Furnace Woes: To Care OR Not To Care?

Jenna Wydeven • 26 October 2023

Furnace tips from your local contractor in Weyauwega, WI

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As winter approaches, it's time to talk about our favorite home appliance—the furnace! This bad boy keeps us from turning into human popsicles and deserves a little appreciation. But hey, have you ever thought about the importance of giving your furnace some TLC? Don't worry, Badgerland Restoration & Remodeling has got your back! In this blog, we will dive into the dos and don'ts of furnace maintenance. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit back, and let's make sure your furnace doesn't leave you out in the cold.

The Dos

Schedule an Annual Furnace Spa Day: Treat your furnace to a fancy check-up by a qualified technician. They'll give it a thorough inspection, clean it up, and make sure it's performing like a rockstar. Think of it as a spa day for your furnace, ensuring it avoids major meltdowns and doesn't start humming show tunes.

Filter Flair: Show your furnace some filter love by changing those air filters regularly. Clogged filters can make your furnace work harder than a squirrel trying to open a walnut. Aim to change filters regularly to keep your furnace breathing easy and prevent it from feeling suffocated. For 1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months. For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months. For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months.

Unleash the Vents: Don't let your vents become a fashion nightmare, blocking the flow of warm air like a misplaced disco ball. Vacuum and dust those vents regularly to keep the warm air flowing freely and evenly throughout your home. Especially the return vents. Don't be scared to grab a screw driver to take those vent covers off. They are typically pretty easy to remove and replace. You'll be shocked what you might see in there! Your furnace will definitely thank you with a subtle "ahhh."

Clear the Furnace Runway: Your furnace needs some space to strut its stuff, so don't use its room as a storage closet. Avoid storing flammable materials near the furnace and ensure easy access for maintenance and repairs. Let your furnace feel like a VIP instead of a forgotten basement dweller.

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The Don'ts

Ignoring Strange Noises or Odors: If your furnace starts making sounds like a toddler playing drums or emitting odors that make you question your life choices, don't pretend it's a new form of avant-garde art. Call a professional ASAP! Ignoring these signs could lead to a furnace breakdown or a peculiar aroma party you definitely don't want to attend. Even worse, the sudden lack of heat can lead to frozen or burst pipes!

Carbon Monoxide Detector Amnesia: Installing carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms is as important as remembering your favorite Netflix password. Test them regularly to make sure they're working like a well-trained bouncer. These detectors protect against the sneaky and dangerous gas known as CO. Safety first, my friend!

The How-Tos

Dust the Dust Bunnies: Grab a soft brush or a vacuum and show your furnace some love by gently cleaning its exterior and interior components. Dust and debris are like clingy exes—no one wants them hanging around. Just be careful around electrical parts; we don't want any shocking surprises!

Lubrication Love: Your furnace's moving parts need a little smoothness in their lives. Check your furnace's manual for the specific parts that need some oil lovin'. A few drops can keep things running smoothly and prevent your furnace from sounding like a rusty trombone. Nobody wants that symphony in their home.

Thermostat Tango: Make sure your thermostat is in sync with your furnace. An improperly calibrated thermostat is like a dance partner with two left feet—it leads to confusion and discomfort. Check the manual for calibration instructions or seek professional help if you're not feeling the rhythm.

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Rock Out With Your Socks Out

Today, we've learned that by following these dos, don'ts, and how tos, you can keep your furnace happy and avoid any frosty fiascos this winter. So go ahead, give your furnace the attention it deserves. Prevent costly repairs, extend its lifespan, and enjoy cozy comfort all season long keeping your snazzy winter sock collection to be used as a fashion statement and not just survival tools. Remember, a little extra TLC for your furnace today means fewer icy surprises tomorrow. Stay warm, show those socks off, and keep those winter woes at bay!