Do You Need To Do Maintenance On 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 often should a gas 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 I maintain my furnace myself?

1. Clean or replace your filter. …
2. Make sure blower motor is functioning correctly. …
3. Reduce home's heating load. …
4. Make sure all household vents are free. …
5. For gas furnaces, verify the exhaust flue to the outside is clear. …
6. Remove all flammable objects from around your furnace.

Does a furnace have to be checked every year?

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 blower?

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.

What is the main thing that every homeowner should do to their furnace in terms of maintenance to make sure it keeps working properly and to maintain good air quality?

Clean or Replace the Filters and Vents

The filter on your furnace's air intake keeps dust, dirt and other contaminants from getting into the air inside your home. We recommend starting each heating season with a fresh filter, and be sure to replace or clean it every two or three months, depending on the type of filter.

How do I know if my furnace needs cleaning?

1. 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. …
2. Strange Odors from the Furnace. …
3. Yellow or Orange Flame. …
4. Strange Noises from the Furnace. …
5. Reduced Indoor Air Quality.

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.

How long does a gas furnace 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.

How long does it take to service a furnace?

A furnace tune-up can take

between an hour and a half to two hours

. But it mostly depends on the age of your furnace. If they find you need more substantial repairs, it may take longer.

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.

Can a furnace explode?

The modern gas furnace is much safer than electric space heaters, and furnaces are built to high safety standards. Although

it is possible for a gas furnace to either catch fire or explode, it's highly unlikely

. If there is a danger of this happening, the furnace will usually simply shut off—as it's designed to.

How do I lubricate my furnace blower motor?

If the motor has oil ports, it should be lubricated annually.

Apply two or three drops of 10-weight nondetergent motor oil (not all-purpose oil) to each port

. Do not overlubricate. If the blower shaft has oil ports, it, too, should be lubricated annually, following the same procedure.

How do I make my furnace blower quieter?

1. Adjust Furnace Fan Speed.
2. Clean Furnace Blower Fan.
3. Replace Furnace Blower Bearings.
4. Check Motor Mount for Loose Connections.
5. Tighten the Set Screw.
6. Change The Belt Drive.
7. Try Sound Insulation Solutions.
8. Replace The Motor or Fan Blade.

How much is a blower motor cleaning?

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

.

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 clean my furnace in the winter?

1. Change Filter. You should check and change your furnace's air filter every few months. …
2. Set Thermostat to “Heat” …
3. Clean Burners. …
4. Check and Oil Blower. …
5. Uncover Heating Vents. …
6. Clear Chimney and Vents. …
7. Test Safety Monitors. …
8. Check for Smells or Noises.

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.

How can I clean my ducts myself?

1. Remove vent covers and wash them. Remove your vent covers with your screwdriver. …
2. Cover vent openings with paper towels. Cover the openings to your supply registers with a few paper towels. …
3. Loosen the dust. …
4. Vacuum it up. …
5. Change your air filter. …
6. Replace vent covers.