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Although homeowners can deal with replacing filters and humidifier pads, and installing carbon monoxide detectors, experts say it is best to leave other furnace maintenance work to licensed and insured contractors.

Author: Andy Kozlowski | Metro | Released on November 22, 2021

Detroit Subway-As winter approaches, the air gets colder and colder, and homeowners start to heat up and think more about furnace maintenance. Experts say that to get the most out of your furnace, there are several things to keep in mind-from the filters you use and how often you replace them, to the adjustments that professional contractors can make to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Dirty stove filters can cause problems, but it is easy for the homeowner to replace them himself. You can buy a fresh stove filter at a home improvement store. Each is rated according to its minimum efficiency report value or MERV-the higher the MERV, the denser the filter. Simpler models should be replaced every three or four months, and denser filters should be replaced every six to ten months, although the recommended schedule may vary by model.

Both lower and higher MERV filters have their advantages and disadvantages. A higher MERV filter will collect more dust but restrict airflow, which can sometimes damage the motor or cause the furnace to overheat and damage the heat exchanger. They can also make furnace work more difficult, thereby increasing your energy bills. On the other hand, a lower MERV filter allows for increased airflow, but may not collect as much dust as possible.

“Lower MERV filters will need to be replaced more frequently,” said Marcus Piwonski, owner and general manager of Hoover Electric Plumbing Heating & Cooling in Troy. "It also depends on other factors, such as whether your pipes are clean, how often you open windows, and whether there are pets in the house.... Generally, the wider the filter, the longer the filter replacement span."

Dave Tapling is the operations manager of Aladdin Heating and Cooling in Warren. He agrees that environmental factors play a role.

"I would say that, in fact, unless there are a lot of ways for dust and dirt to accumulate in the home, we recommend replacing the filter twice a year, but if you have severe allergies, you may change it four times a year," Taplin said .

It is also important to replace the filter, because a clogged filter can cause the coil to freeze, which can lead to water leakage and accumulation, and even short-circuit some furnaces-new furnaces are more sensitive to this problem. In addition to replacing the filter, you can also consider replacing the humidifier pad, which will make the air passing through the furnace contain moisture.

It is also recommended to install a carbon monoxide detector to monitor the toxic gases emitted from the furnace. Carbon monoxide is odorless, so a detector is needed to alert the homeowner of its presence. Like filters, detectors can be purchased at home furnishing stores.

Also check the vents and PVC pipes for any loose connections, holes, or signs of rust, as these can cause gas leaks. A broken heat exchanger can also leak carbon monoxide.

Professionals can help uncover these and other problems. Although homeowners can deal with replacing filters and humidifier pads, and installing carbon monoxide detectors, experts say it is best to leave other furnace maintenance work to licensed and insured contractors. During the adjustment process, the burner is cleaned and adjusted to achieve proper combustion, thereby increasing efficiency.

A full inspection and adjustment by a professional every one or two years may cost 60 to 90 dollars, but it can be rewarded by reducing utility bills and maintaining the furnace's warranty. Inspections can sometimes also qualify you for rebates from the utility company.

It is also recommended to check the stove igniter and thermostat battery once a year. When no one is at home, the thermostat can be turned down to save electricity, but the thermostat should not be turned down to more than seven or eight degrees below the normal temperature. Getting your home too cold will strain the stove when trying to warm the home later, which wastes energy.

The furnace can be used for 15-25 years, usually it will be down for about 20 years, but routine maintenance and regular replacement of the filter can extend its life. If your stove makes a burning smell or strange noise, there may be a problem. Excessive operation of the furnace or repeated cycles of switching on and off may be another sign of malfunction. Heat exchangers and motors also wear out over time.

Piwonski said that furnace inspections are particularly important for people who collect water in the basement in summer.

"Hoover can pass and balance the airflow in the home and seal the duct system, thereby reducing hot and cold spots in the home, while minimizing air loss that reduces the efficiency of the furnace," Piwonski said. "If the customer has a variable speed stove, they should keep the fan running so that the air in the home will be more circulated. Finally, keeping the humidity in the home at 35%-40% will make the home more comfortable, reduce heat requirements, and prevent your allergies problem."

Furnace repair business tends to rise and fall as the economy improves-when the economy is sluggish and funds are tight, more people tend to postpone repairs. But Taplin said that the business has been stable, which may be related to more people working from home.

"I would say that this is the opposite of slowness-since our return from the pandemic, we have been busy with almost no downtime," Taplin said. "I think it has something to do with people staying at home more, so they don't postpone the problems they encounter when going to the workplace."

Experts agree that the best time for inspection is when the weather changes, and now is the prime time for inspection and adjustment.

"There should be a safety inspection during the heating and cooling seasons," Piwonski said.   

Tapling agreed, adding: “As appointments tend to fill up quickly at these times, we also recommend calling shortly before each season.”

Hoover Electric Plumbing Heating & Cooling is located at 1871 Woodslee Drive, Troy. You can call (248) 277-5967. Hoover offers a zero digging sewer solution, free same-day repairs, a $89 sewer cleaning, and a $59 furnace or air conditioner safety inspection.

Aladdin Heating and Cooling is located at 26969 Ruian Road, Warren, you can call (586) 758-5900. In addition to other services, Aladdin also provides boiler maintenance services.

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