With the cooler weather here, it is time to switch your HVAC system over to heat mode. To ensure you and your family are comfortable your furnace needs to be running and operating properly. While furnaces themselves do not require much, routine maintenance completed at least once every fall can go a long way. Routine furnace maintenance can extend the life of the equipment and help save you money on unexpected costly repairs. Below we review a furnace maintenance checklist to help you ensure your furnace is ready for when the cooler weather arrives. We want to provide you with the knowledge of what makes up a furnace maintenance checklist and how it helps your furnace.
Furnace Maintenance Checklist
- Check Thermostat. The first item the technician will check is the thermostat to make sure it is properly working. The thermostat is a vital component to all HVAC system, since it has the responsibility of telling your system when to turn on and off. It is important that it is set and working as it should.
- Replace air filter. It is important to also replace your filter at every maintenance visit. Depending on usage, if there are pets in the home or if anyone suffers from allergies it should be changed at the very minimum once every 3 months. A dirty air filter will restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder that it has to leading to decreased efficiency and shorter lifespan.
- Check blower motor and wheel for cleanliness. If dirty it will be cleaned. If applicable lubrication will be applied to prevent any rotating equipment from failing.
- Inspect Burners. Burners will be inspected and will be removed and cleaned if necessary. Dirty burners can lead to poor combustion and can decrease efficiency and shorten the lifespan of the furnace.
- Pilot/Ignitor inspection. They will be checked, cleaned, and adjusted if needed. A weak or dirty pilot will extinguish causing your furnace to shut off.
- Inspect Heat exchanger and supply air for CO level. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odorless, and colorless gas that is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Heat exchangers can develop cracks with age. If there are any cracks in the heat exchanger it can produce toxic CO gas a profoundly serious health risk that can result in death. This makes it one of the most important parts of the furnace maintenance checklist.
- Check ductwork and return plenum. Confirm connections are physically sound, clean and in place sloping upwards and sealed to the furnace without holes or excessive corrosion.
- If applicable to your system belts and pulleys will be inspected and adjusted. Loose or worn belts and pulleys can lead to reduced air flow and increase energy costs.
- All electrical and gas connections will be examined. Any loose connections can pose a safety hazard to your home.
- All panels will be secured. Loose panels can lead to an increase in energy costs or a furnace breakdown.
Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air
A properly maintained furnace can not only lead to energy savings but can help protect your family. An improperly working system can become a fire hazard, lead to health issues, and increased energy costs or costly repairs or replacements. A system that is on a regular maintenance schedule can provide years of safe and reliable heating for your home. Give LA Construction, Heating and Air a call today at 818-341-3406 or contact us online if you have questions about our furnace maintenance or would like to schedule a maintenance visit. We also offer custom plans to fit your needs. We are here to help you stay warm and safe this winter season.
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