If you rely on a gas furnace for heating, autumn is the perfect time to ensure it’s in top-notch condition. Regular maintenance can keep your gas furnace operating efficiently and safely throughout the heating season. Here are six tips on maintenance that will help your gas furnace remain in good condition for many more years.
1. Cleaning or Replacing Air Filters
One of the most critical maintenance tasks for a gas furnace is either cleaning or changing out the air filters. The air filters trap dust, debris, and airborne particles. This helps to prevent any particles from getting into your heating system. Over time, these filters can also get blocked. As a result, air circulation becomes restricted, and the furnace’s efficiency decreases.
Air filters should be checked monthly and replaced if they appear dirty or clogged. If the filter is clean, the furnace can circulate air more effectively. This means your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and that saves you money.
2. Lubricating Moving Parts
Gas furnaces have several moving parts that require regular lubrication to reduce friction and prevent premature wear and tear. Neglecting to apply oil to these parts could result in excessive energy consumption and potential operational issues.
Lubrication should be performed annually as part of your furnace maintenance routine. The specific parts that require lubrication may vary depending on the furnace model. It’s essential to consult your furnace’s manual or seek professional assistance to ensure you don’t miss any critical components.
3. Inspecting the Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is a crucial component of your gas furnace. It transfers heat produced by the combustion process to the air circulating through your home. A cracked or damaged heat exchanger can not only reduce the furnace’s efficiency but also pose safety risks since it can leak carbon monoxide into your living space.
It is essential to have a professional technician inspect your heat exchanger annually. They will use special tools to identify any unnoticed cracks or damage that might be invisible to the naked eye. For the furnace to continue functioning safely and efficiently, any issues must be fixed as soon as they are noticed.
4. Checking the Thermostat
Your thermostat plays an important role in regulating the temperature in your home. In order to avoid discomfort and unnecessary heating costs, regular maintenance is required.
At MD Air Conditioning & Heating, we recommend checking your thermostat regularly. You can do this by setting it to a temperature significantly different from the current room temperature and observing if the furnace responds as expected. If you find that the temperature in your home is fluctuating, you may need to adjust or replace your thermostat. To maintain a comfortable environment at a reduced energy cost, a programmable thermostat is a great investment.
5. Cleaning and Inspecting Ductwork
The ductwork in your home is responsible for distributing heated air to different rooms. The accumulation of dust, dirt, and other particles in the ducts can gradually decrease airflow and the quality of air within the house.
Ensure your ductwork is cleaned and inspected by a professional every few years. With this, you can be assured that the air quality and temperature in every room of your house will be just right.
6. Testing Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Gas furnaces burn fuel to produce heat, and while they are generally safe, there is a potential for carbon monoxide leaks if something goes wrong. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if not detected in time.
If you depend on a gas furnace for warmth, it is crucial to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them at least once a month. In the event of a carbon monoxide leak, these detectors can promptly notify you, enabling you to take necessary measures to protect your family. If you don’t have detectors installed, consider doing so immediately.
Maintaining your gas furnace is an important task that should not be taken lightly. An annual service from a professional is always recommended. At MD Air Conditioning & Heating, we have the expertise and trained professionals you need to diagnose, fix, and correct problems with your furnace, whether small or large. In fact, we offer a full range of heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and commercial HVAC services to residents of San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding areas. Don’t hesitate to contact us at MD Air Conditioning & Heating today for more information.
Tags: Furnace