How Do I Service My Furnace Myself?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Remove the Combustion Chamber Door. …
  2. Vacuum Out the Burner and Blower Cavities. …
  3. Vacuum and Brush the Blower Blades. …
  4. Change the Filter. …
  5. Blow Dust Off the Pilot. …
  6. Dust the Hot Surface Igniter Without Touching It. …
  7. Lubricate Bearings if Necessary. …
  8. Seal Leaky Air Ducts.

What maintenance needs to be done on a furnace?

  • Inspecting the vent system and air intake grilles, removing any blockages.
  • Checking the heat exchanger for signs of damage or corrosion.
  • Examining and the blower, removing any debris.
  • Checking the blower motor and testing its amp draw.

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.

Does a furnace need to be serviced 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 often should a home 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 often should you clean your furnace?

When determining how often you should clean your furnace, consider how many people and pets reside in your home. Also, consider the age of your furnace. With all that in mind, we recommend requesting a furnace clean

once every year

.

How do you clean an old 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).

How much should furnace maintenance cost?

Servicing a gas furnace typically costs anywhere from

$50 to $300

. The exact price depends on the age of your unit and the frequency of maintenance. If you wait years between repairs and your furnace sees heavy use, the cost will probably be higher.

What is included in a furnace tune up?

  • Blower compartment cleaning. …
  • Wiring inspection and adjustment. …
  • Burner adjustment. …
  • Inspection of the heat exchanger, gas pressure and flame operation.
  • Indoor air filter cleaning or replacement. …
  • Igniter or pilot light inspection to ensure their proper functioning.

How often should you change your furnace filters?

In general, this is how often changing furnace filters needs to be done: For

1- to 2-inch filters, replace them every 1 to 3 months

.

For 3- to 4-inch filters, replace them every 6 to 9 months

.

For 5- to 6-inch filters, replace them every 9 to 12 months

.

Is a furnace tune up worth it?

HVAC tune-ups

generate better performance and lower energy consumption from your system

. The direct result is better comfort and lower energy bills. The difference in your energy bills over the coming cooling season can pay for the cost of your tune-up and more.

Does a gas furnace need maintenance?

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 long does a gas furnace last?

How Long Does a Furnace Typically Last? The average lifespan of a gas furnace is

approximately 15-20 years

.

How do I clean my furnace?

  1. Turn the furnace off and wait until it has cooled down.
  2. Make sure the pilot light is off.
  3. Clean exterior surfaces with a damp cloth.
  4. Vacuum dust from around the furnace.
  5. Clean the blower using a small brush and a vacuum.
  6. Clean the blower assembly with water and a mild soap.

Should I get my furnace cleaned?

As a general rule, the average furnace should be

thoroughly cleaned at least once a year

. This will not only maintain the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system, but it'll also keep your ducts from getting grimy and distributing dust and dirt throughout your home.

Does my heater run on gas or electricity?

Check the front of the heating unit to determine whether it is powered by

gas or electric

. A gas heat exchanger uses a burner to produce heat. There is a small window on the front of the heater where you can see a blue flame glowing. You can also hear the noise of the gas burner.

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.