Regular gas furnace maintenance allows for timely diagnosis and troubleshooting of underlying system issues. Getting the furnace checked regularly and problems addressed enhances the efficiency of the system while reducing your energy bills. Moreover, regular gas furnace inspection and maintenance enable technicians to clean clogs to keep the heat coming. Watch out for the following gas furnace maintenance tips.
Cleaning and Replacing Filters
Furnace air filters get dirty and clogged over time, necessitating cleaning or replacement. Dirt clogs the air pathways of your furnace air filters to restrict airflow. Clogged air filters are less efficient and won’t filter dust and other air particles. Inefficient gas furnace air filters force the unit to work harder to achieve the desired heating efficiency. Other gas furnace components have to suffer to enable the gas furnace to achieve such levels of efficiency, which ultimately affects the overall system efficiency and longevity. Avoid such problems by having your furnace air filters cleaned every two or three months. If the air filters show any signs of inefficient, have them replaced immediately.
Inspect and Clean the Venting System
Gas furnaces have venting systems, which vent out harmful gasses from the burners and heat exchangers. Dust buildup in the venting system makes the unit unable to efficiently remove such harmful gas. The result could be damage to other components, which may make the furnace unable to turn on. Likewise, if the venting system is left uncleaned for long, it could get damaged. Cleaning the gas furnace vent system requires a scrubbing brush, damp cloth, and vacuum cleaner. A professional can do such a job in a few hours at a reasonable price. While inspecting and cleaning the venting system, a specialist will inspect flue pipes for underlying holes and cracks and seal them to avoid leaking harmful carbon monoxide.
Professional Furnace Tune-Up
Experts recommend getting a gas furnace tuned up every fall. As per the US Department of Energy, getting your furnace inspected and tuned up every year can help boost its efficiency and longevity. A qualified property HVAC technician with access to high-quality plumbing fittings can tune up and prepare the gas furnace for the cold season. Thorough inspections enable furnace technicians to identify small underlying issues that could become bigger over time to cause system breakdown.
Professionals will adjust your furnace thermostat, tauten electrical connections, test limit switches, check heating operations, and clean air filters and vents. With their in-depth maintenance and cleaning tune-up programs, a technician will ensure your furnace is ready for the winter.
Check for Holes and Corrosion
Unclean and faulty gas furnace components aren’t the only problems you’ll need to deal with to prep your gas furnace for the winter season. Gas furnace combustion chambers might corrode and rust, developing holes if they are not checked and cleaned regularly. Cracks and corrosion in the heater exchangers can pose serious health risks to people and the environment. That’s because the carbon monoxide gas produced by the gas furnace may leak through these holes into your home.
Expert furnace technicians will do an in-depth tune-up job, checking the combustion chambers for cracks and holes. They will also check the top of the furnace for rusting and corrosion and the furnace vents for loose joints. These are problems that could affect the efficiency and performance of your gas furnace. By getting the problems resolved early enough, you’ll set your furnace ready for winter and keep the heat coming throughout the season. You might also need to check the burner flames, ensuring they are blue and even. Get to inspect and ensure the thermostat wires are tightly connected. Don’t forget to inspect the flame sensor, ensuring it’s working efficiently.
A gas furnace doesn’t require everyday care and maintenance to keep the heat coming and optimize its efficiency. However, you’ll need to regularly check and do thorough inspections to ensure every part of the gas furnace is in sound condition. When necessary, schedule professional gas furnace tune-ups and inspections. Thorough furnace maintenance enables technicians to detect and clean clogged air filters and vents as well as repair and replace damaged furnace components. In finding an HVAC technician, you’ll need to check their credentials, experience, and the services they provide.