Regardless of the weather outside, it’s always the perfect time to think about your furnace, and the ducts that distribute its warmth. At Winnipeg Duct Cleaning, we believe pairing an annual furnace tune-up with professional ductwork cleaning to deliver the best boost to your system’s health, efficiency, and your home’s comfort.
Why Combine Furnace Service with Duct Cleaning?
Your furnace and ductwork are a team, and when one is underperforming, the other will often suffer. Dust, pet fur, and debris always build up in ducts over time, forcing your furnace to work harder than usual. Pairing a tune-up with duct cleaning:
- Maximizes airflow for efficient heating. This provides fresher air and warmer rooms.
- Minimizes any dust and debris circulating indoors. This improves air quality.
- Reduces strain on the furnace. This helps prevent breakdowns and extends its lifespan.
- Creates a healthier, cozier environment for your family.
Tune-Up Checklist for Fall
Here’s a quick list of what you can do in preparation for a furnace and ductwork check-up. It never hurts to be a little ahead of the curve, regardless of the condition of your home’s HVAC system!
- Replace or clean the air filter
The filter is the part of your furnace that keeps the air in your home fresh and breathable. Typically this should be done every 1–3 months, depending on usage and filter type. Neglecting this simple task can cause your furnace to overwork itself and or undue wear and tear.
Pro Tip: Choose a filter with a MERV rating that matches your furnace manufacturer’s recommendations. Higher isn’t always better. Too restrictive a filter can limit airflow.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to mark a calendar or set a reminder for filter changes. This can lead to long gaps where the filter remains unchanged and the furnace overworking itself.
- Clean the furnace and duct inlets
The inlets are what allow air to pass through your furnace. If these are blocked or clogged, your furnace works harder, decreasing efficiency and increasing energy bill costs.
Pro Tip: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean around accessible openings. It is recommended to turn off the furnace before doing this.
Common Mistake: Attempting to open or clean internal furnace components without proper training. Attempting this without preparation could damage parts.
- Test your thermostat
Your thermostat is the control panel for your home’s entire heating system. If it is faulty or dysfunctional, it could have a drastic impact on your comfort and wellbeing. The thermostat ensures equal heating amongst the rooms of your home, and as such it should be monitored closely to make sure it is accurate.
Pro Tip: If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, create a fall and winter schedule that matches your daily routine. Lowering the temperature by 2–3°C while you’re asleep can save energy and allow the furnace to work less.
Common Mistake: Placing lamps, electronics, or space heaters too close to the thermostat. Heat from these sources could cause it to make false readings.
- Check vents, ducts, and clearances
The inside of your vents and ducts can be constantly full of debris and dust. Cleaning these spaces will produce a clean and clear airflow both for your furnace and the other rooms of your home. It can also help to identify possible leaks or broken seals in the vents and ductwork itself around the house.
Pro Tip: Walk through your home to ensure no vents are blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs. Even partially blocked vents reduce system efficiency.
Common Mistake: Closing vents in unused rooms to “save energy.” This can actually create pressure imbalances and strain your furnace.
- Inspect the flue pipe
The flue pipe is the careful regulator of pressured air moving in and out of the furnace, expelling the exhaust out of the furnace itself. A malfunctioning flue pipe could be an explosive or fire hazard, and it is best to make sure that it is always clear of debris, sealed tight, and in good working order.
Pro Tip: Look for rust, condensation, or white streaks. These are signs that moisture or exhaust gases aren’t venting properly.
Common Mistake: Ignoring small things like a faint gas smell or unusual noises near the furnace area. These should always be checked immediately to ensure they are not dangerous.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
The smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm are vital parts of your home. Where one can detect a visible threat, the other can detect one that is invisible. Making sure they are both in great working condition is important in ensuring a safe and comfortable environment.
Pro Tip: Use daylight saving time as a reminder to check your alarms and replace batteries.
Common Mistake: Assuming an alarm is “fine” just because it hasn’t gone off. Most detectors need to be replaced every 7–10 years, but their effectiveness still needs to be tested annually.
- Schedule a furnace and ductwork appointment
If you’re unsure about any part of your HVAC system, a professional can spot issues you might miss. They’ll have the tools and training to ensure your furnace is running safely and at peak efficiency.
Pro Tip: Bundle your furnace tune-up with duct cleaning in the same visit. It’s more convenient, and your technician can confirm the system is spotless from end to end.
Common Mistake: Waiting until the coldest part of winter to schedule a service check. Fall appointments help you avoid busy seasonal delays and possible emergency repair costs.
Schedule a checkup today
Give your home’s heating system the care that it needs, starting with a solid furnace tune-up and a thorough duct cleaning. Doing both at once reduces costs and will ensure that you will enjoy a warm, efficient, and healthy home all year long. Do not hesitate to call us or book an appointment. A cozy and safe home starts with a clean and well performing HVAC system, so let us take a look at yours today!
