While it’s always best to have professionals inspect and perform maintenance on any part of your home’s HVAC system, there are a few things you can do yourself if you’re experiencing trouble with your system. Use this furnace maintenance checklist to help you troubleshoot your problem:
- Turn off the system. To avoid injury, always turn off the fuel source and the electrical supply before you begin to inspect your system.
- Replace the air filter. An air filter that’s caked with dust and other particles can put a significant strain on your system. Clean or replace your air filter per the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid costly energy bills.
- Clean the furnace. It’s always a good idea to keep the area around your furnace clean and free of debris since the furnace air intake needs to be kept clear to ensure efficient operation. While the air filter captures most of the dirt and dust, you can also remove the screws on the panel covering the filter and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- Seasonal Inspection. Before the cold weather hits, it’s also a good idea to have your system inspected by a Professional. This will help make sure that if any problems are present, you can take care of them immediately to avoid costly repairs or an interruption of service later on.