By Elizabeth 
For your house to be warm and comfortable during the winter, the furnace has to be in excellent operating condition. It is important to repair your system as soon as possible because even the best systems can malfunction over time. Your work is not done once your furnace has been repaired. Maintenance after repair is essential to ensure your unit keeps running smoothly. This will help you get the best out of your purchase and prevent the need for repeated repairs. For those who have scheduled a furnace repair in Denver, we’ve compiled a list of essential maintenance steps to keep your heater running efficiently.
1. Schedule Regular Tune-Ups and Inspections
Even though a repair might fix the problem immediately, routine tune-ups help to identify minor problems and catch them before they develop into more serious issues. HVAC technicians can perform an inspection of your system. They will lubricate the moving parts and calibrate the temperature. These routine maintenance inspections typically include the following:
- Thermostat Tests: Verify the thermostat’s communication with the furnace
- Electric Connections: Tightening all loose connections.
- Safety Controllers: Verify the switches and controls (such as the limit switch) are working correctly.
- Efficiency Tests: Checking combustion efficiency in your furnace to ensure it’s operating within ideal parameters.
Regular tune-ups can increase the life span of your heater, reduce your energy bill, and help you avoid costly repairs.
2. Keep The Area Around The Furnace Clear
Often, homeowners will store items like boxes or cleaning supplies around their furnaces. This practice can block airflow, trapping heat around furnaces. Additionally, flammables stored too close can pose a serious fire risk.
- Maintain a Clearance: Make sure your furnace is at least two feet away from any walls. This allows for proper airflow and helps service technicians access the unit.
- Eliminate Mess: Avoid storing cleaning chemicals, flammable liquids, or paint near your furnace. These substances can ignite with just a small spark or by being exposed to excessive heat.
Keep the area surrounding your furnace neat, clean, and organized. This will help protect your family and improve its efficiency.
3. Check Your Thermostat Settings
The thermostat is a major factor in furnace efficiency. Take a minute to check your thermostat immediately following a service.
- Correct Programming: Review the temperature schedules on your programmable thermostat. Make sure the thermostats align with your everyday routine to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
- Accurate Calibration: An incorrectly calibrated thermostat can cause furnaces to run longer or not maintain temperature. If there are any inaccuracies, consult a technician to recalibrate or upgrade the thermostat.
- Benefits Of A Smart Thermostat: Consider installing a smart thermostat for better control and monitoring. Smart thermostats will help you optimize your energy usage. You can adjust them remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
4. Seal Ductwork And Insulate Your Home
Even if your furnace operates efficiently, leaks and inadequate insulation could cause heat to escape, negating any benefit of your recent repairs. Seal any gaps or leaks you find in the home’s ventilation system with metal tape. Take a look at these additional tips.
- Insulate Attics and Crawl Spaces: Properly insulating these spaces will maintain a stable temperature in the area, reducing your furnace’s workload.
- Seal Windows And Doors: Use weather-stripping (or caulk) around windows or doors to prevent the cold air from leaking in.
- Upgrade window treatments: Insulated curtains, drapes, or blinds can help keep the cold out and heat in, making your furnace work more efficiently.
5. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Denver’s arid climate can make indoor air very dry during winter, adding extra strain to your furnace. When humidity levels drop, you may find yourself turning up the thermostat, which can increase your energy consumption. Install a whole-home humidifier or portable units to balance the humidity levels. A proper humidity level not only improves the comfort of your home but also helps prevent static electricity, cracked furniture, and other issues.
Conclusion
To optimize furnace efficiency, it is important to maintain the system after repairs. This means changing filters regularly and scheduling regular check-ups. Simple maintenance tasks, such as keeping the furnace clear, maintaining humidity levels, or monitoring your thermostat, can help extend your system’s life and improve performance. A qualified Denver technician can provide routine maintenance to ensure your furnace works at its best, which will reduce your energy costs and help you avoid unexpected breakdowns. These tips will ensure that you have a comfortable and worry-free season.