Furnace Maintenance for Gas Furnaces: Keep Your Home Warm and Efficient

As winter approaches, keeping your gas furnace in top shape is crucial to ensure warmth and efficiency. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of your furnace but also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and keeps energy bills under control. Here’s what to consider when it comes to maintaining your gas furnace and what to expect during a professional inspection.

1. Why Furnace Maintenance Matters

Gas furnaces are robust systems, but without regular care, they can develop issues that lead to inefficiency or even hazards. Dust and grime can clog up components, reducing airflow and making the furnace work harder. This extra strain can cause a drop in performance, higher utility bills, and potential system failure. Plus, a poorly maintained furnace can release carbon monoxide—a dangerous, odorless gas.

2. Steps for Homeowners

While a professional inspection is essential, there are several steps homeowners can take to keep their gas furnace running smoothly between service visits:

• Replace the Air Filter: Check your air filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months, or as recommended. A clean filter improves airflow and efficiency.

• Check the Thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is working correctly. Test it by setting the temperature a few degrees higher and making sure the furnace turns on promptly.

• Clear the Area Around the Furnace: Keep the area around the furnace clear of dust, debris, and flammable objects to improve airflow and reduce fire risk.

3. The Importance of Annual Professional Inspections

An annual inspection by a certified HVAC professional includes more thorough checks that go beyond what most homeowners can do themselves. Here’s what you can expect from a full furnace inspection:

• Burner and Ignition Inspection: The HVAC Professional checks the burner for cleanliness and proper ignition to ensure fuel is burning efficiently.

• Heat Exchanger Examination: A damaged or cracked heat exchanger can leak dangerous gases like carbon monoxide. Inspectors will assess this component closely.

• Blower Maintenance: Dust and dirt can accumulate in the blower, affecting air distribution. Our inspectors clean and inspect the blower to keep air flowing smoothly.

• Gas Pressure and Connections Check: Inspectors will check gas pressure and connections for leaks to prevent fire hazards and ensure efficiency.

• Electrical Components and Safety Switches Test: All electrical parts, safety switches, and thermostats are tested for proper functioning.

4. Reducing Carbon Monoxide Risks

A well-maintained gas furnace is less likely to release carbon monoxide, but it’s wise to have carbon monoxide detectors installed near bedrooms and common areas. Our inspectors can check your detectors as part of your furnace maintenance visit to make sure they’re in good working order.

5. When to Call for Repairs

During maintenance, your inspector may find issues that require repair. Warning signs to look out for include unusual noises, inconsistent heating, and rising energy bills. Addressing these issues early can help avoid costly repairs and keep your furnace running efficiently.

Electric furnace inspections are typically done by an HVAC Professional or an electrician. For a list of recommended businesses, check out our trusted partners page.