When Do I Need My Furnace Cleaned?
At the very least once every year, the typical furnace has to have its inside and exterior meticulously cleaned. This will not only ensure that your HVAC system continues to function effectively and for a longer period of time, but it will also prevent your ducts from becoming dirty and so preventing the spread of dust and filth throughout your home. However, depending on factors such as the age of your furnace, the number of people living in your home, and whether or not you have any pets, the HVAC system in your home may need to be cleaned more frequently than once every six months.
How then can you determine whether or not it is time to clean your furnace? Homeowners typically think of having their fireplace chimney cleaned when they consider having their chimneys cleaned. This is because the fireplace chimney is the one that is directly used the most often, and the memory of the numerous fires they lit throughout the winter is still fresh in their memories.
Another chimney that has to be maintained is the one that serves your heating appliance, such as your furnace or water heater. It is equally as important as the chimney in your fireplace, since any chimney that vents dangerous gasses is important and should be maintained. This includes your fireplace chimney.
Using One’s Own Two Hands to Look for Blockages
The venting of any fuel for any device ought to be treated with the utmost seriousness. You may inspect the chimney of your furnace or water heater for obstructions and ensure that it is running properly by following the instructions that are outlined in this article.
If there is something blocking the smoke pipe at the bottom of a hot water heater, heat may be able to escape through the opening. By laying your palm over this region, you may determine whether or not there is a blockage by feeling for resistance. You should get in touch with a qualified expert as soon as possible if the temperature seems abnormally high.
Even furnaces may get clogged up, so you should check on them on a regular basis to make sure they are clear. When your furnace is pumping out an excessive amount of heat, much as when your water heater is overheating, this is never a good sign. Put your hand over the front of the burner part of your furnace and feel around for anything that could be blocking the flames. In a manner analogous to that of your water heater, you should experience an abnormally high level of heat if there is a blockage present.
However, not all of us have the good fortune to have furnaces that are fitted with safety devices that will immediately turn off the heating system in the event that this occurs. The chimneys of older furnaces do not have this critical safety mechanism, therefore in the event of a blockage, these chimneys might accumulate potentially lethal gases like carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that has no color. In the event that it is not discovered in time, the implications might be fatal. If your heater or furnace is more than a few years old, you should exercise more caution regarding the possibility of carbon monoxide leakage. Because this gas does not have a contemporary shut-off feature, it is possible that you will be unaware of whether or not it poses a threat to you or your family.
If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Mount Aukum and other affordable services.
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