In order to keep the temperature inside a house conducive during winter, one must install a heating system. There various kinds of heating systems available in the market. A good example is the gas furnace heating system. Just as the name suggests, it uses gas as fuel to heat up the house through vents and in-wall piping systems. This system is very important during the winter. Therefore, it has to be in superb condition at all times. This can only be achieved through regular maintenance and cleaning.
Gas Furnace Cleaning
Cleaning the gas furnace is not a difficult job. In fact it can be done by the homeowner. It should be performed on a monthly basis to ensure that the heating system operates efficiently.
One of the important parts that need to be cleaned is the filters. They normally get clogged with dust since they filter the air that enters the furnace. There are three types of filters that are used: plastic filters, cardboard filters and electronic filters. Each of them is cleaned using a different method. So, it is important for one to know all of the methods.
Plastic Filters
To effectively clean plastic filters, the homeowner should start by getting the dust out with a vacuum cleaner. It sucks dust off the filter. Once the dust has been removed, the homeowner should then wash the filters with water and detergent and then air dry them before fixing them back on the gas furnace.
Cardboard Filters
Cardboard filters are not washable. However, this does not mean that nothing should be done when they get dirty. When they get clogged with dust they should be discarded and other new ones put in place. If one does not know how to do that, he or she should hire a licensed and certified technician to do it.
Electronic Filters
Electronic filters are quite complex and not as easy to clean as the previous two types. There is usually a manual that shows one how to remove the filter from the furnace and clean it. However, it may prove to be technical to some people. Therefore, the best cause of action to take when electronic filters get dirty is to hire a licensed and certified technician to clean them. He or she has the know-how and skill to do the job.
Apart from cleaning, there are many other maintenance practices that should be done. Some of them include lubricating the motors and moving parts, checking the thermostat setting and repairing the burner and heating components. All these things should be done regularly to ensure that the gas furnace operates properly all the time. This way, one will be assured of a warm winter.