Dwell Well Seasonal Tips & Information

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1. How does a furnace work?

A furnace functions with five main components including a thermostat, burners, a blower motor, a heat exchange system, and ductwork. These parts work in unison to keep your home at an optimal temperature throughout the cold winter months.

 2. What types of furnaces are there?There are four main types of furnaces, categorized based on the type of fuel they use.

• Natural Gas – Typically the most energy efficient.
• Electric – Generally smaller, appropriate for smaller homes, people on a budget, or rural communities where natural gas lines aren’t installed.
• Oil – Typically less expensive than a natural gas furnace; but also, less efficient.
• Propane – A good option if oil or natural gas aren’t accessible.

3. What kind of maintenance is needed to keep my furnace working well?

For optimal functioning, regular furnace maintenance should be part of your household routine. Your furnace has an air filter, which plays an essential role in blocking dirt, dust, and pathogens that could otherwise get into the system, ensuring the air circulating through your home is safe and clean. This needs to be changed regularly.

If you have pets, it’s recommended that you change the filter monthly, otherwise every three months. On top of changing the filter, check in monthly to ensure your furnace has adequate air flow and isn’t blowing cold air.

4. What should I do if my furnace stops working? Most often, if the furnace stops working it’s a malfunction with the thermostat, so check that first and make sure the battery in the thermostat is in good working condition. At Ashton, we’re here to help, so please give us a call anytime you need! If you feel inspired to troubleshoot yourself, please make sure the breaker to your furnace is turned off, and here are a few things to explore:

• Check the filter: It may be clogged and need to be replaced.
• Ensure the Door is Closed – When the door to the furnace is opened or removed, the safety switch engages, which prevents the furnace from turning on.
• Check the Burners – If the flame is yellow or red, the burner may need to be cleaned.

5. How do I know when my furnace needs to be replaced?

With proper maintenance, the average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 18 years. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it’s a good idea to monitor it diligently and pay close attention to its functioning.

Here are some indications that your furnace may need to be replaced:

A noticeable drop in energy efficiency or unsatisfactory heat generation.

• Sluggish ignition.
• Strange smells (rotten eggs, sulphur, etc.).
• The pilot light struggles to remain lit.
• Rust build-up.

Am I certified to install gas and refrigeration?

Yes, I hold a G2 licence and a 313A refrigeration red seal. 

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