furnace filter

Furnace tips to keep your system running all winter in Granite City, IL

December 17, 2018

Here’s how you can keep your furnace in tip-top shape

With winter weather battering the Granite City, IL area, it’s important to make sure your furnace stays in good shape to deal with the increased usage of peak season. You can call a professional for seasonal maintenance, but there are also things that you can do throughout the season to help your system run its best and not be overworked. Take a look at the following furnace tips that you can utilize to keep your HVAC system running smoothly all season long!

Keep the furnace filter clean

It’s vital to keep the furnace filter clean during the winter months. A clogged filter means less airflow, which causes your system to work harder. A system that has to work harder will be more prone to breakages and problems that need to be fixed by an HVAC contractor. Additionally, clogged filters cause dust, allergens, and other particles to build up in your system, which can make people sick when they’re inhaled.

Keep your furnace clean

While it’s important to change your filter and keep it clean, it’s also important to keep your unit clean as a whole. You can do this in a couple of ways. First, be sure to regular dust and wipe off the exterior of your unit.

No need to open anything or turn anything off, just a simple damp rag will due. Another thing you can do is keep the area around your furnace clean, so it’s not sucking any dust or dirt inside of the system. Clearing clutter and debris around your indoor and outdoor unit will help reduce any cleanliness problems.

Program your thermostat

Programming your thermostat will let your furnace know when you’re not home, so it can turn off or run at a lower temperature before kicking back on by the time you get home. Doing this will allow your system to rest, avoiding overheating and overuse. Additionally, it will help limit energy costs during the winter when rates go up.

Watch for abnormalities

While your system may be functioning fine right now, it’s important to keep an eye out for anything weird that’s happening with your system including strange noises, malfunctions, etc. When you notice these things, it’s important to contact a local professional that can diagnose and repair the system before the problems become major.

When should I change the air filter at my Maryville, IL home?

October 24, 2018

Here’s when you know your air filter needs to be changed

When it comes to HVAC systems, there’s a lot of talk about air filters. What type do you need? How often should you change it? Is it working? However, unless you’re an HVAC professional, you probably don’t have all the answers to these questions. Luckily, you can count on the friendly people at Morrison to answer all of these questions. Not ready to call? Read below to learn more about air filters and when yours needs to be changed.

Change your air filter when…

It’s Right on Schedule

Even if your system is functioning optimally, you still need to change your air filter on a regular basis. For most systems, it’s monthly, but it could be every three months. Changing the filter on a regular basis will help keep your system clean and efficient, even during peak season.

It’s Dirty

Even if it’s not the regular time to change your air filter, check periodically to ensure it’s not becoming clogged. A clogged air filter could tip you off to larger problems before they become major catastrophes that require repair.

Impairs Performance

Have you noticed that your system seems to be working harder? Is it more difficult to heat or cool your home? The problem could be a dirty filter that’s making it harder for your system to heat and cool the air.

Your House is Dirty

Have you noticed that dust and dirt are building up more quickly on furniture and other surfaces? This could be the sign of a clogged filter that’s aiding the spread of dirt and dust throughout your home.

Your Family is Sneezy

Does your otherwise healthy family have a case of the sniffles? Noticing allergy issues? When your air filter is dirty or clogged, you’ll see increased allergy problems due to allergens and dust in the air.

Air Ducts are Dirty

Is dust building up in your air ducts? Have you noticed cobwebs building up around vents? It’s a good time to change your air filter if you notice any of these problems, not to mention hire a professional for duct cleaning services.

Dirty Unit

Sometimes the dust around your unit is a great indicator that you need to change your filter. This indicates that your filter is not doing its job, causing dust and debris to build up on your system’s components.