The chilly evenings are reminding us that it is time to check the efficiency of your heating system. Here are some tips to keep your gas furnace running smoothly throughout the winter months:
- Clear the vents: Dust and debris can build up in the vents during the year. Around The Clock recommends cleaning your vents once a year just before you start running a gas furnace in the winter months.
- Oiling the motor: The powering motor for the furnace may have dried out over the summer months. Make sure it is oiled for the winter season. This guarantees maintenance costs remain low and it keeps your furnace efficient until next winter.
- Air filter replacement: Just as with filters for your car, the air filter needs to be renewed on a regular basis. You not only want warm air in your Los Angeles home, you want clean air as well!
- Thermostat regulation: It is possible that your thermostat may need to be recalibrated. If you have it at 80 degrees, and it still feels chilly, it is clearly your thermostat that is faulty.
- Programmable thermostat: Don’t get up every time the furnace is too hot or too cold. Save money and energy by programming the temperature at 68 degrees. This is the most energy-efficient setting and good to keep your home warm.
- Tension belt: Your furnace should not be squeaking or making noise. If so, you may need to replace the tension belt.
Running a gas furnace requires constant vigilance. An HVAC technician can quickly gauge how efficiently a gas furnace is heating your home by checking the vents, testing the thermostat, and looking at the motor, air filter and tension belt. Eliminating faults and blockages can save hundreds of dollars a season on energy costs, and keep your home warm with a minimum of complications and trouble.
Around The Clock is always eager to help you with your HVAC needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to answer you as soon as possible.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about gas furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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