Preventing Furnace Failure

When it comes to their furnace, the Calgary homeowners we talk to have two big concerns. First, they worry about what would happen if their furnace malfunctioned in the middle of a bitter cold January night. Second, they really don’t want to have to replace their furnace any time soon. The good news is both of these concerns can be addressed by taking the same steps. When it comes to your furnace, a teaspoon of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

Change the Filter on Time.

Whether it’s the dog days of summer or the heart of winter, your furnace filter needs to be replaced regularly. Typically, a furnace needs the filter changed a minimum of every 1-3 months, so check your furnace’s model online to confirm. Remember that the manufacturer guideline is the minimum change frequency. If you have a large dog or several long-haired family members, your furnace filter may need to be replaced more often.

As air circulates through your house, it will be forced through the filter to remove dust, fuzz, mould, and other pollutants. The more muck trapped in the filter, the harder your furnace has to work to move air. When your furnace works overtime to overcome a clogged filter, its components wear out more quickly, leading to failures.

Keep an Eye on Your Utility Bill.

If you’ve had your furnace awhile, you should have a good idea of what to expect from your utility bill depending on the weather outside. If something seems off, your furnace may be beginning to malfunction. Trust your instincts and call in one of our trusted Calgary furnace experts to take a look.

Annual Inspections & Maintenance.

Most manufacturers will only honour their warranty if your furnace is annually inspected and maintained by a professional. This is because, in general, a skilled inspector should notice problems with your furnace long before they become critical. Your technician takes note of these small repairs, so they can be remedied before they become expensive. With an annual inspection and maintenance, a furnace can last three decades or more. Without proper care, it will likely need to be replaced in half that time.

Preventing sudden furnace failure is relatively easy and inexpensive. Just pay attention to any signs that things may be amiss, and remember to change your filter on time (a calendar event in your phone can really help!). Has your furnace had need an inspection in 2018? You’re running out of time; call the experts at Plumbing Paramedics today, and we’ll ensure your furnace is running optimally for another year!