As winter approaches, now is the time to make sure your furnace is ready to keep your home safe and comfortable. Regular furnace maintenance in Jeffersonville, IN is key to avoiding furnace breakdowns and ensuring efficient operations. You need a team you can trust–Call A+ Derr Heating and Cooling at 812-545-7459 or contact us today to schedule your furnace maintenance.Â
Tips for Effective Furnace Maintenance
Effective maintenance to your furnace is important not just to avoid costly repairs but to keep your furnace operating efficiently. The last thing you want is to have your furnace stop working when the cool weather hits. Here are just a few tips you can do to ensure you furnace operates for many years to come:- Regular Filter Changes: One of the simplest, yet often overlooked, maintenance steps is regularly changing your HVAC system’s filters. A dirty filter will block airflow causing your furnace to work harder and potentially cause more issues down the road. It’s recommended you change your filter every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter you use. It’s also important to review the manufacturer’s recommendation to ensure you do not void your warranty.Â
- Clean and Clear Vents and Registers: Vents and registers play a huge role in the ability of your furnace to get the heated air into your home. The most common restriction is furniture being placed over the vents or in front of the register. You also want to regularly vacuum and dust around the vents and registers, especially if you have pets in your home.Â
- Monitor Thermostat Settings: Your thermostat controls every aspect of your furnace’s operation. You want to be sure you keep your settings consistent, especially during the winter, as the slightest change in settings can cause your furnace to word harder. It’s also wise to install a programmable thermostat to ensure your furnace is only turning on when you are home.Â
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: Perhaps the most important aspect of furnace maintenance in Jeffersonville, IN is ensuring you schedule a professional maintenance call. This needs to happen at least once a year and it needs to be scheduled before you turn the furnace on. A professional HVAC technician has the knowledge and tools to properly examine your furnace’s complex systems, diagnose any possible problems, and keep your furnace working at its peak efficiency. This is the easiest way to avoid any major emergency repairs and breakdowns.Â
Proper Home Preparation Steps
It is not a secret that your furnace’s performance is greatly affected by certain aspects of your home. Let’s look at some steps you can take to help ensure your furnace operates efficiently and you stay comfortable throughout the cold months. By doing these, you may reduce your need for furnace maintenance in Jeffersonville, IN.ÂImprove Your Home’s Insulation
One of the most effective ways to enhance your furnace’s performance is by improving your home’s insulation. Proper insulation keeps warm air inside, reducing the amount of work your furnace needs to do. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulk. Additionally, consider adding insulation to your attic and walls to further reduce heat loss.Utilize Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are not just something you use only in the summer. Their main function is to circulate air throughout the room; this is also needed during the winter. Because heat rises, by running your ceiling fans in reverse (clockwise) at a low speed, you can push warm air back down. This will help your home feel warmer and reduce the strain on your furnace.ÂClean Around the Furnace
Keeping the area around your furnace clean and free from clutter is important for both safety and performance. Dust and debris can accumulate around the furnace, potentially clogging filters and affecting the system’s operation. Regularly clean the area and ensure there’s adequate space around the furnace for proper ventilation.Clean Ductwork
While keeping the vents and registers clean is important, it’s also important to have your ductwork cleaned on a regular basis. This helps to enhance the airflow to your furnace and prevent unnecessary furnace maintenance in Jeffersonville, IN. Periodically inspect your ductwork for signs of dust buildup or leaks, and have it professionally cleaned if necessary. Sealing any leaks with duct tape or a sealant can also improve airflow and reduce energy waste.Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Though our climate is humid in general, heated air can remove the humidity out of the air inside your home. Dry air can make it seem cooler in your home, which will cause you to increase the temperature setting on your thermostat. Using a humidifier to maintain an optimal humidity level can make the air feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat setting and reduce strain on your furnace. On the flip side of humidity, using a dehumidifier around your furnace in the summer will prevent any moisture from causing rust and corrosion. This will help prevent the need for extra furnace maintenance in Jeffersonville, IN.ÂChoosing the Right HVAC Company
When it comes to finding the right company to perform your furnace repair in Jeffersonville, IN, the options seem to be endless. They range anywhere from DIYers trying to look legit to HVAC companies with the proper licensing but no knowledge or experience. When checking potential service companies, it’s important to look at these items:- Expertise:  You don’t just want someone who knows how furnaces work. You want a company who is familiar with the specific needs homes in Jeffersonville have. This also includes making sure the company is an expert with your brand of furnace and is certified to repair it without voiding warranty.Â
- Customer Reviews: Don’t just trust the reviews on their website; look for online reviews and testimonials to gauge how reliable the company is.Â
- Transparent Pricing: The last thing you want is to be billed for work that didn’t actually happen. Be sure the technicians give you a clear direction on the scope or work and how much it will cost.Â
