Many people ponder at this time of the year: What kind of furnace maintenance can I handle independently?
The concise answer is to only tackle tasks that you feel confident in safely executing. If you possess a good understanding of your furnace’s components and adhere meticulously to instructions, then feel free to attempt maintenance tasks on your own.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to recognize the invaluable benefits of an annual furnace checkup performed by a licensed technician. While basic maintenance efforts are beneficial, they cannot fully replace the thorough inspection and service provided by a professional. Moreover, seasoned technicians can adeptly troubleshoot and resolve unforeseen issues.
An annual furnace checkup by a heating system service company typically involves:
- Cleaning and lubricating all moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
- Inspecting the entire heating system, starting from the crucial heat exchanger and extending to the thermostat.
- Adjusting burners for optimal combustion and ignition.
- Securing electrical connections and checking voltage levels.
- Examining the condensate drain, chimney, and flue.
- Assessing the condition and tension of the fan belt.
- Conducting a carbon monoxide test to safeguard your family’s safety.
If you’re eager to kickstart your furnace’s yearly maintenance, gather your owner’s manual, a flashlight, basic tools, an emery board, a drinking straw, and a vacuum with attachments. You can then proceed with basic maintenance tasks listed in your manual. If any task seems daunting, your furnace technician can offer assistance.
Here are some tasks to initiate your heating system maintenance:
- Check burner flames’ color; they should be blue. Yellow flames indicate dirty burners, necessitating professional cleaning.
- Switch off the furnace power and use a straw to remove dust around the pilot to prevent false readings.
- Gently blow dust from surface igniters using a straw to avoid damage.
- Vacuum around the burners and within the blower compartment after removing the blower.
- Clean blower blades with a soft brush and vacuum carefully without disturbing wiring.
- Replace the furnace filter, typically required every few months.
- Use an emery board to remove residue from the sensor.
- Inspect the drive belt for damage and ensure proper tension.
- Apply lightweight machine oil as per the owner’s manual instructions.
By collaborating with a heating system service company on furnace maintenance, you can:
- Identify and address emerging furnace issues promptly.
- Keep utility bills manageable as a clean, efficient furnace consumes less energy.
- Extend the lifespan of your furnace through regular maintenance.
- Maintain optimal indoor air quality by keeping the furnace free from contaminants like dust, dirt, and mold.
- Ensure that your furnace does not emit hazardous levels of carbon monoxide.