Unlike oil-fired and gas-fired heaters, electric furnaces don’t burn any fuel. Thus, having an electric furnace in your Mineral, VA home eliminates the risk of carbon monoxide exposure and poisoning. It also means having a bit less maintenance to do. Electric furnaces don’t have heat exchangers, combustion chambers, or pilot lights to clean, and they don’t have messy heating oil tanks to service. Notwithstanding these things, they still require regular and diligent care. The following is everything you need to know about keeping yours in top condition.
You Should Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance
Only a licensed HVAC technician can give your furnace the comprehensive and model-specific care it deserves. Although there are several maintenance tasks that you can easily complete on your own, much of the required work involves handling covered, moving components. For instance, during routine maintenance, our technicians inspect and clean furnace blower motors and fans. We wipe down all fan blades, remove obstructions, and tighten loose components. We also:
- Clean all access panels and doors
- Test all safety controls
- Calibrate the thermostat
- Inspect and clean all motor belts
Even simply tampering with covered, moving components on your own could automatically void your furnace manufacturer’s warranty.
Annual maintenance service is also a top requirement of manufacturer warranties and other mutually binding agreements. Without it, your warranty claims could be delayed or denied or your warranty may be voided outright.
Change Your Furnace Filter Every One to Three Months
All furnaces should have their air filters inspected monthly and changed every 30 to 90 days. The filter in your electric furnace is ready for replacement when light can no longer pass through it. Thick, lint-like build-ups of filter debris will hinder airflow, increase humidity throughout your home, and force your heating equipment to work harder.
Regularly Clean Your HVAC Air Vents and Ductwork
When changing your furnace’s air filter, take the time to inspect your HVAC air vents. Keeping all air vents in an open position will prevent harmful build-ups of air pressure within your ducting. You can also wipe these features down with a damp cloth and carefully vacuum behind them. For optimum furnace performance and an acceptably high indoor air quality (IAQ), you should additionally have your air ducts professionally cleaned every two to four years.
We’re proud to serve Mineral, VA and the surrounding cities. With more than 65 years of combined family experience, we provide top-notch cooling, heating, and indoor air quality services. We also provide HVAC air duct cleaning, thermostats, and ductless systems. To schedule an appointment, contact Air Nerds now.
