Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold: 5 Steps You Should Take to Prevent Furnace Failure

In certain parts of the world, getting ready for winter is a huge thing. Imagine if a household in Russia, Canada, or Scandinavia got caught by surprise and woke up in the cold one day because their furnace failed!

Furnaces, like all other household fixtures and systems, need attention. None last forever but, as many professionals will tell you, you can extend the lifespan significantly by anticipating problems. So here are five steps you can take to ensure your furnace doesn’t give up on you unexpectedly.

1) Get it checked for rust and debris

The majority of household use gas furnaces, which means that carbon dioxide and water vapor are released during the burning process. These by-products build up over time and create rust. Accumulation of rust and debris will greatly reduce the efficiency of the furnace, leading to higher bills, among other things.

Moreover, the build-up will prevent parts such as burners and blowers from working properly and accelerate their failure.

2) Get older parts replaced promptly

A furnace needs all of its parts working smoothly in unison. Burners, filters, and blowers may be considered the most important components, but there are many others whose failure may create serious problems.

For safe and efficient operation, you need to make sure that all furnace components are in order. This includes inspecting thermostats, ignitions, pilot lights, air ducts, insulation, and even outdoor pumps.

According to experts on furnaces in Oshawa, keeping the equipment in order is essential for reducing energy consumption and heating bills. When one part fails, it puts at risk the entire unit.

3) Check related installations

Regardless of the furnace type you picked, it will rely on other building installations to run without problems.

In homes with gas furnaces, it is important to check the gas system for leaks, clogs and possible issues with hoses. Problems with the system can obstruct the flow of gas to the furnace.

A furnace that runs on electricity can start playing up because of issues such as improper or faulty fuses, circuit breakers, and power cords. When such problems are not eliminated, there’s more at stake than high electricity bills: a unit malfunction can lead to an explosion, and that’s not something anyone wants to happen in their home.

4) Consider upgrades

It does not necessarily mean installing a new furnace. That said, you should keep in mind that the lifespan of a furnace is typically 15 to 20 years. So, if you bought your home with one already installed, it may be time to get it inspected and perhaps think of a replacement.

If your furnace still has some way to go, you could consider upgrades that make it safer and more efficient.

5) Maintain, maintain, maintain!

Perhaps this is the first rule homeowners should learn: it all starts with regular maintenance. Just as you would schedule regular check-ups for your electrical wiring and plumbing system, so you need to act where your furnace is concerned. Not only will this safeguard against unexpected failures but will also ensure the longevity of your unit.

With winter knocking on the door, there’s no time to delay. Even in households where the furnace appears to be working properly, a precautionary inspection is highly advisable. After all, there may be problems not readily detectable, and the only way to be certain things are in order is to call an expert. Getting the all-clear from a professional will give you peace of mind and a warm house during the winter days.