Consumer Resources

Three Do-It-Yourself Maintenance Tips for Furnace Owners

Keeping your furnace in good working order is important for comfort, safety and lowering energy bills. Several simple, routine maintenance techniques can be done by homeowners in the greater Nashville TN area to keep furnaces working properly. For long-term safety and to ensure that your furnace system operates at optimum efficiency, a professional furnace or heating repair or maintenance inspection should be done annually, before onset of winter. In the middle Tennessee area, including Murfreesboro,Nashville, and Tullahoma TN, oil- and gas-powered furnaces are commonly used. Each system has components that can be easily maintained.

The first task is to check air filters on the unit. Filters trap airborne particulate matter like dust, mold and bacteria. Regular cleaning removes built-up dust and debris. A clean filter means that air flows freely, which reduces the working load on the furnace, fan and ventilation system. It also prevents allergens from being re-circulated, which means that you are breathing cleaner air. Plastic filters can be vacuumed and washed with cool, soapy water. Cardboard and fiberglass filters should be replaced rather than cleaned. All filters should be replaced periodically throughout the year.

The second task is to clean the blower, housing and fan. Vacuuming removes most of the dust. Surfaces can also be cleaned using a damp cloth. If the unit is gas-powered, check to see if there is any soot build-up. Soot is an indication of poor combustion, which can cause a build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Units with soot should be evaluated by a professional. Some blower units have fan belts, while others are direct-drive. If yours has a fan belt, check for sagging and brittleness. Over time, heat dries out the rubber of the belt, which reduces tension and causes cracking. Loose or damaged belts should be replaced. Professionals serving the area of Tullahoma, Nashville and Murfreesboro are available to provide the necessary service.

The third task is to examine duct work and flues for leaks. Seal all gaps and holes with high-quality foil duct tape. If you see large holes, a professional qualified to perform furnace or heating repair or maintenance should evaluate the problem and provide the necessary rectification.