We\u2019re not into the coldest part of the year yet, but we\u2019re not far off either. Chances are, you\u2019ve been using your furnace more and more often over the last couple of weeks. If you haven\u2019t had your system professionally checked yet, you should do that as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a broken furnace in the middle of the coldest part of the year. Let\u2019s take a look at one specific problem that can be prevented by furnace maintenance.<\/p>\n
All furnaces have an air filter, designed to protect the system from any airborne contaminants that may damage it. The filter is located in the air return duct of the system, so that all air entering the furnace must pass through it first. The filter is quite good at preventing dust and debris from getting into the furnace. However, it has no way of ridding itself of the debris that it collects. If the filter is not cleaned or changed out entirely every three months or so, it can become clogged. That\u2019s where the real problem occurs.<\/p>\n
A clogged air filter will prevent air from flowing through the furnace, which means the heat it generates isn\u2019t going to go anywhere. As the temperature in the furnace rises, it activates the limit switch. This switch shuts the system down to prevent it from overheating and becoming damaged. When the system is cool enough, it restarts and overheats again. This is called short cycling<\/em>, and it will shorten the life of the system by increasing the wear and tear on it. It will also make it more likely for parts to break down, increasing repair costs in the process.<\/p>\n