Spring Cleaning Your Furnace: What You Need To Know

Spring has sprung! Well, almost. Warm weather, sunshine, flowers, and a fresh start are just over the horizon. Nothing could be more exciting after a long, cold winter. With a new season comes a number of different responsibilities.... especially for homeowners. In addition to all of the regular spring cleaning tasks (sorting through your wardrobe, emptying out the pantry, and cleaning the floors) there are other essential must-haves you might have overlooked. Like taking care of your furnace. This is just as important as keeping your home squeaky clean. What do you need to do? This is everything you need to know about spring cleaning your furnace.
Winter can be tough. Not just on our mental well being but also on our furnaces. They work hard all season to make sure each and every room stays warm and comfortable. That makes proper maintenance essential. It is the best way to keep your furnace working well - and make sure it is always prepared. Think it doesn't matter? Without maintenance, the lifespan of your furnace can be affected and it may even cost you more out of pocket in the long run. That is not what you want! So, it is important to stick to an annual spring cleaning routine. Haven't done it in the past? Don't know where to start? It is easier than you think. Start with your filters.
Your furnace filters dramatically affect the way your HVAC unit works. That is why experts recommend they be changed every three months or as necessary. The end of winter is the perfect time to inspect and replace them. You can do it on your own by turning off the furnace, removing the filter, and simply placing in a new one. Or if you have washable filters, remove the filter, rinse away the dust and dirt, let it dry, and re-insert. This step is important to the overall health of your furnace, particularly if the winter weather was harsh.
The next spring cleaning task is all about.... you guessed it.... cleanliness. Dirt and your furnace should never go together. It can impact the overall efficiency of your unit. That means in addition to cleaning the countertops and giving the baseboards a good scrub, you will also want to give your furnace a little elbow grease. Start by removing any and all dust and dirt from the area directly around your HVAC unit. You can use any old vacuum or broom to do this.
Then there is the furnace itself. Carefully wipe off any built up dust from the exterior of the unit. Or if you are a little more skilled you can remove the access panel and use a can of compressed air to clean the blower and motor inside. Don't feel comfortable with that? Then simply call your heating and cooling company. They can tackle any spring maintenance job you do not think you can handle on your own.
You're not done yet! Other important spring cleaning tasks for your furnace include: inspecting the belt for signs of wear, taking a look at your ductwork for potential leaks or cracks, and making sure the furnace is properly lubricated.
Making sure your furnace is working well doesn't have to be difficult. It just takes some TLC and a bit of spring cleaning! Keep your unit working properly and running efficiently. Simply focus your attention on cleanliness - both inside and out.
Tony Lester understands the importance of spring maintaining your furnace. He works for Heating Ontario and has been involved in the furnace industry for over ten years. It is his vast experience that allows him to understand the furnace installation needs of his clients.