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When the cold weather settles in across Rhode Island, your furnace or boiler becomes the unsung hero of your home. These systems keep your living space warm and comfortable, but they also work hard behind the scenes—and like any machine, they need regular care to perform their best. Without proper maintenance, your heating system can become less efficient, break down unexpectedly, or even pose safety risks.
At Local Chimney Services, we help homeowners across the state maintain their furnaces and boilers with expert inspections, cleanings, and repairs. Whether you have an older boiler or a newer high-efficiency furnace, these tips will help you keep your system running smoothly and your energy bills under control.
Many people don’t think about their furnace or boiler until it stops working. But by the time you’re dealing with cold rooms or strange noises, the damage has already been done. Regular maintenance helps you:
In Rhode Island’s cold and often damp winters, heating systems work overtime. Preventive care helps them handle the load without failure.
It’s important to know the difference between a furnace and a boiler so you can give each the specific care it needs:
While both serve the same purpose—heating your home—the maintenance tasks and warning signs can differ slightly.
If your home has a furnace, follow these guidelines to keep it running at peak performance:
Clogged filters restrict airflow, making your furnace work harder and reducing its lifespan. Check your filter every 1-2 months during peak usage and replace it as needed. Clean filters also improve indoor air quality.
Make sure your thermostat is accurate and responsive. If your furnace runs too long or not long enough, you may have a faulty sensor or wiring issue.
Banging, squealing, or rattling sounds could signal loose parts, blower issues, or motor problems. Catching these sounds early can help prevent bigger problems later.
Blocked vents reduce efficiency and can cause uneven heating. Make sure furniture, rugs, or drapes aren’t covering your vents.
Professional technicians can spot problems you might miss—like worn belts, failing motors, or gas line issues. At Local Chimney Services, our licensed techs ensure your system is safe and winter-ready.
Boilers are generally low-maintenance but still need attention to perform well over the long term. Here are key steps to keep yours in good shape:
Even small leaks can lead to water damage and reduced efficiency. Check around your boiler for moisture or puddles.
Boilers rely on a certain pressure level to work properly. If the pressure is too low or high, it can affect heating performance and cause wear on the system.
If some radiators in your home aren’t heating evenly, they may have air trapped inside. Bleeding them releases the air and restores full heat output.
A weak or irregular pilot light may indicate issues with the ignition system or a need for cleaning.
Just like with furnaces, boiler inspections ensure all components are working safely and efficiently. Our team checks combustion levels, safety valves, and circulation pumps to prevent breakdowns during peak heating season.
Whether you have a furnace or boiler, don’t ignore these warning signs:
These symptoms could point to anything from airflow problems to failing parts or clogged burners. Getting prompt help can prevent expensive repairs and restore comfort quickly.
In addition to maintaining your furnace or boiler, you can boost efficiency and comfort by:
These simple steps can lower your energy bills while keeping your home more comfortable throughout the winter.
At Local Chimney Services, we’re proud to serve Rhode Island homeowners with honest, reliable furnace and boiler maintenance. We work with systems of all sizes and ages—whether you have a gas furnace in Cranston or a hot water boiler in a historic Newport home.
We also understand the urgency that comes with heating issues during New England winters. Our team is responsive, respectful, and focused on getting your system back to safe, efficient operation as quickly as possible.
Don’t wait for your heating system to fail on the coldest night of the year. Whether you need a quick tune-up or a full diagnostic, we’re here to help you get the most out of your furnace or boiler.
Contact us today to schedule your furnace or boiler maintenance. We’ll make sure your system runs smoothly, your home stays warm, and your energy bills stay in check—so you can focus on enjoying the season, not troubleshooting your heat.
Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace or boiler operates efficiently, preventing breakdowns, extending its lifespan, and improving energy efficiency. It also helps identify small issues before they become expensive repairs or safety hazards.
Furnaces and boilers should be serviced at least once a year, ideally before the start of the heating season. This ensures that the system is running optimally and helps prevent emergency repairs during the cold months.
Signs that your furnace or boiler may need maintenance include unusual noises, inconsistent heating, foul odors, increased energy bills, or if the system is blowing cold air. If the system is not working efficiently, it’s time for a professional inspection.
Routine maintenance includes replacing or cleaning the air filter, checking and cleaning the burner assembly, inspecting the thermostat, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring the vents and flue are clear of obstructions. A professional technician should handle tasks like checking the heat exchanger and gas pressure.
To improve efficiency, keep the thermostat settings steady, replace filters regularly, clean vents and radiators, and ensure that the area around the furnace or boiler is free of dust and debris. Additionally, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model if your current system is outdated.
Some basic maintenance, like replacing filters or cleaning vents, can be done by homeowners, but most maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the burner assembly or checking the heat exchanger, should be performed by a professional. A professional can also perform safety checks to ensure the system is operating safely.
If your furnace or boiler stops working, first check the thermostat settings, ensure the system has power, and check for any visible issues like tripped circuit breakers or closed gas valves. If the issue persists, call a professional to inspect and repair the system safely.
The cost of furnace or boiler maintenance typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the type of system and the extent of the service needed. Regular maintenance can prevent more costly repairs, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
