Maintaining your furnace is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently and safely. A breakdown can not only be inconvenient, but it can also be a safety hazard. In this blog post, we will go over some tips on how to maintain your furnace, prevent a furnace breakdown, and how to prevent your pipes from freezing if your furnace does breakdown.
Maintain Your Furnace to Prevent a Breakdown
First, let’s go over some ways to maintain your furnace. One of the most important things you can do is to change the air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can cause the furnace to work harder, leading to reduced efficiency and potentially even a breakdown. It is generally recommended to change the air filter every month or two, depending on the type of filter and the amount of use the furnace gets.
Get Your Furnace Inspected
Another important maintenance task is to have your furnace inspected and serviced annually by a professional. During this service, the technician will clean the furnace and check for any issues that need to be addressed. They will also lubricate moving parts and ensure that the furnace is operating safely.
Housekeeping
In addition to regular maintenance, there are some things you can do to prevent a furnace breakdown. One way to do this is to keep the area around the furnace clear of any clutter or debris. This will help ensure that the furnace has proper ventilation and can function properly.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
It is also a good idea to invest in a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set the temperature to a consistent level, which can help extend the life of your furnace. Additionally, turning the thermostat down a few degrees while you are away or asleep can save energy and money.
Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing
If you do experience a furnace breakdown, it is important to take action to prevent your pipes from freezing. If the furnace is not working, the air in your home will start to cool down, which can cause the water in your pipes to freeze. To prevent this from happening, you can take the following steps:
- Keep your faucets dripping: This will help to keep water flowing through the pipes, which will help prevent them from freezing.
- Leave cabinet doors open: This will allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes, helping to keep them from freezing.
- Use electric heating tape: This is a special tape that you can wrap around your pipes to help keep them warm.
- Use a space heater: If you have a small area that you are worried about, you can use a space heater to keep the air in that area warm and help prevent the pipes from freezing.
It is also a good idea to have a professional plumber come out to assess any issues with your pipes and make any necessary repairs.
In conclusion, maintaining your furnace is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently and safely. Some ways to do this include changing the air filter regularly and having the furnace inspected and serviced annually by a professional. To prevent a furnace breakdown, keep the area around the furnace clear and invest in a programmable thermostat. If your furnace does break down, there are steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing, such as keeping your faucets dripping, leaving cabinet doors open, using electric heating tape, and using a space heater. It is always a good idea to have a professional plumber assess any issues with your pipes and make any necessary repairs. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your furnace is running smoothly and that your pipes are protected.
