As the cold air of winter rolls in, one of the most important tasks facing homeowners all over Tempe is to get their furnace ready for increased usage. Fortunately, furnace maintenance isn’t as hard as you might imagine it to be. In fact, with a few expert tips and the right tools at your disposal, you can actually give your furnace the comprehensive maintenance that it needs to efficiently regulate your home’s temperature.

When you prepare your furnace for the stresses of winter, you won’t have to worry about inconvenient outages and long, cold nights. Learn about a few gas furnace maintenance tips that can help you get your furnace ready for the stress of winter so that you stay comfortable.

1. Safe Work Environment

The very first step for successful gas furnace maintenance in Tempe is making sure that your work environment is as safe as possible. Before beginning your tune-up, make sure that your furnace is completely shut down. A little time for safety at the start can prevent big problems down the line.

2. Check the Gas Line Connection

As you would imagine, the most important component of your gas furnace is the gas line, making this the best place to start when it comes to maintenance. Check for furnaces gas line and make sure that it is secured firmly, which will eliminate the possibility of dangerous gas leaks in the future.

3. Give Your Filters a Cleaning

An important part of your furnaces overall functioning is unrestricted air flow, which means you need to make sure your filters are as clean as possible. With a duster or a dusting cloth, remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated.

4. Change Your Filters

Periodically, even if you regularly clean them, you need to replace the old air filters within your system. Replacing your worn filters will go a long way towards maintaining a gas furnace. Although this can vary, gas furnace experts recommend replacing your filters every six months or so.

5. Inspect Your Thermostat

The thermostat is crucial in controlling your furnace, and maintaining your system is reliant on having your thermostat function properly. Check your thermostat to make sure everything is in working order.

6. Watch Out for Bad Wiring

Faulty wiring within a furnace can result in an improperly functioning system and potential electrical fires. To avoid both of these stressful scenarios, you should check all the wiring to your furnace, looking for any fraying that might indicate faulty wiring.

7. Clean Your Ducts

The ductwork in your home’s heating system is a breeding ground for mold, leading to breathing problems for your family. A good maintenance tip is to occasionally clean the ductwork within your heating system to make sure it is free from dirt, debris and biological growth.

8. Sealing and Replacing Ductwork

Leaks within your ductwork can cause air loss within your system and result in your furnace becoming overworked by trying to compensate. During your maintenance check, make sure to examine your ductwork, sealing any leaks you come across and replacing ducts that are beyond repair.

9. Clear the Vents

Clogged vents within your heating system can lead to an improperly regulated home and some rooms that are cooler than others. Go through your home and clean all of your vents, removing caked on debris that can block air flow.

10. Finish Up with the Fans

Finally, the last thing you should do in your gas furnace maintenance is to clean your furnace’s fans. If the fan blades become covered in dirt, it can be hard for them to rotate, taxing and eventually shutting down your system. Clean fan blades mean a fully functional furnace and a comfortable home.

While it’s possible for you to handle furnace maintenance yourself, a better idea is to schedule professional Tempe gas furnace tune-up services. A furnace professional will be able to quickly check your system and perform the important maintenance tasks that lead to long-term efficiency.

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