually.

If you're a handy man, then these maintenance techniques should be no problem. However, if you're like me, you know nothing and you should definitely hire the professionals at South Nashville Heating and Cooling. They have been in business for over 30 years and their reviews speak for themselves! Give South Nashville Heating and Cooling a call today at 615-834-1636.

Visit us HERE to sign up for special offers!

No comments:

Post a Comment