Do Propane Furnaces Need To Be Serviced?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Do propane furnaces need to be serviced? If your propane is new, it's generally acceptable to have it serviced every other year . The reason is that there shouldn't be any worry about performance in its first few years of running. However, as your furnace gets older, HVAC professionals recommend getting it serviced annually.

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How often should a propane furnace be serviced?

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.

How do you service a propane furnace?

  1. Do a combustion analysis. ...
  2. Check the heat exchanger and burners. ...
  3. Check the igniter and flame sensor. ...
  4. Measure the temperature rise. ...
  5. Check the gas pressure. ...
  6. Check for gas leaks. ...
  7. Check and clear the drain.

Do you need to clean a propane furnace?

How long does a propane furnace usually last?

Propane furnaces are popular because they tend to be energy efficient, so we've researched how long one could last for your home heating needs. A propane furnace typically lasts for 15 to 20 years . But it can last much longer due to proper use and regular maintenance.

How do you check a propane furnace?

  1. Look at the furnace and its location.
  2. Describe the furnace's energy source and heating method.
  3. Report the heating system as in need of correction, if it was deemed inaccessible or if it did not operate.
  4. Check the accessibility of the system.

Do I really need a furnace tune up?

Yes! If your furnace is under a manufacturer's warranty, it's important to schedule your furnace tune-up . Most furnace manufacturers recommend annual maintenance by a qualified HVAC technician, and won't cover damage caused by improper maintenance.

What maintenance is required for a gas furnace?

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.

How do I service my furnace myself?

Can I clean my furnace myself?

If your furnace has ducts or vents, you can also clean these of dirt and dust by using a vacuum . 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 does a furnace tune up consist of?

During a typical tune-up, a technician will inspect parts for common issues, test the overall function of the unit, and clean spots that are prone to an accumulation of dust and grime . Often, this fairly quick appointment helps keep a furnace running at maximum efficiency all season long.

How do I service my furnace for the winter?

  1. Turn on the thermostat. ...
  2. Change the air filters. ...
  3. Cover the AC condenser. ...
  4. Clean the heat exchanger. ...
  5. Lubricate and clean the blower motor. ...
  6. Test the igniter switch. ...
  7. Inspect the chimney and carbon monoxide detectors.

How efficient is a 20 year old furnace?

20-year-old furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, of 78% or less , according to the U.S. Department of Energy. AFUE is the basic energy efficiency rating system used in the HVAC industry.

Is it cheaper to heat with propane or oil?

As a general rule of thumb, propane is cheaper per BTU than heating oil . However, seasonal factors and location also play a role. The oil industry shuts down its refineries in stages between March and June every year for maintenance.

Should you replace a 25 year old furnace?

The methods used by HVAC professionals to properly install and vent furnaces have even changed in the last couple of decades. So, if you're asking yourself if you should replace your 25-year-old furnace, the answer is a resounding yes!

What would cause a propane furnace to stop working?

The issue could be the thermostat, air filter, belt or blower motor . First check the two things that are easy to fix: the filter and the thermostat. If the filter is dirty, replace it with a new one. A dirty air filter can cause frequent on-off activity.

At what temperature should I set my propane furnace?

Each winter, Ontarians shell out hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars paying their gas and hydro bills. Keeping the furnace going between 20 and 22 degrees while you're at home is the best way to prevent runaway costs.

Why is my propane furnace blowing cold air?

If your furnace is blowing cold air in your home, this is a sign of an issue with the flame detector, gas supply, air filter, pilot light, or condensate lines . Many of these issues are able to be easily solved on your own by sanitizing or replacing components in the gas furnace.

Does furnace need to be cleaned every year?

How often should you get your furnace checked?

Generally, you should have your furnace inspected by a professional at least once-a-year , but if that inspection happens in the middle of winter or the middle of summer, it's better than not having your heating system maintained at all.

How often should a furnace be replaced?

The average furnace lasts approximately 18–20 years , though the actual number depends on the furnace itself and the level of care put into maintaining it during its lifespan.

Do gas burners need servicing?

But it's important to remember that, just like a furnace, gas stoves need annual maintenance to keep them working, keep you warm, and keep those toxic combustion gases headed in the right direction (out of your house)!

How do you clean the burners on a gas furnace?

How do you clean a gas furnace?

  1. Turn off power/gas to the furnace. Turn off power to the furnace at the breaker box. ...
  2. Clean furnace surfaces. ...
  3. Remove the blower. ...
  4. Carefully clean the blower. ...
  5. Clean the pilot or hot surface igniter. ...
  6. Clean the flame sensor. ...
  7. Inspect the drive belt. ...
  8. Lubricate (but not too much).

What happens when your furnace is serviced?

Inspecting the thermostat and calibrating it as needed . Lubricating all moving parts in the heating system. Checking the air filter, cleaning it, and replacing it as needed. Checking and testing the system's safety controls and startup cycle.

Where is the filter in a gas furnace?

The furnace filter is usually located inside of the blower compartment , where the return air enters the blower compartment. Most units have built-in furnace racks. The large metal furnace compartment contains a filter and blower.

Should you clean your furnace blower?

Three parts of the air-moving system should be kept clean :the filter, the blower, and the blower motor. Dirt is the biggest enemy of your furnace. It can waste fuel and drastically lower efficiency. Dirt affects all three basic components of your furnace, so cleaning is the most important part of regular maintenance.

Does furnace tune up include cleaning?

During your tune-up, your HVAC technician will clean and check over your unit , identifying areas of corrosion. They can identify failing parts in need of replacement before they become a larger problem.

Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?

Can a gas furnace last 30 years?

Can a furnace last 50 years?

While some furnaces can last over 40 years (extremely rare) , the average lifespan of a typical gas furnace is around 15-30 years. As long as you have scheduled yearly furnace maintenance, your furnace should easily last over 15 years.

What maintenance does a gas furnace need?

What do they do for a furnace tune up?

  1. Lubricate motor bearings and other moving parts.
  2. Check and adjust fan belt tension.
  3. Voltage and current checks.
  4. Tighten all electrical connections.
  5. Inspect heat exchanger.
  6. Test exhaust system.
  7. Inspect and clean burner.
  8. Verify and adjust gas pressure.

How often should a heating system be serviced?

Heating and Air Conditioning equipment, no matter what kind you have, should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year . The best scenario is to have the heating system checked in the Fall and the air conditioning checked in the Spring.

How often should a gas furnace be replaced?

The average furnace lasts approximately 18–20 years , though the actual number depends on the furnace itself and the level of care put into maintaining it during its lifespan.

What do they do for a furnace tune up?

  1. Lubricate motor bearings and other moving parts.
  2. Check and adjust fan belt tension.
  3. Voltage and current checks.
  4. Tighten all electrical connections.
  5. Inspect heat exchanger.
  6. Test exhaust system.
  7. Inspect and clean burner.
  8. Verify and adjust gas pressure.
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.