7 Furnace Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Furnace Running Smoothly

September 10, 2024

Once a year, you turn the heating system on after months of sunshine. You’re probably not thrilled about doing it since it means winter is upon us, but it could be much worse. Imagine how it would feel if, after turning it on, it didn’t work!

At Conway Services, we want your heating system to engage the first time and every time you need it over the years. How can we help provide that peace of mind? We do it with our annual heating system preventative maintenance service. Learn how to keep your heating system running smoothly and why furnace maintenance is essential.

7 Furnace Maintenance and Care Tips

Most furnace maintenance tasks should be performed by professionals. However, you can do minor maintenance or care tasks to extend the furnace system’s life and ensure it runs smoothly.

1. Replace the Filters

A furnace’s filters accumulate dust and other particles. To ensure the air flows properly, change these monthly or as the manufacturer directs. If you’re unsure how to change an HVAC filter, our technicians can show you how to do this safely.

2. Ensure Vents Aren’t Blocked

Air vents deliver the furnace’s heat to all parts of your home. If they’re blocked (even partially) by rugs, curtains, or furniture, the heating system’s efficiency can be limited. Remember to check that the heater exhaust vent is clear from debris, dirt, plants, and snow. 

3. Set the Thermostat Strategically

You can set the thermostat at night to a lower temperature so it doesn’t produce as much heat while comfortably sleeping. Do this while away at work or on vacation, too. Allowing the furnace to work less or turning it off completely when it’s not in use will help save energy and prolong the furnace’s lifespan.

4. Clear the Water Line

Most furnaces have a water line that can occasionally become clogged. Make it a habit to check that it’s clear and not leaking water onto your floors. Try to check it every time you change the furnace’s air filter.

5. Use the Sun Strategically

Use the sun’s heat when possible to make it easier on your furnace. Let the sun warm up your home when it's out by opening curtains on the sun-facing side of the home. Remember to close them at night to keep the heat in.

6. Cover Windows During Winter

Even the newest windows may let in a draft or make a room feel colder. Using thick curtains or covering your windows with sealing plastic during the winter will ensure your furnace isn’t working overtime and heat doesn’t escape.

7. Check for Thermostat Accuracy

You should check the thermostat controls every few months and ensure everything works correctly and responds immediately. Use a thermometer to see if your home’s temperature accurately displays on the thermostat.

What Does a Regular Furnace Maintenance Visit Look Like?

You should schedule a yearly furnace maintenance visit to ensure the heating system functions properly and isn’t damaged. If this process is new to you, don't worry—we’ll walk you through what happens during a visit.

Step 1: Make an appointment. Easy enough, right? Just contact Conway Services at 901-248-1961 and set up a time for a technician to come to your home.

Step 2: On the appointment day, a technician will arrive promptly to maintain your furnace or repair it.

Step 3: During the inspection, the expert may do the following:

• Examine the vent system and air filters and clear any blockages.

• Test the motors to ensure they’re moving air correctly.

• Lubricate moving parts.

• Check belts for signs of wear.

• Ensure the electric connections are working and replace any damaged wires.

• Ensure the heating system works efficiently and safely.

• Check the thermostat to ensure it’s functioning properly.

• Look for leaks.

• Ensure there are no signs of corrosion or damage.

• Check the gas pressure and pilot light (if you have a gas furnace).

Rest easy knowing the technician has maintained the heating system and that it will work at its full capacity.

How Much Does a Furnace Maintenance Visit Cost?

A regular furnace maintenance visit usually costs will depend on the contractor, the cost of labor in the area, and if the furnace needs special care outside of regular maintenance.

Remember, the cost of a maintenance visit is far less than the cost of repairing or completely replacing a furnace. Having your furnace checked by professionals yearly will save money in the long run.

Call Conway Services at 901-248-1961 for more information or to request an appointment.

The Benefits of Furnace Maintenance

Your furnace does so much for your home and deserves to be properly maintained to operate at peak performance. Proper professional furnace maintenance has many benefits, like the following:

• Lower Utility Costs. Annual preventative maintenance includes a thorough system cleaning and inspection, which keeps it operating at peak energy efficiency and helps reduce utility costs.

• Fewer Repair Problems. By removing and cleaning the burner assembly, cleaning or replacing the filter, giving the system a test run, and doing much more, we can determine what, if anything, needs to be adjusted to help ensure a season’s worth of repair-free operation.

• Longer System Lifespan. The more consistently you maintain your heating system, the longer it will last. You’ll also lower the total cost of heating your home.

• Added Family Safety. A well-maintained system provides a safer home environment. That’s because our preventative maintenance service includes checking and tightening all electrical components to help prevent an electrical fire. We also inspect the system’s heat exchanger for signs of cracking, which could cause a carbon monoxide gas leak.

• Elimination of Hot and Cold Spots. With a properly functioning furnace, your home will feel warm throughout, not just when you stand near a heating vent.

Do I Need Annual Furnace Maintenance?

Yes, furnace maintenance is essential. People often forget to schedule routine maintenance for their heating system, but this mistake can be costly. If you don't maintain your furnace regularly, you can experience problems from mild inconveniences to major disasters. Postponing maintenance can cause the following issues:

1. The furnace won't function properly, leaving your home colder.
2. The furnace could emit bad smells into your home.
3. The furnace will run longer and harder to heat the home, and your energy bill will increase.
4. Your furnace could overheat, damaging the furnace and surrounding area and becoming a fire hazard.
5. A debris buildup can delay the igniter in gas furnaces. Gas could accumulate and explode upon ignition, starting a fire and putting you and your family at risk.

Make Choices Today to Protect Your Heating System

A working furnace is the key to comfortable living all year round. You never want to turn on the furnace at the first hint of winter and find it’s not working. Take precautions and the time to ensure the furnace gets a yearly professional inspection so you’ll never need to wear your snow coat indoors!

When you need professional furnace technicians with years of experience, choose Conway Services! We can help with heating-related services, from maintenance to repair and replacements. 

Call Conway Services today at 901-248-1961 or schedule an appointment online to keep your heating system running smoothly.