Tips For Fall Furnace Maintenance

Tips For Fall Furnace Maintenance

During the fall, furnaces may need some attention to ensure they are ready for the winter months. A visual inspection of the furnace's drainage tubes, ducts, and venting pipes can help you spot potential issues before they become major furnace problems.

By following these fall furnace maintenance tips, you can keep your furnace running smoothly through the winter and avoid a costly furnace repair.

Cleaning the furnace filter Cleaning the furnace filter is one of the most essential steps you can take to maintain your furnace in the fall. It not only keeps your indoor air quality good, it can also save you money on energy bills. Dirty filters can make your furnace work harder an d use more energy than necessary. They can also spread allergens throughout your home.

This can be particularly problematic for allergy and asthma sufferers. Therefore, you should make it a point to change the filters monthly or as needed.

To clean your furnace's air filter, locate the service panel on the right side of the furnace. Often, the filter has an arrow on the side, indicating the direction of air flow.

Use your hose to rinse the filter and dry it in a sunny area.

Checking the pilot light One of the most important parts of fall furnace maintenance is checking the pilot light.

Properly lit pilot lights indicate a well -functioning furnace. When the pilot light flickers

or dies, there may be a problem with the pilot tube or the gas line itself. In suc h cases, a professional service should be contacted for a thorough inspection. If the pilot light is out but the furnace is still running, it might be due to a faulty pilot light or a bad regulator in the natural gas meter.

The pilot light should have a st rong blue cone. If the flame is weak or yellow, it may be due to dirt on the pilot orifice. To clean this, remove the pilot and clean out the orifice with a needle or compressed air.

Cleaning the heat exchanger Before starting any furnace maintenance proje ct, you must turn off the gas or power supply and disconnect the furnace's power supply and power cord. Next, remove the access panel by unscrewing the bolts holding it in place. Then, clean the heat exchanger by using a mild detergent. You should also wip e the pipes and hoses that lead to it. This will prevent debris from falling on your carpet.

To properly clean your heat exchanger, you first need to remove the access panel. To do this, you need to unscrew the access panel and wipe off all dirt and dust f rom the heat exchanger. Use only a mild soap or water to clean it. Never use flammable cleaners and be careful when you wipe down the parts. After cleaning the heat exchanger, you need to reinstall the access panel and check for proper power and gas flow. Also, make sure that the filter is in the proper position. The arrow on the filter should face the direction of the air flow. Next, you must turn on the furnace. Make sure that the fan and the thermostat are working properly. Also, the dampers and valves should work properly.

Cleaning the ducts Fall furnace maintenance includes cleaning the ducts. This will remove any insulation that may have become loose or wood chips that may be blocking air flow. While duct cleaning is generally best done during late su mmer or early fall, it can also be done any time during the year. A cleaning service will remove any debris that is inside the ducts.

Dirty ducts can have rat droppings or disease -carrying insects. You can also fix any holes in the ductwork to increase air flow. Dirty HVAC components can also lower the efficiency of your furnace, causing it to work harder and raise energy bills. This is not good for your bottom line.

Vacuuming and cleaning the vents As the weather turns cooler, it is important to do some fa ll furnace maintenance.

Vacuuming and cleaning the vents will remove debris that can clog them. After you vacuum, wipe down the walls and covers of the vents with a damp cloth. Also, change your air filters.

You can clean the vents with a vacuum cleaner wi th a long hose to get into tight places. To reach high places, you'll need a step stool. The vent cover may be secured with small screws. If you cannot open the cover, you can use a long -handled brush to remove debris. You may also use a microfiber cloth t o wipe down vertical surfaces.

Checking the heat exchanger There are several ways to check the heat exchanger of your furnace for signs of cracking or damage. A trained technician will be able to tell if the heat exchanger is in need of repair or replacement based on the furnace's operation. In addition, they can check the amount of carbon monoxide being produced or leaked into the home by running a test on the flue gas.

If you're considering replacing your furnace this fall, you should consider checking th e heat exchanger as part of your fall furnace maintenance. This can help prevent cracking from occurring. Cracked heat exchangers are vulnerable to leaks and can be dangerous.

Written by: coolaidairconditioning.com