Two DIY Tasks To Do Before Hiring An HVAC Pro
An inefficient furnace can become costly to run. Not to mention, it can make your home much colder when you need it the most. Before you call in a professional HVAC contractor to service your furnace, there are a few simple repairs that might help fix (or at least reduce) your problem. These are simple repairs, in fact, they don't even require you to open the main furnace blower compartment. You don't even need to turn off the furnace power to make the repairs. You also don't need any power tools. This article explains how you can replace your furnace filter and clean your air registers to make your furnace almost immediately more efficient.
Replace the Filter
The furnace filter is very easy to locate. It is within a separate compartment outside the many furnace cabinet. It should be clearly marked. But, if it is not, it should not be hard to find. The door to the furnace filter is on a hinge and will open without any tools. Just open the door and the filter should slide right out. If your filter has dirt caked up on the ridges, you should just throw it away immediately. If not, use a flashlight to look inside the empty filter compartment to see if there are any blockages that could be affecting the furnace. The filter is made to absorb dust and prevent it from getting on the blower motor. You might not be able to see the motor even after the filter is removed, but will be able to see the input and output points. Make sure these terminals are clean and free of dust clogs. In fact, clean out the whole filter compartment with a wet rag or vacuum to make sure it is as clean as possible. Buy a new filter (they are cheap and sold at most home improvement stores) and replace it once you have cleaned out the filter compartment.
Clean the Air Registers
Clogged air registers can greatly reduce the airflow of your furnace. In most cases the register vents will be clogged on the inside, so you need to remove them to give them a thorough cleaning. Removing the registers is easy with a handheld screwdriver. Wipe both sides of the register and make sure the vents are free of all blockages.
These 2 simple jobs will only take a few hours of your time, but they will absolutely increase the efficiency of your furnace. Contact a furnace repair company, like Thompson Heating & Air Conditioning Inc or another location, for more tips and info.