We recommend that you have your electric, oil or natural gas furnace inspected annually, and its vents cleaned every 5 years.
What steps should you take to ensure that your gas furnace is properly maintained?
1. Ensure that heat registers are unencumbered and keep them clean to avoid clogging. If they are removable, clean the inside of the duct as well. Pay special attention to the area around central vacuum intakes to prevent particles that have accumulated there from going into the central unit. This could have an impact on the performance of the heating system and indoor air quality.
2. Clean air filters every two months. This step is essential to maintain maximum efficiency.
Turn off the furnace.
Find the air filter—it’s located on the air return side of the furnace.
Pull it out of its compartment.
Ensure it is reusable.
Note the direction of the airflow with the arrows on the filter. It will have to be reinstalled the same way.
Vacuum or rinse the entire surface.
When completely dry, reinsert the furnace filter in the proper direction.
Secure the compartment cover.
Note the date of the cleaning so you’ll know when to clean it again.
**If a lot of dirt has accumulated, the air filter must be replaced.
3. Remember to do annual furnace maintenance after every heating season and clean the vents every five years.
If you wish, you can have the work carried out by a verified heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractor through HomeExpress, an online referral service provided by RenoAssistance.
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