Before the cooler months settle in Dickinson, it is time to make sure that your furnace is ready. If it has been at least a year since your last furnace inspection, it is likely time to schedule one. A professional will come in and evaluate your furnace and all of its working parts. They will clean different components and let you know if repair or replacement is necessary to keep everything working properly. After a thorough inspection, they will let you know when you should do another inspection. Learning more about what they will perform during maintenance helps you to understand the importance of this task.
Checking for Gas Leaks
If there is a gas leak in your furnace, this can be dangerous, so it is generally the first step in the maintenance process. Gas leaks can result from several components, such as the burner assembly or the gas line connections.
If the burner assembly is to blame, this can result from the thermocouple or pilot light being faulty. A damaged pilot light can keep the gas flowing even when the thermostat tells the furnace that it needs to shut off. Over-pressurized gas can occur if the thermocouple is not in good working order.
There are gas lines connected to your furnace that send the fuel that it needs to burn to product heat. If any of these lines have a connection issue, the gas can start to spread into your home by traveling through the pipes.
Inspecting the Thermostat
If the thermostat stops working, there is a risk that the furnace will fail and could require a complete replacement. During routine maintenance, they will look for visible signs of thermostat damage, such as incorrect settings, wiring breaks, rust, or burns.
If they notice any issues with the thermostat, the general recommendation is to replace it. This is generally easier and more cost-effective than trying to repair it. An experienced professional will know which thermostats are compatible with your furnace so that it will work without any issues after replacement.
Cleaning the Furnace and Burner
When your furnace is clean, it is less likely to need repairs or a complete replacement. Professionals will often use a long-handled crevice tool and a vacuum to clean out your furnace. This will remove any accumulation of dust and debris from the various components and surfaces.
During this process, they can remove the burner to clean it. This generally involves using a wire brush to remove any grime that has built up on it. After it is clean, they will reattach it to your furnace.
The final step will usually involve cleaning the heat exchanger. It is imperative that a professional do this since a solvent cleaner is necessary. They wear eye protection and gloves throughout the process. Once the solvent has time to work, they use a long-handled brush to clean away any accumulated grime.
Inspecting the Controls and Sensors
Your furnace has different controls and sensors that ensure it is working properly and efficiently. It is important to immediately fix any problems with broken or loose connections or wires.
An HVAC professional will also look at all the sensors on your furnace. If any of them have cracks or breaks, it is important to replace them right away.
If you have a newer furnace, this specific maintenance task might only be necessary every two to three years. However, if it is older, experts recommend that you do an annual inspection.
Checking the Fan
This part of the maintenance process starts with looking at the fan for signs of wear and tear. If it is in poor condition, they will usually recommend that you replace it. Should your fan still be in good condition, they will clean it to remove dust and debris.
If your fan is not in good working order, you will likely notice this on your heating bills. This is because a fan that has damage or is really dirty will not work as efficiently. Over time, if the fan is allowed to remain in poor condition, it could reduce your furnace’s lifespan.
Look at Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
When you have a professional at your home performing furnace maintenance, it is a good idea to utilize their expertise and have them check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, too. Not only will they help you to change the batteries, but they can let you know if you need new detectors due to current ones being old or not in good working order.
10-Year Maintenance Tasks
Once your furnace reaches its 10th birthday, there are a few components that you will want a professional to inspect. The first is your manifold pressure since damage can cause serious issues. If the pressure is too high, there could be an overfire to the furnace’s heat exchanger. If it is too low, this could result in the wrong fan control response or inefficient and incomplete combustion.
They will also look at the heat exchanger and the flue. If there are problems with either of these components, there is a risk of carbon monoxide escaping the system and accumulating in your home. If this poisonous gas is allowed to build up, it can be dangerous to any person or pet in your household. Because of this, they will likely recommend an immediate repair before they turn on the furnace after inspection and maintenance.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
While the above furnace maintenance tasks are things a professional should do, there are two tasks homeowners can complete to help to maintain their furnace. You should do both of these tasks once a month whenever your furnace is running.
The first is to replace the filter. A clean filter not only helps your system run better but also more efficiently.
- Purifies the home’s air
- Increases the system’s lifespan
- Keeps the home cleaner
- Reduces maintenance costs
You should also clean the room where the furnace resides. Making sure that there is not excess dirt and debris floating around helps to preserve your filter and other furnace components. Before you do your monthly filter chance, take a little time to remove dust from surfaces and do a thorough sweeping and mopping. If there is a window, let the room air out for a few hours if it will not get too cold.
Quality Furnace Maintenance in Dickinson
A strong and efficient furnace requires routine maintenance to keep it in good working order. We have been in business since 1992, so we know exactly which maintenance tasks your furnace requires. Once your heater is ready for use, we can help you with a range of other services. Whether your air conditioner needs a bit of work or you want some help with your landscaping, our team is available for all of your needs. Contact Mackey Services today to ensure that your furnace is ready for winter.
