When the winter frost finally melts, your furnace is likely the last thing on your mind. It has been working tirelessly for many months to help you and your family brave the winter temperatures. However, now it’s covered in a thick layer of winter dust that can cause trouble if it stays there. Starting your spring cleaning by giving your furnace some love is a great way to protect your home because it stops allergens from blowing through your vents when you eventually switch to the air conditioner.

Starting With the Filter

The air filter is the easiest chore because it usually takes 10 minutes to change, but it’s also important. During the winter, this filter traps everything from pet dander to tiny bits of fabric. By the time spring arrives, it usually looks like a thick gray sponge. If you leave a dirty filter in your system, your furnace has to strain and struggle to pull in air. This can cause the motor to burn out a whole lot sooner than it should, and you will need to spend thousands of dollars on a replacement well before you planned to.

Wiping Away the Exterior Grime

Once the filter is handled, grab a damp cloth and a vacuum to tackle the dust sitting on the outside of the furnace cabinet. Dust can settle into the sensitive sensors and switches inside the machine if it’s allowed to pile up. Wipe down the metal box and vacuum the floor around the base to make sure no loose debris gets sucked into the intake vents.

While you’re cleaning the outside, keep your eyes open for any strange stains or streaks of rust that might be hiding under the dirt. Finding these signs of wear early on allows you to plan for a repair before the issue turns into a giant, expensive mess.

Clearing the Area for Better Airflow

It’s very common for the utility room to become a “catch-all” for winter boots, items you’re no longer using, and extra bags of rock salt during the cold months. For your furnace to stay safe, it needs plenty of empty space around it so that it doesn’t overheat or become a fire hazard. Use your spring cleaning time to move those cardboard boxes and plastic bins at least three feet away from the system. If you crowd your furnace, you’re trapping heat against the metal walls. This can lead to parts failing much faster than normal. Giving your heater some “elbow room” is a free and easy way to make sure it stays in great shape for years to come.

Making your heating system part of your spring-cleaning regimen ensures that your home is a healthy place for your kids and pets to hang out all summer long. Your system will also be ready for when the cold weather comes again. If you have concerns or require furnace repair services, contact Alta Air in North Salt Lake, UT.