Colder weather has hit the Kansas City Metro Area, and many people are firing up their furnaces for the season. Cates Heating and Cooling wants you to know about a few furnace maintenance tips that can help your furnace run better for longer. With these tips, you can rest easy knowing that your furnace will keep you and your family warm during the cold winter months.

1.     Clean the Filter System

Keeping the filter and surrounding areas clean is vital to ensuring that you are running your furnace safely. Additionally, a dirty filter can prevent adequate air flow, making your home feel colder than it should regardless of what the thermostat says. The filter prevents dirt from entering your home, and a clogged, dirty air filter will obstruct air flow, but replacing the air filter will prevent any of these problems.

Remove the filter, check for any dirt accumulation. If your filter is clogged up, it is time to replace it. Most air filters are inexpensive, so this is a cheap fix for your furnace.

2.     Clean and Open Vents

The ventilation system in your home can get blocked up due to a large amount of dust and debris. If your ventilation system gets blocked, there are a lot of hazards that can come about. To prevent any potential danger, use a large brush to clean all of the vents by removing the cover, brushing, and vacuuming out all the dirt and debris.

Make sure all of the vents are open as well. Closed vents can cause the furnace to overheat, which could leave you in need of HVAC servicing.

3.     Check the Thermostat

If your home still feels cold even after adjusting the thermostat, you might need to inspect said thermostat. The first thing you can do is make sure that the batteries don’t need to be replaced. Second, make sure all of the wires are properly fitted. To do this, you should turn off the power and make sure that all wires are properly in place. If that doesn’t work, it might be time to replace it.

4.     Clean the Blower

While you are cleaning the filter system, it is a good time to go ahead and clean the blower assembly. This area is located right after the air filter, and any debris that gets through the filter can accumulate here. Remove the panels that sit between the filter and blower assembly and wipe the area down with a damp cloth.

5.     Start Regular Maintenance Checks

To keep your HVAC system in its best condition, it is a good idea to have a maintenance check performed by a professional at least once a year. During the maintenance inspection, your technician will go through a list of things, including the things listed above, to make sure that everything is in proper working order.

Professional maintenance checkups can prevent the need for major repairs for your unit. Additionally, these checks can often catch problems with your unit earlier.

If you live in an area that experiences extreme differences between the summer and winter temperatures, you might want to consider twice yearly maintenance checks. Before you need your furnace for the cool months, have it inspected. Do the same with your air conditioner before the hot season begins.

For those in the Kansas City area, Cates Heating and Cooling can provide these furnace maintenance checks. To get started, give us a call today at 913-888-4470. We would be happy to send a technician out to make sure that your furnace is ready for the cold weather ahead.

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