As a Toronto homeowner, your furnace is an essential piece of equipment that helps keep you and your family warm during the colder months. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that your furnace continues to operate at peak performance and maximum efficiency.
We have rounded up some tips on how to maintain your furnace in Toronto for optimal performance.
- Schedule Regular Furnace Inspections
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your furnace is to schedule annual inspections. During a furnace inspection, a professional furnace technician in Toronto will thoroughly examine your furnace to check for any potential issues. They will also clean your furnace and make necessary adjustments to ensure smooth operations. By catching minor problems early, you can avoid costly repairs down the line.
- Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly
Another critical aspect of maintenance for your furnace in Toronto is changing the furnace filter regularly. The furnace filter is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other airborne particles that can accumulate inside your furnace and clog the system. A clogged filter can cause your furnace to work harder to heat your home, leading to higher energy bills and reduced efficiency.
We recommend changing your furnace filter every three months to ensure optimal performance. However, if you have pets or someone in your household has allergies or asthma, you may need to change your filter more frequently. Inspect your filter every month and replace it as soon as it appears dirty.
- Clean the Furnace and Ductwork
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside your furnace and ductwork, reducing airflow and decreasing efficiency. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to clean your ductwork and furnace regularly. We recommend having your ductwork professionally cleaned every 3-5 years.
You can clean your furnace yourself by following these steps:
- Switch it off and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.
- Remove the furnace panels to access the inside.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove dust and debris from the furnace components.
- Vacuum up any remaining dust and debris.
- Replace the furnace panels and plug the furnace back in.
- Check the Thermostat
Regulating your home temperature is highly dependent on the proper functioning of your thermostat. If it’s not working properly, it can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to. To ensure your thermostat is working correctly, we recommend regularly checking and calibrating it.
To check your thermostat, turn up the heat and see if your furnace kicks on. If it doesn’t, your thermostat may need to be adjusted. To calibrate your thermostat, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to your furnace.
- Remove the thermostat cover and locate the calibration screw.
- Use a small screwdriver to turn the calibration screw until the temperature on the thermostat matches the actual room temperature.
- Replace the thermostat cover and turn the power back on to your furnace.
- Keep the Furnace Area Clear
Finally, it’s essential to keep the area around your furnace clear of clutter. Clutter can block airflow and cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to. Ensure no flammable materials, such as paper or cardboard, are near your furnace. Additionally, make sure that there is enough space around your furnace for proper ventilation.
These essential tips can help you maintain the smooth and efficient operation of your furnace for an extended period. Remember to schedule annual inspections, change your furnace filter regularly, clean your ductwork and furnace, check your thermostat, and keep the furnace area clear of clutter.
If you need help with professional maintenance for your furnace in Toronto, don’t hesitate to contact Air Quality Dunrite. Our team of experienced technicians can help you keep your furnace in top condition. Give us a call today at (416) 342-1939 to book our furnace services.