2024 is finally here, which means that it’s a great time of year to start on the right foot with your furnace if you own a home in Longmont, Colorado. While furnaces are one of those appliances that tend to be forgotten by homeowners until a repair is needed, making sure that your furnace is getting its annual maintenance every year will help prevent those big surprise repairs and increase the longevity of your furnace. Although there’s no magic wand that can prevent replacement forever, we hope the annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents that we’ve included from Cool Ducts HVAC will help set you up for a fully functioning furnace this year.
The annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents: what you need to do in 2024 to keep your furnace running great
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Examine Your Heat Exchanger and Safety Sensors
If you’re a new homeowner or not familiar with furnaces, a simple explanation of a heat exchanger is what makes your furnace produce hot air to heat your home. Without it there would be no heat. For this reason, it’s important to regularly check for any wear or potential cracks in the heat exchanger and ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are in working order to keep your home safe. A crack could potentially release carbon dioxide into your home, so don’t skip out on getting a professional to check off this item on the annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents this year.
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Keep the Furnace’s Breathing Space Clear:
To allow for proper airflow into your furnace, it’s imperative that you maintain a clutter-free zone around any exterior units to guarantee unobstructed air intake. Typically, we recommend at least three feet of clearance around your furnace to prevent things from getting damaged by the heat and so that your HVAC technician can have enough room to make repairs safely.
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Ensure Clean and Efficient Burners:
Another important check to add to the annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents is keeping the burners free from dust to allow for optimal heating performance. A furnace with better efficiency won’t need to run as long to provide heat for your home, and you can potentially save money over time since it will be running less.
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Annual Ventilation Cleanout:
Your chimney enables warm air to circulate throughout your home, preventing your furnace from overheating. Don’t forget to make clearing out your home’s chimney and vents to reduce any fire hazards and maintain clean air flow part of the annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents this year.
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Humidifier Hygiene:
If your system includes a humidifier, clean it consistently for an efficient heating process and comfortable indoor humidity levels. To clean your humidifier, make sure to clean out all the parts with vinegar water or a calcium-removing cleaner to remove any mineral deposits that may be present.
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Routine Air Filter Replacement:
A dirty air filter can be not only inefficient but can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on your furnace. Change out your furnace’s air filters every few months to preserve air quality and maintain system efficiency. This is a great step to add to the annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents if it is not already on your list.
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Fan Inspection and Clean-Up:
If you’re looking to have optimal air quality, you need to make sure that your furnace’s fan is running properly to filter your air. Keep the fan clear of obstructions to ensure it’s running at peak performance.
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Lubrication for Longevity:
Apply lubricant to all moving parts to reduce friction and wear, helping your furnace last longer. If you’re not sure about how much is the right amount, generally a few drops to each port will do the trick. When in doubt, contact your HVAC or electrician to ensure that this item is added to the annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents that you perform this year.
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Seal and Insulate:
Check for and seal any air leaks in your home to prevent heat loss and reduce strain on your furnace. No one wants their furnace to break down before it’s absolutely necessary, since this is a big but necessary investment for your home. Give a professional a call if you are uncertain about where you should be looking to seal any leaks.
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Thermostat Troubleshooting:
If your usual thermostat settings aren’t keeping you comfortable, it may need a check-up or replacement for precise temperature control. In some cases, this can be as simple as replacing the battery, or in other cases, there might be a faulty power circuit. In any case, this should definitely be added to the annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents if it’s not already.
Looking for even more items to add to the annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents? Check out these additional 10 tips that we’ve compiled for you below.
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Inspect and Clean Ductwork:
Regularly check and clean the ductwork to ensure optimal airflow throughout your home. Dust, debris, and even mold can accumulate in the ducts, affecting the efficiency of your furnace and indoor air quality. Hiring a professional to clean and inspect the ducts can be beneficial.
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Test and Calibrate Thermostat Accuracy:
Periodically check the accuracy of your thermostat by comparing it with a separate thermometer. If there’s a discrepancy, calibrate the thermostat to ensure it accurately reflects the temperature in your home. This ensures your furnace operates efficiently and maintains the desired comfort level.
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Inspect and Tighten Electrical Connections:
Loose electrical connections can pose a safety risk and lead to malfunctions. Regularly inspect and tighten all electrical connections within your furnace. If you notice any signs of fraying or damage, consult a professional technician to address the issue promptly.
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Check and Clean the Blower Motor:
The blower motor is a critical component for distributing heated air throughout your home. Regularly check and clean the blower motor to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated. Lubricate the motor if necessary to ensure smooth operation.
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Inspect and Clean the Pilot Light (if applicable):
If your furnace has a pilot light, check and clean it to ensure a consistent and reliable flame. A steady pilot light is essential for efficient heating. If you notice any irregularities or the flame is flickering, it may indicate a problem that requires professional attention.
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Condensate Drain Maintenance:
Furnaces with high-efficiency ratings often have a condensate drain. Ensure that the drain is clear of any blockages or debris to prevent water damage and maintain efficient operation. Regularly flush the condensate drain as part of your annual maintenance routine.
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Inspect and Clean Gas Burners:
Gas burners play a crucial role in heating the air that circulates through your home. Regularly inspect and clean the gas burners to ensure they are free from dirt and debris. This helps maintain efficient combustion and prevents potential issues with ignition.
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Inspect and Test Safety Switches:
Safety switches are essential components that help protect your furnace and home. Test all safety switches to ensure they are functioning correctly. If any switch is faulty or not responding as expected, consult a professional technician for repairs or replacements.
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Check and Calibrate Gas Pressure:
Proper gas pressure is vital for the efficient and safe operation of your furnace. Periodically check and, if necessary, calibrate the gas pressure to meet manufacturer specifications. Incorrect gas pressure can lead to inefficiencies and potential safety hazards.
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Inspect and Clean Flue Pipe:
The flue pipe is responsible for safely venting combustion gases out of your home. Inspect and clean the flue pipe to ensure it is free from blockages, corrosion, or damage. This helps prevent the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and ensures proper ventilation. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for assistance.
Ready to start checking off the annual furnace maintenance checklist for Longmont residents? Do it with Cool Ducts HVAC! Check out this 5-star review from our recent customer, Barb Guillaume
From the first interaction with Marie scheduling our appointment to when Cruz completed the repair, our experience with Cool Ducts was outstanding! We will definitely call them with any and all our heating and cooling issues in the future!
Cool Ducts Heating and Cooling is a locally owned HVAC company providing HVAC services to residential customers in Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, Timnath, Severance, La Salle, Evans, Windsor, and all of Northern Colorado. We are NATE Certified and proud members of the American Pipe Fittings Association. Call (720)-713-0202 for a free estimate for your installation or repair. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Google Map: Cool Ducts Heating and Cooling, 2580 E Harmony Rd Suite 301-06, Fort Collins, CO 80528.
