Spring cleaning is in full swing, but did you know your furnace is the most overlooked item on your spring cleaning list? Dust and allergens can be released into the air in the heat of cleaning, which can make its way to your vents and your furnace. After a long winter and many days of heating your home, your furnace deserves a bit of attention to keep it in tip-top shape.
Signs Your Furnace Needs a Tune-Up
If your furnace has not been serviced in a while, built-up dust and debris can develop an odour that can seriously impact your health. Dust and debris that gathers on the coils of your furnace system combine with moisture to form a thick coating of grime that can be difficult to remove.
There are a few warning signs that indicate your furnace needs a tune-up:
- Humming, banging or popping sounds
- Increased energy bills
- Excessive dust near the vents
- No response to thermostat changes
- You can’t remember the last time it was serviced
In Canada, the average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 30 years, but regular inspections and maintenance can extend its lifespan and ensure repair costs don’t start to add up over time. If your furnace is under warranty, you must have it serviced and inspected annually to maintain your warranty.
Where do I start: Your spring cleaning checklist
Knowing where to start with your furnace can be tricky, but with Dyand Mechanical, we are here to help with all your furnace needs. We have prepared a few tips for planning your spring cleaning checklist and what to look for. Before you start, ensure that the power has been turned off to your furnace!
Inspect electrical controls
- First things first, inspecting your electrical controls will give you peace of mind and ensure that all of the connections are sound. Loose connections can cause equipment to fail, but they can also be a fire hazard in the case of sparks. If your furnace is gas-powered, turning off the pilot light can help save you money and keep your home safe from fire hazards.
Replace furnace filters
- The filters in your furnace work to collect and filter out dust, dirt, and other allergens circulating in the air within your home. Every 3 months, your furnace filters should be replaced but reusable filters can be thoroughly cleaned and reused again. Make sure that the power is turned off before you start, and use caution when removing the filters so dust and debris do not fall off.
Check your ductwork
- If you are finding that airflow does not circulate as well in your home, your ductwork might be at fault. Common sources of clogging in your ductwork can be dust or pet hair. To cut down on allergens in your home, your ducts should be cleaned to allow fresh air to circulate.
Clean around your furnace
- This may sound simple, but the surface of your furnace and its moving parts often hold the most dirt. Take a moment to inspect the burners for build-up or leaks, and use a brass wire brush to clean off the surface as they are very susceptible to collecting soot build-up from the heat. The blower fans should be able to rotate freely but may need oil. Surfaces in your furnace that need attention include burners, flame sensors, humidifiers, and blower fans. When in doubt, contact us to schedule an appointment for furnace cleaning.
Inspect the CO detector and heat exchanger
- Inspecting your CO detector is not an easy feat and should be left to the pros to ensure everyone is safe! CO detector batteries should be replaced every 6 months and the detector should be tested regularly. During an inspection, we look for signs of damage, rust, carbon build-up, and cracked surfaces. CO2 is an odourless, noxious gas produced by furnaces, and leaks can have serious consequences for your health. If cracks are found in the interior of the heat exchanger, we have options available for repairs and can provide you with a clear timeline for repairs or replacements.
Test your thermostat
- Does your furnace respond to changes on the thermostat? If not, there may be a faulty wire or connection to the furnace, but that does not mean that there is an issue with your thermostat itself. Your thermostat may be broken if any of the following occurs:
- Your thermostat has no power
- The AC or Furnace won’t turn on or off
- The thermostat does not match the room temperature
- It has short heating cycles
Schedule a tune-up
- Over time, parts can wear out or become less efficient. Your furnace shouldn’t be ignored after the winter months, and taking time for repairs and inspections early on can save you time and money. During a tune-up, our technicians will release any trapped air in the furnace and descale the pipes to allow for greater airflow, in addition to inspecting for loose parts.
Spring cleaning your furnace doesn’t have to be a one-person job, and we want to give you peace of mind about your furnace so that you can enjoy the summer months without worrying about the fall.
Why work with Dyand Mechanical?
For 50 years, we have proudly supported Edmontonians to keep you comfortable all year round without worries! When something breaks, we are ready with 24/7 emergency services. We offer annual standard maintenance checkups and general furnace services that are made to fit your needs. Our technicians work to diagnose and repair your furnace on a budget.
Are you looking for help with your furnace spring cleaning? Book early and avoid the wait this spring! Check out our maintenance packages or request a quote today!
