When you have an HVAC system, especially a furnace, you need to know that regular maintenance is the key to prolonging its lifespan. But, of course, you will not just prolong its lifespan, either – you can ensure you and your family or staff are safe at all times and your system is working at its best. Now that winter is here; it’s even more crucial to ensure the health of your furnace! But what if you encounter certain issues with your furnace – what are you to do then? Here are the most common problems with your furnace – and how to deal if these issues arise.
- Dirt in the ductwork
One of the most common – and simple – problems associated with any furnace is dirt in the ductwork. It may be a simple problem with an equally simple solution – but surprisingly, not many people are aware of it before it becomes a bigger issue! After some time, dust and dirt can accumulate in the ductwork, especially the heating ducts. This then means that your furnace won’t be able to blow as much hot air into the space. If you notice that your furnace isn’t heating the rooms in your house as quickly and efficiently, the ductwork may require a cleaning. When you put your hand in front of a vent, not enough air seems to blow out – this could be a sign of dirt in the ductwork.
The best thing to do in this case is to call a technician to clean the ductwork – and afterward, it’s good sense to have them clean it regularly, as an expert in furnace repair in Aurora, IL (like McNally HVAC) recommends.
- Replace filters
The filters maintain indoor air quality while keeping the ductwork clean. It can block dirt, pollutants, allergens, and other bacteria or viruses from entering the space. But again, while many home- and business owners are aware of the importance of filters, they don’t know much about changing them. It often depends on your filter type, but most HVAC systems require their filters changed every month or once every two months. It would be best if you could check the packaging of your filters. One sure sign that your filters need to be replaced is if your furnace doesn’t seem to heat the air well enough. If the furnace is being overworked with no results, this could be a sign that your filters need changing. You can check on Arnold Jones Services for all-around and reliable HVAC service.
- Fix blower parts
If the furnace you have has a blower and it’s not blowing hot air as well as it should, there could be a problem with any of the blower parts or components. For instance, it could be time to replace the bearings. Most ball bearings don’t operate for life – they will be damaged or be privy to wear and tear after some time. So when there is a scraping noise from the furnace, it could signify that the ball bearings need to be replaced. Another potential issue is the belt (located in the blower fan). When you encounter a high squealing noise from your furnace, the problem could be in the belt. It can slip from its usual position or break – if this happens, it’s time to call in the experts so they can replace the belts.
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