6 Easy Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners

Unlock the Benefits of a Well-Maintained Furnace

As a new homeowner, it can be intimidating to think about the responsibilities of owning a home. One of the most important parts of your home maintenance plan should include easy-to-follow furnace maintenance tips. With proper attention and care, you can ensure the safe operation of your heating system while avoiding costly repairs.

Our team at Aire Serv of Birmingham wants to provide some simple advice on how to keep your furnace in good working order so you can rest easy knowing that you have taken steps toward protecting one of your biggest investments–your home!

1. Change the Air Filters Regularly

When it comes to air filters, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance so that your air quality is not impacted. Air filters need to be changed on a regular basis to keep the air clean and free of dust, dirt, and other particulates that can have an adverse effect on the health of those living in the home.

The frequency at which you should change your air filter depends on various factors, including:

• The type of filter you use
• How often the system runs
• Whether or not smokers live in the home

For example, if you are using a standard fiberglass air filter that is being used in an average home with no smokers, then it should be changed every 3 months. However, suppose you are using a higher-efficiency filter such as a pleated electrostatic or HEPA filter (which is better at trapping smaller-sized particles). In that case, they may need to be changed more often—every 1-2 months, depending on usage and environmental conditions.

In any case, it is always best to check what the manufacturer recommends for your specific type of filter.

In addition to changing the air filters regularly, another important step you can take is cleaning them, as long as they're reusable. A reusable, washable filter doesn’t need to be replaced as often as disposable ones but still needs to be cleaned regularly so that dirt and debris don't build up and obstruct airflow. To clean the reusable filters, simply rinse them off with water or use a hose attachment for deeper cleaning if necessary. Ensure they are completely dry before putting them back into your system.

Overall, by changing your filters regularly, you will ensure that your indoor environment stays clean, reducing pollutants like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens from entering your home.

2. Have Your Furnace Professionally Inspected Annually

Having your furnace professionally inspected annually is a great way to ensure your loved ones' safety and comfort the entire year. Our professional HVAC technicians in Birmingham are trained to spot any existing or potential problems, such as carbon monoxide leaks, improper venting, or clogged filters. We can also confirm that your furnace is working efficiently and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. By having your furnace inspected regularly, you can rest assured that your home will remain comfortable and safe.

3. Clean Your Vents

Having clean vents is essential for maintaining a healthy and safe home environment. Dirty air vents can lead to numerous health issues, such as allergies, asthma attacks, and respiratory problems. Additionally, dirty air vents can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, forcing it to work harder than necessary and resulting in higher energy bills. Thankfully, there are easy steps you can take to keep your air vents clean and running efficiently.

The first step is to inspect your air ducts regularly for dust buildup or any other signs of dirt or debris that may be present. This is especially important if you have pets in your home because they tend to leave behind more hair and dander than humans do. If you notice dust accumulation or other debris within the venting system, it’s time to start cleaning the vents.

To clean your vents, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: You should begin by vacuuming all the dust and debris inside the venting system using an extension brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Be sure to move slowly so that you don’t miss any spots where dust may have accumulated.
• Step 2: After vacuuming, you can use a damp cloth or sponge dipped in warm water mixed with mild detergent to wipe down the interior walls of each vent opening. Allow these surfaces to dry completely before proceeding with further cleaning steps.
• Step 3: If there are still stubborn spots of dirt or grease inside the vents, you might need to use a commercial cleaner designed specifically for air ducts. Make sure not to use too much cleaner, as this could potentially damage electronic components within the HVAC system or surrounding surfaces such as carpeting or furniture.
• Step 4: Once you’ve finished cleaning your air ducts, ensure all access points are firmly closed so that no more debris can enter your ventilation system in the future.

Cleaning your air ducts regularly will help keep them free from dust, dirt, and other harmful contaminants while also ensuring they run more efficiently—ultimately keeping both energy costs low and indoor air quality high!

4. Check for Furnace Leaks

A furnace leak is a very serious issue that could cause major damage to your home if it’s left unchecked. It’s important to check for signs of a furnace leak periodically, as small leaks can quickly turn into large ones and become far more costly and dangerous.

If you notice any puddles or moisture buildup around your furnace, this could signify a leak. You should also take note of any unusual sounds coming from the furnace or an increase in the smell of natural gas around it. If you detect any of these things, you should immediately contact one of our local HVAC technicians to assess the situation and determine what furnace repairs may be necessary.

5. Regularly Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide is a gas that can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. It’s an odorless, colorless gas that can come from faulty furnaces, fireplaces, heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances. Because it can’t be seen or smelled, a carbon monoxide detector is the only way to detect it. These detectors are designed to alert you if levels of this gas become too high in your home, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Regularly check that your carbon monoxide detector is properly functioning and up to date. Ensure the batteries are working and replace them every 6 months per manufacturer instructions for optimal performance. Typically, you’ll want to replace your detector every 5-7 years. Additionally, if you have an older model, we recommend replacing it with one of the newer digital models, which are much more reliable in detecting carbon monoxide levels.

Taking these steps will help ensure your safety and peace of mind regarding this potentially lethal invisible threat.

6. Schedule Professional Furnace Maintenance Visits with Aire Serv of Birmingham

Regular furnace maintenance can extend its life and keep it running more efficiently. The best way to do this is by scheduling professional furnace maintenance visits. During these visits, a qualified Birmingham technician will inspect, clean, and adjust your furnace to ensure that it’s operating at peak efficiency. We will also check for any potential hazards and replace or repair any parts that are worn or broken.

We’re so excited for you and your new home! Now, it’s time to take the necessary steps to maintain your sanctuary for years. By following these tips, you can help keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently.