A 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.
What maintenance needs to be done on a furnace?
- Ensure you are working under safe conditions. Gas appliances can strike anytime, ensure you exercise safety measures . …
- Clean and replace the filter system. …
- Check the thermostat. …
- Clean the blower. …
- Clean or repair furnace ducts. …
- Clean the vents. …
- Fan inspection.
What happens if you don't service 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.
Can you clean your own furnace?
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.
How often should you clean furnace ducts?
Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned
every 2 to 3 years
to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.
How long do furnaces usually last?
THE AVERAGE FURNACE LIFESPAN
A well-maintained furnace can last at least
15 to 20 years
, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
Why furnace maintenance is important?
Furnace maintenance
makes sure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible
. During your technician's visit, they are inspecting and cleaning the components of your HVAC system. When the parts of the furnace are properly inspected and cleaned, they help your furnace run more efficiently.
How do I know if my furnace needs cleaning?
- You'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.
What happens if you don't clean your oil burner?
And neglecting to clean your oil furnace
can lead to significant deaths, injuries and property losses
. Spring or summer is the best time to have your oil chimney cleaned. During the winter, your oil-fired furnace can run for long cycles, which can produce soot that may adhere to the sides of your chimney.
Can you vacuum your furnace?
If your furnace has ducts or vents, you can also clean these of dirt and dust by using a vacuum
.
How do I service my furnace for the 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.
What does furnace cleaning include?
What is Furnace Cleaning? Furnace cleaning involves only the individual components of the furnace itself—like
the heat exchanger, the blower motor, the combustion chamber, burners, fan, etc
. These are typically cleaned with the combination of high-pressured air and an industrial vacuum.
Is air duct cleaning a waste of money?
They are not long enough to clean every inch of the ductwork down to the main trunk line. Even if you find a bait-and-switch company that cleans ductwork properly,
if you don't pay their hefty sum to clean all the ducts, the cleaning will have been a waste of money
.
How do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned?
Have your air ducts cleaned
if they are visibly contaminated with substantial mold growth, pests or vermin, or are clogged with substantial deposits of dust or debris
. Ask the service provider to show you any mold or other biological contamination they say exists.
Why does my house get so dusty?
Both
low humidity and high humidity
play a role in why your house is so dusty. When the air is dry, your air can be extra dusty. But when it's too high, it can feed mites and promote mold growth. If your air is dry, run a humidifier so that you can reach a comfortable level.
How much is a new furnace for a 2000 square foot home?
For a 2,000-square-foot home, it'll cost
around $3,300
for a new furnace based on total square footage and BTU rating.
How do you know when your furnace needs to be replaced?
- The Age of Your System. …
- Rising Energy Bills. …
- Excessive Dust, Dirt, Soot or Rust Particles. …
- Home Humidity Problems. …
- Rooms are Heating Unevenly. …
- Furnace Becomes Unusually Noisy or Develops Rattles, Buzzes or Hums. …
- Furnace Has Visible Signs of Rust or Cracks in or Around System.
Should you replace a 25 year old furnace?
Age of your Furnace
If your furnace is pushing 25 years or more, it's probably nearing the end of it's effective lifespan
. However, as already mentioned, this shouldn't be the end-all-be-all in the decision. You might choose to replace a 15 year old furnace, or it could last more than 30 years.
How do I know if my furnace burner is dirty?
- Unsteady or Discolored Flames. A well-maintained furnace should produce a blue flame that burns steadily. …
- Unusual Noises. All furnaces make some amount of noise during operation, but you should never dismiss loud or unusual sounds. …
- Inadequate Heating Performance.
How do I clean my furnace?
- Turn the electricity to the furnace off. …
- Replace the filter. …
- Vacuum the inside of the furnace. …
- Inspect the wires and belts. …
- Clean all heat registers. …
- Clean up and turn the power on. …
- Turn off the power and gas to the furnace.
