Home Improvement
5 Reasons Furnace Maintenance Is Important
You should be aware of the importance of furnace maintenance and perform it regularly. Regular maintenance has several benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased indoor air quality, and reduced carbon monoxide emissions. These benefits are especially significant in the winter months. Read on to learn about furnace maintenance and why it is important to perform it regularly.
Reduces Energy Costs
It’s important to pay attention to furnace maintenance to reduce energy costs. In general, furnaces need to be cleaned, and you should budget monthly for filter replacements and furnace repair costs. This will reduce energy usage by approximately 10%. You can also consider installing space heaters. These can save you around $200 a year in energy costs.
Furnace maintenance can also reduce the amount of carbon monoxide in your home. A properly functioning furnace can save up to 50% of your energy bills. It also improves the quality of your indoor air. You can get a professional to inspect the air quality coming into your home.
Regular maintenance can also help reduce noise and smell from your HVAC system. It can get extremely cold during cold weather, so it’s important to schedule regular HVAC maintenance to keep your home comfortable. If you can schedule regular maintenance appointments, you can cut your utility costs by about 30%.
Prevents Sudden Breakdowns
Furnace maintenance is vital to the longevity of your heating system. Regular cleaning and inspection will help to spot any weaknesses or problems which can lead to a sudden breakdown. Keeping your furnace well-maintained will avoid unexpected problems and save money on your monthly energy bills.
There are many ways to keep your furnace running smoothly, but one of the most important is to change the air filter regularly. You should change your air filter every three months, ideally. This is because a clogged air filter restricts airflow into your system and lets dust, pollen, and other pollutants in.
Proper maintenance can also prevent the need for expensive repairs. A professional technician will check your furnace for small problems and make recommendations. This will ensure your furnace runs at peak efficiency when you need it most.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
Improving the quality of air in a building can have a great impact on productivity and the well-being of employees. People working in poor conditions are more likely to complain of headaches and respiratory problems. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to make a positive impact on indoor air quality. The first step is to limit the sources of pollutants that enter the air. For example, consider purchasing an electric stove for your kitchen to minimize cooking fumes.
Another way to improve indoor air quality is to clean your home. A simple cleaning can significantly improve the air quality in a room, but it is also important to eliminate sources of pollution. You can reduce indoor air pollution by using air conditioning and adding good ventilation to your home.
Reduces Carbon Monoxide Emissions
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless gas formed from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. It is a noxious gas that can cause serious health problems and is particularly harmful to the lungs. CO is emitted from various combustion sources, including motor vehicles, power plants, wildfires, and incinerators. It can also be produced by photochemical reactions and is an air component. It can also be produced in soils and surface waters.
CO is a dangerous gas because it can cause fatalities and injuries. It is often produced during the cold season when households use gas ranges and space heaters that do not have proper ventilation. Over 400 people die from CO poisoning each year in the United States. In California, 13 and 36 people die yearly due to non-fire-related CO poisoning. Despite this risk, California is making efforts to limit CO emissions.
Reduces Fire Hazards
Regular furnace maintenance can reduce the risk of fires and keep your home safe. Avoid storing flammable materials near the furnace, and clean the chimney flue regularly. Also, ensure the furnace air filter is clean and changed at least once a month. A dirty filter will allow contaminants to circulate throughout the home and can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory illnesses. Change your filter every three months and more often if you have heavy-shedding pets. Dust accumulation around the furnace can also lead to a dangerously high temperature inside the house.
It is also important to install carbon monoxide detectors in the home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can affect your health. It impairs your ability to absorb oxygen, and it is potentially deadly if inhaled in large doses. The batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors should be changed annually to be safe.
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