Learning All About Oil Furnace Maintenance and Repairs

3 Effective Ways You Can Prevent Furnace Heating Repairs

Without a working furnace, you'd be left dealing with the cold temperatures during the winter. You shouldn't have to put up with this as a homeowner. You won't have to if you take these maintenance steps. They can prevent complicated heating repairs from occurring, enabling you to remain warm and comfortable. 

Set Up the Right Filter 

If the wrong filter is set up in your home, your furnace system may collect dust and debris more frequently. Then, your furnace has to work harder than normal and can potentially overheat. All of this can be avoided simply by setting up the right air filter, from the very start.

What makes a good air filter, though? You can't go wrong with a HEPA filter; it's known for its energy-efficient qualities. Reusable filters are also great because they can be used more than once, saving you replacement costs. Whatever filter you decide to go with, make sure it has the right dimensions.

Clean the Blower 

The blower is responsible for moving heat created by your furnace through the ductwork. Like the air filter, it can't do its job correctly when it gets dirty. A dirty blower can actually malfunction prematurely and leave behind costly repairs.

That's why you need to get in the habit of cleaning this blower every couple of months. You can actually take the blower out so that it's easier to clean. Make sure you wipe down all surfaces. If debris seem to be stuck, use a wired brush. Once it's completely clean, insert it back into position.

Keep Blower Motor Lubricated

For your blower to work properly, the motor must be properly maintained. To ensure it doesn't overheat and stop working correctly, you need to lubricate it on a consistent basis. Lubricant helps the motor create less friction and not work as hard. 

What lubricant should you use for the blower motor, though? You should only use lubricant that's recommended by your furnace's manufacturer. See what brand and type they advise you to use. Also pay attention to how often they recommend lubricating this important furnace component. 

When temperatures begin to drop during the winter seasons, you'll rely more on your furnace. So that you don't have to spend a lot of time and money dealing with complicated repairs, take ample time maintaining this appliance. It doesn't have to be that hard as long as you keep a consistent care schedule.

If you do have problems with your furnace, contact a local heating repair service for help.