If something is failing or going amiss with your HVAC unit, chances are, your HVAC unit is letting you know something is not quite right. However, most of the cues come in the form of sounds that many of us may overlook. If you hear your HVAC unit grinding, squealing, screeching or squeaking, it is letting you know it needs help. I was unaware of these cues and overlooked them. It ended up costing me a lot of money in repairs. I want to make sure that does not happen to other people, so I made this website. I hope you learn how to interpret the noises your HVAC unit is making so you can get it the repairs it needs before you incur a costly repair, or worse, permanently ruin your unit for good.
When your furnace is working properly, it allows you to have heat throughout your home on cold days. However, it also needs regular cleaning and maintenance in order to be efficient. Every time the season changes, you should take some time to maintain your furnace and keep it in proper working order. At the very least, do this before the fall and winter seasons, when you will be using it the most.
Turn Off the Furnace
In order to clean and maintain your furnace safely, it should first be turned off. If it is a gas furnace, you need to disconnect the pilot light and use the shut-off valve that is close to the gas line. You know the gas is turned off when the valve is perpendicular to the gas line. For an electric furnace, there should be an on/off button that makes it easy to turn off the power. You can also disconnect the breaker at your service panel.
Clean Out the Inside
Once you know the furnace is turned off, you can begin cleaning it. The easiest first step of cleaning out a furnace is to grab your vacuum cleaner and use the attachment that looks like a long snorkel. Open the furnace door, and use this attachment to vacuum out the inside of the furnace. You want to clean the gas burners and inside base of the furnace, being sure to get all loose dirt and dust.
Replace the Air Filter
The more often your furnace is used, the more clogged the air filter is going to get. You should know where the filter is located and how to change it. Your furnace manual will show you exactly where it is located, as this can be slightly different for each type of furnace. Remove the air filter and replace it with a new one. If it doesn't look too clogged, you can leave it in, but at least vacuum it off.
Inspect the Fan Belt
An important mechanism of your furnace is the fan belt, which needs to be inspected every time you clean and maintain your furnace. If it gets loose or has wear, it might need repairs or to be replaced by a technician. The fan belt is what allows the blower to move, so it is very important. If you see cracking or fraying of the belt, it needs to be replaced. You should feel the belt to be sure it is taut. If not, it needs to be tightened.
If you noticed anything in the furnace that looked worn or not quite right, call a furnace repair technician to have a look at it.
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