Does your gas furnace need repair or maintenance?
To keep your natural gas furnace operating efficiently, you should have at least an annual tune up. Natural gas furnace preventative maintenance will help avoid operating problems. When issues are addressed early on, it’s more likely that they can be resolved with minimal cost. Worn out parts and clogged filters that happen over time can lead ...
How often should a gas furnace be serviced and inspected?
The general consensus on the frequency of furnace inspections is once a year. Whether you purchased a new furnace a year ago or have been using the same one for a while now, annual inspections are recommended to troubleshoot any existing or potential issues.
Does my furnace really need cleaning?
Probably not, but it’s recommended. The best analogy is going to the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning; probably not necessary, but recommended. Some HVAC contractors recommend getting newer furnaces checked every other year, but once they’re more than 10 years old, have them checked annually.
Does your furnace really need a yearly inspection?
Furnace manufacturers all recommend annual inspections and maintenance by a qualified technician. They also have language in their warranties saying that damage to the units caused by improper maintenance is not covered under the warranty.
How do I know if my furnace needs cleaning?
5 Signs it's Time for a Furnace CleaningYou're Struggling to Get and Keep the Temperature You Want. Given that your furnace's entire job is to warm your home, it's frustrating when that isn't happening. ... Strange Odors from the Furnace. ... Yellow or Orange Flame. ... Strange Noises from the Furnace. ... Reduced Indoor Air Quality.
Can I clean my furnace myself?
Wipe exterior surfaces with a damp rag. Remove the furnace access door by lifting it up and out. Loosen screws, removing the burner cover (if you have one). Vacuum the burners and furnace base using a shop vac or household vacuum with wand/upholstery attachment.
What happens if you dont clean your furnace?
When you don't maintain your furnace, it doesn't take long for the air filter to become completely clogged with dust, debris and even mold. Once the air filter can no longer keep particles out, your furnace and your ducts become coated with these nasty airborne particles.
How often should a furnace be cleaned?
once a yearWe usually advise that you schedule furnace maintenance every 1-2 years (ideally once a year) and duct cleaning at intervals of 3 to 5 years for a smooth-running system and excellent indoor air quality. That's the minimum.
What does a furnace cleaning consist of?
Inspecting the vent system and air intake grilles, removing any blockages. Checking the heat exchanger for signs of damage or corrosion. Examining and cleaning the blower, removing any debris. Checking the blower motor and testing its amp draw.
How long does a furnace cleaning take?
2 hoursA professional furnace cleaning usually takes up to 2 hours. However, it may take longer if the furnace is especially large or dirty. A furnace cleaning and tune-up includes: Examining and replacing air filters.
How often should a home furnace be serviced?
once a yearA gas furnace should be serviced at least once a year, preferably, though, in both the spring and the fall. Annual maintenance, including a thorough examination and cleaning of the parts that commonly malfunction, like the air filter, the fan, the pilot light, and the heat exchanger, can usually prevent these problems.
Is annual furnace maintenance necessary?
Your furnace needs to be checked at least once every year to ensure that it is in proper functioning condition. In fact, furnace manufacturers themselves recommend annual inspections as well as maintenance by a technician. In addition, their warranty terms are clear about damage that is caused by improper maintenance.
How do I clean my furnace?
1:085:38Furnace Maintenance: Cleaning Your Furnace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to need a vacuum some compressed air and a soft bristle brush for the next. Part vacuumMoreYou're going to need a vacuum some compressed air and a soft bristle brush for the next. Part vacuum the inside where you can. Reach. Use the soft bristle brush to gently dust the gas assembly.
How do I clean my furnace in the winter?
Check the following list to be sure your furnace is ready for the coming winter.Turn on the thermostat. ... Change the air filters. ... Cover the AC condenser. ... Clean the heat exchanger. ... Lubricate and clean the blower motor. ... Test the igniter switch. ... Inspect the chimney and carbon monoxide detectors.More items...
How do you maintain a furnace?
7 Tips for Maintaining Your FurnaceClean or replace your filter. ... Make sure blower motor is functioning correctly. ... Reduce home's heating load. ... Make sure all household vents are free. ... For gas furnaces, verify the exhaust flue to the outside is clear. ... Remove all flammable objects from around your furnace.More items...
How do I clean the dust out of my furnace?
To fix this, simply take an ordinary vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and clean the tops of the ducts, the pipes, and the electrical conduit that lead to the unit. Additionally, you can vacuum the outside of the furnace case. Using a feather duster, gently dust off the electrical connections.
Should you clean your furnace blower?
A professional should clean the blower assembly on your furnace at least yearly. If the furnace has a squirrel-cage fan, cleaning the blower assembly is all the more important. That's because the openings in this type of furnace tend to become clogged with dust and dirt.
How do you clean a dirty furnace burner?
1:1415:23How To Clean Furnace Burners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd like that for example with my inspection mirror and then clean the burners from the bottomMoreAnd like that for example with my inspection mirror and then clean the burners from the bottom either with some sandpaper or a brush a brass brush like this would work very well.
How do I clean my furnace blower?
2:348:59How to Clean Your Furnace Blower Fan - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use a variety of tools i've got some wire brushes a toothbrush i've got an air compressorMoreYou can use a variety of tools i've got some wire brushes a toothbrush i've got an air compressor and a vacuum.
Why is it important to clean your furnace?
Cleaning your furnace is an important task to keep on your home maintenance schedule. A dirty furnace will burn higher amounts of electric and/or gas fuel as well as work less effectively than a clean furnace. There are 3 basic parts of your furnace that can be impacted by the presence of dirt: the filter system, the blower, and the heat exchanger. ...
What to do if furnace doesn't work?
If your furnace does not seem to be functioning properly even after you clean the filter, blower, and heat exchange, contact a professional for an inspection, cleaning, and possible repairs.
What happens if the blower assembly is dirty?
If the blower assembly is dirty, your furnace will push dust and dirt out through the vent system of your home. Thus, it is very important to clean the assembly well.
How to tell if furnace filter is dirty?
If you are unsure whether your filter is dirty, hold it up to the light, and look through it. If you cannot see the light, the filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. A dirty filter will circulate dirt and dust through your home instead of usable, clean air and will force your furnace to work harder to push air through the grime.
What are the parts of a furnace that can be impacted by dirt?
There are 3 basic parts of your furnace that can be impacted by the presence of dirt: the filter system, the blower, and the heat exchanger. You must know how to clean a furnace effectively and do so regularly if you want to extend the life of your current furnace and prevent costly repairs. Steps.
What to do if your filter doesn't fit?
If the filter doesn’t seem to fit properly, make sure that no dirt or debris is blocking it. If you have a new filter that doesn’t seem to fit right, double-check that you purchased the correct type or size.
Where is the furnace filter located?
Usually, the filter is found inside the front of the furnace . You may need to unscrew the front panel from the furnace or remove it from hooks that hold it in place in order to access the filter. Your furnace filter may also have its own access door. Make sure to turn off the furnace and/or HVAC system before opening it.
Why is it important to clean your furnace?
The average furnace is a magnet for dirt, dust, and other particulate matter and debris. If you don’t keep your furnace clean, you’re letting harmful debris get distributed around your house.
What happens if you don't keep your furnace clean?
If you don’t keep your furnace clean, you’re letting harmful debris get distributed around your house.
Why does my furnace have a heating problem?
Sometimes heating problems are caused by insulation and other problems that aren’t directly related to your furnace. But more often than not the problem lies within the furnace itself.
When is it better to repair a furnace?
It’s better to make essential furnace repairs in the spring when you don’t need it, instead of learning that there’s a problem in the middle of winter.
Can a furnace be neglected?
Aside from health problems, neglecting furnace cleaning can affect its performance. If it isn’t properly cleaned, you may find that your furnace doesn’t heat your home evenly or as powerfully as it did in the past.
Can a professional cleaner clean a furnace?
If you use a professional cleaner, they can also check out your furnace for other functional problems. They can catch problems before they become too big to manage and can give you tips to keep your furnace running in peak condition.
Do homeowners have a maintenance schedule?
Most homeowners have a strict maintenance schedule they follow to keep their home clean and their landscape maintained, but despite their diligence, they may be forgetting to care for one important thing.
Why do furnaces need to be cleaned?
Some people might not know, but furnaces need to be cleaned in order to keep them running in a healthy and efficient way. Not cleaning your furnace can result in a variety of different problems, such as a decrease in efficiency and an increase in the risk of a fire. The majority of homeowners should perform routine heating maintenance every year. However, if you have pets or small children who spend time around your furnace, it’s best to clean it more often.
What goes into a furnace tune-up?
A professional furnace cleaning usually takes up to two hours. However, it may take longer if the furnace is especially large or has not been cleaned in a few years.
What is a modern heating system?
A modern heating unit is a complex system of mechanical components blended together. The reliability, the efficiency and the safety of these units depend on everything working the way it was originally designed. Normal use definitely can put things out of original design parameters and can cause issues that are foreseeable and avoidable.
Is it important to keep furnaces running?
Keeping furnaces running properly is important, but it’s also a huge hassle for homeowners. It’s not something you can do on your own, so it’s important to find a reputable HVAC contractor to do the job.
What does a professional do when cleaning ducts?
When a professional cleans your ducts, he or she will vacuum out dust and debris from your home’s ductwork, but they’ll also clean HVAC components like…
What does it mean when your furnace doesn't overexert?
And when your furnace doesn’t have to overexert itself to warm your home, you spend less money on monthly heating bills.
What happens if you don't change your air filter?
On the other hand, if you don’t regularly change your air filters, have a professional inspect your ducts for excessive dust buildup. Dust contains dead skin cells, animal dander, pollen, dirt and even insect parts —so it's not something you want floating around your home's air or clogging up your furnace system.
What does a contractor do with HVAC?
Basically, the contractor will clean any place where dust and debris can settle in your HVAC system.
Can duct cleaning prevent health problems?
The keyword here is “could”. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that no research has proven definitively if duct cleaning prevents health problems.
Do duct cleaning contractors guarantee health benefits?
Do not be fooled by service contractors who guarantee health benefits from a duct cleaning. Like we mentioned above, research doesn’t support that claim definitively.
Can duct cleaning harm your ducts?
If you hire a careless contractor, a duct cleaning could bring more harm than good to your ducts.
