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If you live in the Ottawa area there is a very good chance you own a gas furnace. A gas furnace that is over 10 years old needs to be looked at, by a licensed maintenance and repair technician, every year. If you can’t find one then just Google “Ottawa gas furnace” or “gas furnace Ottawa” and you will find tons to choose from.
If your gas furnace is under 10 years old, then you need to have it inspected and cleaned at least every two years.
What can you do to make sure your furnace is working properly?
1. Make sure you are having the regular maintenance done.
2. Get the right filter for your furnace and keep it clean or replace it as needed. I would check it every 6 months for sure, if it is dirty then clean or replace it every 4 months. Every house is different.
A dirty filter will reduce air flow and thus the efficiency of your furnace. A dirty air filter will also reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner as well for the same reason, restricted air flow. Failing to do so will cost you money.
3. If you have a central conditioner you need to make sure the inside unit, the one installed in your furnace plenum, is cleaned regularly, every two years should do it. Why? Because just like a dirty air filter a clogged and dirty air conditioning unit will restrict air flow and thus reduce the overall efficiency of the furnace in the winter months.
4. Give your furnace some room; don’t box it in a tightly sealed room. It needs air to air to breath just like you. If you have a high efficiency furnace the draws air from the out side make sure the intake is not clogged with junk or a bird’s nest or something. If it takes its air from inside your home then you want to make sure there is enough open space around the intake pipe so that it can get an unrestricted flow of air.
5. Take any flammable material from around your furnace, this is not a good place to store paint cans! We see it all the time.
6. If you have any type of filter on your cold air return or over your hat air vents – get rid of them, its preventing your furnace from breathing and heating/cooling your house efficiently. If your house is that dusty get a good furnace filter, keep your ducts clean and if that doesn’t work, get a portable room air filter. Putting filters on all your vents is not a good idea!
We hope this information has been helpful. We would caution you against trying to maintain the furnace by yourself. This can be very dangerous and can result in a gas leak and a resulting explosion and possible death or injury. It is not a do it yourself thing.
Why not give Eric and his team at Premier Comfort a call and set up a maintenance schedule for your gas furnace today. Their fast friendly service will afford you peace of mind you deserve. Give them a call today!
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