A furnace is generally trouble-free and operates smoothly with very little intervention. However, it is important to know how to care for your furnace to keep it working efficiently. By providing proper maintenance, you can reduce your furnace repair bills and help it last for many years.
Keep It Clean
Keeping your furnace free from dust will help ensure it operates efficiently and doesn't have to work as hard to do its job. You will need to clean all three of the major components of the furnace. This includes the filter, the blower, and the motor since dust has access to all of the areas. The filter will need cleaned or replaced if it is worn at the beginning of the heating season. It should be cleaned regularly throughout the period of use to keep it operating efficiently.
You will also need to clean the blower and the belts that lead to it. These areas can get clogged with dirt and make it harder for your furnace to work. The fan will also need cleaned; you can use a toothbrush to get the blades. A vacuum works well to pick up the loose dirt around the system.
If you have a gas furnace, you will also need to clean the pilot. A dirty pilot can cause the sensor to think it's not lit when it is. Also clean the flame sensor since that can keep the pilot from lighting.
Keep the Motor Lubricated
Most motors are sealed and do not need lubrication. However, some of the older models do require lubrication around the bearings. If you see oil ports in that area, you will need to oil the motor once a year. It only takes two or three drops of 10-weight motor oil at each place. You may need to remove a plate to gain access to the ports. If you are unsure if your furnace needs lubrication as part of the annual maintenance, you can ask a furnace specialist.
Check the Belts
You should inspect your belts each year when you do pre-season maintenance. Look for belts that seem worn or have frayed edges and replace them before they break.
Don't wait until it is cold enough to need your furnace before you turn it on. Just before the beginning of the cold season, have it properly maintained by a professional or you can do it yourself. Then turn it on and make sure it works properly. If there are any problems, you can get it fixed before you are on a long waiting list and you need the heat.
If you do not feel comfortable doing any part of the annual maintenance yourself, you should call in a furnace expert. They can do the cleaning and inspecting and check out other areas to make sure you don't have any parts that need replaced at the time. This will help your furnace run smoothly all winter long and last for many winters in the future.
Author Resource:
Furnace maintenance is very important to avert disasters like fire, to prevent health problems from suffocating or stale air. Most housing laws also demand that you get your furnace checked periodically by state certified inspectors so that these situations do not arise. In case there is a problem you can hire a furnace repair contractor to repair or replace your furnace. accuservheating.com/
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