Maintaining Your Furnace

By Malissa Martin

Maintaining Your Furnace

A FURNACE NEEDS TENDERNESS, LOVE, AND CARE, AS THE HEARTBEAT OF A HOME.

However, it’s often forgotten by homeowners. I spoke to expert Randy Burgin, owner of Burgin Heating & Air Conditioning, and he shared a few tips for homeowners to follow throughout the year to ensure top furnace functionality.

CHANGE AIR FILTERS

Burgin suggests changing the furnace air filter every three months. “The best filter to use is a good, pleated filter.” Burgin said. Changing the air filter prevents the build-up of dust and other particles that forces the furnace to work harder for an airflow, which could increase your bill. Additionally, it reduces the amount of dust particles flowing through the vents of your home. This is especially good for people with respiratory problems and similar medical conditions.

CHANGE THERMOSTAT BATTERIES

More people today have digital thermostats than analog because they're more accurate, but you always have to make sure the batteries don’t expire. Homeowners should regularly check the batteries in their thermostat every few months. “Batteries are a top thing that we want to make sure are new before the season starts.” Burgin said. During his 44 years of service, Burgin has witnessed homeowners lose heat in the dead of winter because their thermostat batteries expired. Checking batteries regularly is the only way to prevent a similar disaster.

CLEAN FURNACE

Wipe down the furnace to remove dust from on and around the furnace. To clean air vents use a damp rag or microfiber cloth to wipe the vents. This prevents dust from flying into the vents. Sweep around the area and remove debris away from the furnace. Also, be sure to remove items away from the furnace to prevent damage.

SERVICE FURNACE

Burgin recommends having your furnace serviced once every year in the fall by a professional. Servicing your furnace can have tremendous benefits not only to the furnace itself, but the home as a whole. Furnace cleaning can cost between $100 to $150. “We usually start them in September, October, November and service everybody's furnace and get it ready right before the (fall) season starts.

We clean the furnace, flame dispenser, we check the thermostat, make sure a new filter is installed. We use a shop-vac, and we clean the flame sensor, make sure all the safeties are working. We run it through some cycles, making sure everything’s running properly.” Bugin explains.

About Randy Burgin:

Randy Burgin is the president and owner of Burgin Heating & Air Conditioning. He’s a mechanical contractor with 44 years of experience. He can be reached at 888-440-8641.