A good habit to keep up with around your home is heater maintenance. The better care you provide to your heater, the better it will work long-term. But what does a proper maintenance schedule look like? 

Although it can vary from heater to heater and home to home, here are some general guidelines to follow. 

Replace Air Filter When Appropriate 

Your home's heater relies on an air filter to collect dirt, debris, and other particles. If it gets too dirty, it can no longer perform its job well, leaving your heater vulnerable to inefficiency.

You won't be stressed if you replace the air filter at the appropriate intervals. Typically, homeowners should replace their heater's air filter every few months. 

Check on the Blower's Fan Belt 

For your heater's blower to work great, it requires a fan belt that's in good condition. You can inspect the belt yourself to determine what condition it's in.

If you see significant signs of wear, such as frayed ends or tears, don't try to repair it. Instead, you should find a suitable replacement to help the blower and its motor perform great once again. 

Have Contractor Test Efficiency 

Even if you believe your heater performs great because of the hot air you can feel coming through the vents in your home, remember to test the unit's efficiency levels. They are just as important as the amount of heat your system provides. 

Just make sure you hire a contractor to perform a professional efficiency test. They can determine how hard your heater works when it runs. For instance, they can review parts in real-time and look at your energy bills. 

Quickly Treat Corrosion on Flue Pipe 

The flue pipe is an important safety component of your heater; its job is to move dangerous combustion gases to the outside of your property. Sometimes, rust builds up on the pipe. 

If you have a corrosion problem, don't delay treatment. If you did, the corrosion would spread further, potentially forcing you into a flue pipe replacement. A quick response, using rust removal solutions and a wire brush, protects your flue pipe from further damage. 

When you go to turn on your residential heater, you always want the comfort of knowing it will work great and efficiently. To give yourself these assurances, take your time with heater maintenance and don't hesitate to ask for help if you ever have questions.  

For more info about heating maintenance, contact a local company.