A furnace breakdown is the last thing any building owner wants in the middle of winter, which is why it’s a good idea to have a contractor do some furnace maintenance work before temperatures dip below zero. Routine maintenance can help prevent some of the most common HVAC problems, which we’ve listed below:
Poor Indoor Air Quality
As a good rule of thumb, you should replace 1-2 inch furnace filters every three months, 4-inch filters every six months and 5-inch filters every 12 months. Replace the filters right away if you notice any of the following signs:
- The interior is dusty
- Your allergies are acting up
- The HVAC unit is running more frequently
- Unusual smells
Inconsistent Temperatures
Not only can dirty filters lower indoor air quality, they can also hamper the circulation of warm air and cause temperatures to fluctuate throughout your home. However, dirty filters aren’t the only possible culprit here, which is why we strongly recommend having a contractor inspect your furnace before the start of the fall or winter seasons. This allows them time to conduct residential furnace repair before relatively minor issues become serious problems.
Check Your Thermostat
In the meantime, you can do a visual inspection of your furnace. Make sure nothing is blocking the vents and your thermostat is working properly—a lot of building owners tend to neglect the thermostat, which is responsible for adjusting the temperatures and reducing your HVAC unit’s power consumption when possible. An HVAC contractor can check your thermostat and calibrate it to keep indoor temperatures and power consumption at comfortable and optimal levels.
Sudden Shutdowns
Without routine maintenance, the wear and tear on your HVAC unit can increase its power consumption or even lead to a sudden shutdown. That’s why it’s important to stick to a regular maintenance schedule.
One more thing: Make sure to hire an experienced technician, as a less-experienced contractor is more likely to miss subtle warning signs of problems.