No matter what type of San Diego heating system you have, regular maintenance is important for safety and operating efficiency. Improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning, excessive heat and even fire.
Floor Furnace
If you have a floor furnace, vacuum it regularly to avoid lint build-up. The grill can get very hot, so be sure to keep children away. Make sure you are not blocking airflow with rugs, drapes or furniture and do not store combustible items near the grill.
Wall Furnace
For a wall furnace, it is imperative that you maintain the burners. During the San Diego heating season, the burner compartment of built-in vented wall furnaces should be cleaned once a month.
Central Heating
With central heating, keep the furnace heat register free of lint and dust.
Avoid storing items nearby as they may block airflow. Be especially careful not to store newspapers or cleaning equipment by your furnace.
Check your filters monthly to ensure proper airflow for your heating system and to identify any potential problems. Clean or replace them as needed.
Check the heater’s access panel or door to make sure it is positioned safely.
After cleaning or replacing a filter, make sure the furnace door is closed properly so that it’s snug. You should never operate your furnace without the front-panel door properly in place due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. There is a safety switch in most of the newer, forced-air furnaces that won’t allow furnace operation when the door is not properly closed.
Get familiar with your heating system.
Many older, forced-air furnaces don’t come with a safety switch. When these older furnaces are installed in a closet and used while the panel/door is not closed correctly, carbon monoxide will get circulated throughout the house!
If you have questions about your heating system or would like a furnace tune up, call our San Diego heating specialists at (866) 374-0402 or request an appointment online.