A gas furnace is easy to operate, but this does not mean that it doesn’t require regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to offer peak performance. Proper maintenance can eliminate spotty heating inside your home and improve energy efficiency while reducing maintenance and repair costs. In order to catch any system problems, it is a good idea to maintain your furnace before the colder temperatures arrive. While a full service should be left to the professionals, there are some tasks which can be easily handled by a DIY enthusiast.
Shut Down Your System:
Before you begin any maintenance, you need to ensure that your system is completely shut down. Generally, gas furnaces have a red switch near the fuel shut off, incoming gas pipe or burner, which allows you to shut off the gas connection. Just remember to turn off the electricity supply. Even though your furnace is gas powered, it still requires electricity for the ignition and safety systems.
Clean Your Combustion Chamber:
Air and gas are mixed inside the combustion chamber to create the heat needed for the home. This means that this chamber will accumulate soot over time. You need to allow the chamber to cool completely, before removing the cover and scraping out any traces or soot with a vacuum.
Check the Flue:
A flue pipe is needed to vent carbon monoxide out of the house. This metal pipe can develop holes over time, which could potentially allow these fumes to be vented into the home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very serious issue since the gas is very toxic yet have no color or odor. While it is possible to patch small holes using plumbing tape, if the pipe is badly rusted, it will need to be completely replaced.
Replace the Air Filter:
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the air filters in furnaces and HVAC systems every three months. During winter, when the system is used frequently, it is a good idea to check the filters every month and change them when necessary. The reason for this is that a clogged filter will not only compromise your indoor air quality, but could also cause the system to shut down as a safety precaution. You will need to check your owner’s manual to see how the filters can be replaced. Most models have removable filters, but if your system has permanent filters, you may need to wash and dry them before they can be reinserted and the system is turned back on.
Check the Ducts and Vents:
Finally, you should check all the ducts and vents for signs of debris accumulation. This part of the system is vulnerable to becoming clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris. You should use a vacuum cleaner to clean out floor vents and be sure to check for any signs of leaks in the ducts, as these will compromise the energy efficiency of the system and cause cold spots.
Maintaining your heating system is vital to ensure that it operates at peak efficiency. While there are a number of tasks that can be undertaken by a DIY enthusiast, it is a good idea to have the system inspected by a professional. An experienced technician will be able to offer preventative maintenance to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of a costly breakdown.