As a homeowner, you know that there are a lot of things you need to keep up with in order to keep your home in tip-top shape. One of those things is your furnace. In order to keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently, there are a few things you need to do on a regular basis. Here are the ins and outs of furnace maintenance that you need to know.

Why Is Furnace Maintenance Important?

If you’re not used to working on any of your home’s systems yourself, you might be wondering why it’s so important to maintain your furnace. The answer is simple: you need to keep your furnace well-maintained in order to keep it working properly. Like any other mechanical system, your furnace needs regular tune-ups to ensure that it’s functioning correctly.

If you don’t properly maintain your furnace, it could cause a number of problems down the line. First of all, it could end up breaking down completely. A well-maintained furnace is less likely to break down than one that is not. In addition, if you don’t properly maintain your furnace, it could end up costing you a lot of money in repairs. These repairs could be much more expensive than regular maintenance, so it’s important to make sure your furnace is running smoothly.

DIY Furnace Maintenance Checklist

If you want to do some of the furnace maintenance yourself, there are a few things you can do. Here is a DIY furnace maintenance checklist:

1. Make sure all air filters are replaced on a regular basis, and if needed, replace the filter cartridges as well.
2. Clean the firebox and flue regularly with an approved cleaning agent.
3. Inspect the chimney for any problems or signs of wear, and fix them if necessary.
4. Check the insulation in your furnace room regularly, and replace any damaged insulation as needed.

Furnace Maintenance You Should Leave to the Professionals

While some furnace maintenance tasks can be done by homeowners, there are certain tasks that should be left to the professionals. Here are a few of those tasks:

1. Replacing furnace filters – This is a task that can easily be done by homeowners, but it’s important to make sure you replace the filters on a regular basis.
2. Cleaning the firebox and flue – This is also a task that can be done by homeowners, but it’s important to use an approved cleaning agent.
3. Replacing insulation – Homeowners should not attempt to replace insulation on their own, as this is a job for professionals only.
4. Tightening of loose electrical components – Homeowners should not attempt to tighten loose electrical components on their own. Improper tightening can result in electric shock or fire.
5. Lubrication of all moving parts – Homeowners should not attempt to lubricate moving parts on their own, as this could cause injury if done incorrectly. You could also put lubricant in the wrong places, which could damage your furnace.

When Should You Schedule Furnace Maintenance?

In order to keep your furnace running smoothly, you should schedule maintenance at least once a year. Many homeowners choose to schedule maintenance before the winter begins, so they know that their furnace will be ready to go when the cold weather hits.

During the maintenance visit, the technician will thoroughly inspect your furnace and clean it out. They will also oil your furnace, so it runs more smoothly. After the tune-up is complete, you should notice a difference in the way your furnace runs.

Conclusion

Furnace maintenance is important to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient. By following the proper steps and precautions, you can ensure that your furnace runs smoothly all winter long.

If you’re having problems with your furnace or you just want to make sure that it’s properly maintained, it’s best to call in the reliable technicians at Climate Experts. We are a Canadian-owned and operated company serving the Durham region, GTA, and surrounding areas. Whenever you need repair and maintenance work on your cooling and home heating systems, our team will be there. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Many people start cranking up the air conditioning to stay cool and comfortable as the weather gets hotter. But did you notice that your air conditioner can harbour nasty things that may impact your health? For example, you can develop headaches, respiratory problems, and even Legionnaires’ disease if you’re not careful.

Here are a few things you should remove from your air conditioner to keep you and your family healthy.

1. Bacteria and Viruses

You probably understand the dangers of being contaminated with bacteria and viruses in your home, which leads to various diseases. As with all appliances in your home, your AC unit can contain dirt over time. Moreover, keeping your AC filter dirty can lead to excessively dry air, which can cause respiratory problems.

Hiring professionals to keep your AC unit clean is the best way to avoid these problems. You can do this by constantly adjusting the filter and cleaning the coils. Once the filter is removed, you must rinse it under running water. Make sure you remove all the dirt and debris from the filter before putting it back in place.

2. Mould

Mould is a fungus that can build on any surface, including fabrics, food, and walls, and it comes in various colours. If you have any water damage in your home, you may have mould, which can be extremely harmful to your health. 

Aside from being dangerous to your health, there are various news stories about mould ruining people’s homes. Additionally, the worst part about mould is that it’s challenging to remove, and you may not know that you have it until it’s too late.

3. Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny arthropods that are often difficult to see with the naked eye. Even though they’re small, they’re still a considerable health hazard, as they often cause respiratory problems, such as asthma. 

Dust mites are usually found in mattresses, couches, and other pieces of furniture, and they love to feed on the dead skin cells we shed daily. If you have dust mites in your home, you may experience allergic reactions and other problems.

4. Pet Dander

If you have a pet, you must be aware of the dangers of pet dander. Pet dander is tiny particles of skin that animals shed, which can lead to various allergies and other respiratory problems. You may not think your pet’s fur is a danger to your health, but you must be aware of what’s happening. After all, your AC unit gets these particles a lot.

Pet dander can cause sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It can also provoke asthma attacks and make existing respiratory problems worse. If you have allergies, exposure to pet dander can cause itching, redness, and swelling. It can even lead to anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening reaction in severe cases.

5. Chemical Residue

Chemical residue in your air conditioner is often caused by unfiltered water. This makes your chemicals not work correctly and result in your filter clogging. Moreover, it can also cause your air conditioner’s coils to freeze, making it less effective at cooling your home.

Final Thoughts

It is essential to periodically clean your air conditioner to prevent the build-up of nasty things like mould, dust, and bacteria. By removing these things from your air conditioner, you can improve the air quality in your home and prevent health problems.

Climate Experts is a company you can trust for your AC repair needs. In addition, we do thermostat setting for summer and furnace repair services in Canada. Contact us today for more information!

Furnaces are essential in keeping you comfortable at home, especially in the cooler months. If you’ve noticed that your furnace isn’t putting out as much heat as it used to, there could be several reasons.

In this article, you’ll learn some of the most common causes of this problem to get your furnace back up and running as soon as possible.

1. Blocked Air Filters

One of the most common causes of a furnace not igniting is that the air filters are blocked. When the air filters are blocked, it prevents air from flowing properly through the furnace, which can cause a number of problems.

If your furnace isn’t igniting, one of the first things you should check is whether or not the air filters are clean. If they’re dirty, simply replace them and see if that solves the problem.

2. Faulty Thermostat 

If your furnace isn’t igniting, one of the first things you should check is whether or not the thermostat is set to “heat.” If it’s not, simply adjust it and see if that solves the problem.

It’s also possible that the thermostat itself is faulty. If adjusting the setting doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the thermostat entirely.

3. Clogged Furnace Lines

Clogged furnace lines are a common problem during the winter. The best way to prevent this is to have your furnace serviced before the start of the heating season. However, if you find yourself with clogged furnace lines, there are a few things you can do to try and clear them.

One thing you can do is check to see if the clog is in the main line or one of the branch lines. You can try using a plunger or snake to clear it if it is in a branch line. If the clog is in the main line, you need to call a professional to remove it.

4. Low Gas Supply

If you notice that your furnace isn’t working as well as it used to, one possibility is that you have a low gas supply. This can happen for several reasons, including a gas line leak or a gas meter problem. If you think you might have a low gas supply, the best thing to do is call your utility company and have them come out to check it.

5. Dirty Flame Sensor

Another common cause of furnaces not igniting is a dirty flame sensor. The flame sensor is a small probe near the burner assembly that detects whether or not a flame is present. If it gets dirty, it can prevent the furnace from igniting correctly.

Use a wire brush to remove any dirt or debris to clean your flame sensor. Once it’s clean, try restarting your furnace and see if that solves the problem.

Final Thoughts

While these are the most common furnace problems, they aren’t the only ones you may face. If you’re having any issues with your furnace, it’s best to call a professional to take a look.

For issues like furnace overheating or producing cool air, contact us at Climate Experts today. We offer 24/7 emergency services related to furnaces—installations, repairs, and other maintenance needs. Give us a call for more information.