How To Perform Seasonal Furnace Maintenance?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Tightening electrical connections.
  2. Inspecting system controls.
  3. Cleaning and inspecting coils.
  4. Lubricating moving parts.
  5. Replacing parts that are showing wear and tear.
  6. Cleaning or replacing filters.
  7. Cleaning and checking blowers and fans.
  8. Checking refrigerant and pressures.

What is routine maintenance on a furnace?


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.

How often should maintenance be done on furnace?

A gas 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.

Should you do annual furnace maintenance?

Before chilly autumn nights set in,

you need to make an appointment for your annual furnace maintenance

. Without this yearly cleaning and inspection, a system can wear itself out quickly, pump deadly carbon monoxide into your home, or simply stop working.

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 do I service my oil furnace?

  1. Turn Off Your Furnace.
  2. Remove Carbon Soot and Other Debris.
  3. Evaluate the Flue Pipe.
  4. Replace Oil Filter.
  5. Change Air Filter.
  6. Adjust the Burner and Test Its Efficiency.
  7. Clean Floor Vents.

Do furnaces need to be 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.

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 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.

Does your furnace really need a yearly inspection?


Probably not, but it's recommended

. The best analogy is going to the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning; probably not necessary, but recommended. Some HVAC contractors recommend getting newer furnaces checked every other year, but once they're more than 10 years old, have them checked annually.

How do I clean my furnace blower?

Why does a furnace smell when you first turn it on?


Furnaces commonly accumulate an amount of dust when they aren't being used for months on end

. This dust settles on everything from the heat exchanger to the burners. When you turn it on for the first time each year, this dust burns off and produces a burning smell.

Do all oil furnaces have filters?

Do All Furnaces Have Filters?

Yes, all furnaces & heat pumps have filters

. If your home uses another type of heating system, like a boiler which uses water to heat the home, you will not have filters, but for a furnace or heat pump, a filter is a vital component.

How long does a oil furnace last?

In fact, most oil furnaces can last

20 or even 25 years

. Depending on your circumstances, though, you may need to replace your oil furnace much sooner than this, and you can definitely expect to make a few repairs along the way. However, if you keep your furnace in good condition, it should last for at least 15 years.

How do I clean my oil furnace heat exchanger?

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.

When should you clean your furnace?

We usually advise that you schedule furnace maintenance

every 1-2 years (ideally once a year)

and duct cleaning at intervals of 3 to 5 years for a smooth-running system and excellent indoor air quality.

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.