If you have a gas furnace you need to take good care of it for it to work efficiently.  To help you out here are tips recommended by HVAC contractors on how to maintain your gas furnace:

Regularly clean and replace the furnace filter system

Air filters trap dust, dirt and debris and with time the dust accumulates to high levels. When the airways are blocked the unit works harder which results to it spending a lot of energy. You should regularly inspect the filters and if dirty clean them. You should clean plastic filters using a vacuum. You should then wash them using a detergent and water after which you should wait for them to air dry. If the filters are made from cardboard or fiberglass, discard the dirty filters and replace them.

You should never run your furnace without an air filter. This is to prevent dirt from lodging in the blower wheel, furnace controls, air ducts, and cooling coil fins. In addition to the dust resulting to the ineffective running of the furnace, it also results to the soiling of the drapes, ceiling, walls, and carpets.

Lubricate the furnace motors with oiling ports

Just like all moving parts, you need to lubricate the motors of your furnace. Motors that are pre-lubricated and sealed don’t require any other lubrication. In the event they develop a problem you should contact an HVAC technician to replace them. Motors that aren’t sealed need regular lubrication for the unit to function efficiently. You should add 10-20 drops of motor oil every two years. Avoid over lubricating the units to avoid damaging the motors.

Clean the furnace vents

Gas furnaces are connected with a venting system. If you have been using your furnace for a long time it’s common for it to accumulate dust and debris. When the ventilation is blocked it not only results to the furnace working harder than it should, it also becomes a health hazard to you. For ideal results, you should use a large brush to clean the vents. The best way of going about it is to remove the vent cover and clean the inside using a vacuum cleaner. You can do the work by yourself or hire heating repair professionals to help you out.

Conclusion

You need to take good care of your furnace for it to continue working effectively. When maintaining the unit, remember that it can strike anytime; therefore, take caution when working with it. Due to the danger that comes with a gas furnace, leave the maintenance work to furnace repair contractors.