As seasoned Trane Comfort Specialists, AGL Heating and Air Services in Charleston, SC knows that owning a furnace can be a costly but necessary investment, especially when chilly winter temperatures come into play. Taking care of your furnace will significantly extend its lifespan and stretch the investment of your hard-earned dollars. Not only that, but you also want to make sure your furnace is in top condition to ensure your home and your loved ones remain safe. So, here are some of the dos and don’ts of owning a furnace in Charleston, SC!

6 Tips for Owning a Furnace from Your Local Trane Comfort Specialists

Do Schedule Routine Furnace Maintenance

Though many factors have an impact on how long your furnace will last, one of the most important is whether or not you perform routine furnace maintenance. Did you know that the average furnace lasts between 15 and 20 years? And with annual checkups, it’s not uncommon for a furnace to last 25 to 30 years! Not only can regular maintenance save you money on your monthly energy bill, but it can also ensure your furnace is running smoothly and safely.
Furnaces that need a tune-up, repair work, or a filter change have to work that much harder to heat your home, increasing your heating bill and the risk of an accident. Make sure to schedule an annual maintenance appointment every fall with AGL’s Charleston, SC, HVAC technicians so that your furnace is ready to run when the temperatures begin to drop!

Do Change Your Furnace’s Filter Regularly

As long as your furnace looks and sounds as if it is running properly, annual maintenance should suffice. In between check-ups, though, make sure to regularly inspect your furnace on your own. For optimum efficiency, set a reminder to check your furnace filter every month, since most filters need to be replaced every 30 to 90 days. To safely change your filter, first, turn off the power and wait for the parts to cool down and the pilot light to turn off. Then, you can clean the interior and exterior with a damp cloth, gently vacuuming any dust and dirt from the furnace with a soft brush. Once you are finished, make sure to properly close the panel door. Otherwise, you run the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Make sure to immediately dispose of old filters to prevent a fire hazard. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to change a filter on your own, or call our Charleston, SC HVAC technicians at AGL Heating and Air to help you! As you are replacing your filter, make sure to do a thorough inspection of your furnace, paying careful attention to any strange noises coming from your furnace and signs of rust or decay.

Do Eliminate Potential Fire Hazards

While modern furnaces are completely safe comfort solutions, any time natural gas is a factor, the potential of a fire starting is there if proper safety measures aren’t followed. To reduce the risk of a furnace-related incident, make sure to always keep combustible and/or flammable products with low flash points away from your furnace. Common household products to store away from your furnace room and vent pipes include gasoline, paint, paint thinners, cleaning products, and laundry detergent. Used filters and old furnace parts are also hazardous items that you should avoid keeping close to your furnace. Most cat owners can relate to “out of sight, out of mind” when it comes to the litterbox, but don’t make the mistake of placing it near your furnace or vents. Fumes from the litter’s chemical ingredients are flammable and can circulate throughout your home. Always make sure to also regularly test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, as an issue with your furnace can result in a potentially fatal carbon monoxide leak. Frequent testing, in addition to changing your fire alarm batteries monthly, will help ensure that these problems won’t go undetected!

Don’t Leave Clutter Laying Around

When owning a furnace, you’ll need to make sure you have proper ventilation in the area so it can operate. In addition to keeping combustible products away from where your furnace is stored, it’s important to keep the surrounding storage area free of clutter, too. As a general rule of thumb, keep any other non-flammable items at least three feet away from your furnace. Make sure to clear away any items around air intakes and vents. Never lean objects up against your furnace, or put items that could fall on the furnace, such as a broom or mop, next to it. Try to regularly clean the furnace room, vacuuming and/or sweeping the floors and surfaces to prevent a build-up of dust and debris. Keep children and pets away from the furnace room to prevent a dangerous toy from being forgotten near the furnace. If your washer and dryer machines are near the furnace room, remember to hang air-dried laundry elsewhere, as clothes and linens can prevent proper airflow and cause your furnace to overheat.

Don’t Make Furnace Repairs on Your Own

If you pride yourself on your DIY abilities, it may be tempting to have a go at your furnace repairs, too. While we don’t doubt that there are plenty of YouTube videos that can show you how to get it done, we do recommend against it. Due to its flammable nature, furnace repairs can be a dangerous DIY to undertake, even for the handiest homeowners. Though it may appear like you have solved the problem, there is always the chance of having an undetected leak, which can result in serious injury or worse. If you happen to hear unusual noises or smell strange odors coming from your furnace, don’t hesitate to call one of our Charleston, SC, HVAC technicians at AGL Heating and Air! With skilled and friendly technicians and years of reputable service, you can count on us to handle any Charleston heating and air conditioning issues you are experiencing.

Don’t Use the Wrong Charleston, SC, HVAC Contractor

Just as you should avoid doing a DIY furnace repair, make sure that you only use a reputable Charleston, SC, HVAC contractor. Always do your research on the HVAC company beforehand so that you can feel confident that your Charleston heating and air specialist has the proper training and experience needed to work safely in your home. At AGL Heating and Air, we are committed to providing only quality craftsmanship and the most efficient, effective heating and cooling equipment to ensure the comfort of your home or business. Nothing is more important than our customers, and it’s because of this strongly embraced principle that we strive to provide you with good ol’, honest heating and air services and an enjoyable, hassle-free experience. Our AGL Heating and Air team services all makes and models and proudly serves as your trusted Charleston Trane Comfort Specialists.

We know that owning a furnace can be complex. However, closely following these dos and don’ts when it comes to heating your home will ensure that your furnace is optimally performing. This will help you to save on energy and heating bills, and, most importantly, keep you and your loved ones safe. To learn more about the Charleston heating and air services we offer at AGL, contact us today to set up a diagnostic consultation with one of our Charleston, SC Trane Comfort Specialists! We look forward to serving you!