Here’s How to Properly Take Care of Your Furnace

The average furnace can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Regular upkeep of your heating and cooling system will keep it operating efficiently. Here’s some furnace maintenance tips that can help save you money and make your furnace last even longer.

Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter

One of the most important things you can do is check the condition of your furnace filter. At a minimum this should be done at the start of each spring and fall season.

Furnace Filters 101

• The air filter keeps your furnace working properly and ensures that the air circulating around your home is clean and safe to breathe 

• A dirty furnace filter allows excess dirt to build up in the furnace which compromises its efficiency 

• You may have a disposable furnace filter that should be periodically replaced, or a permanent furnace filter that can be cleaned and reused 

• Make a note of the type and size of filter used in your furnace, and keep a spare on hand

Check Your Furnace Blower Motor

A good blower motor – one with sealed bearings and bushings – can last up to 20 years. It’s the heart of your HVAC system because it circulates the heated (or cooled) air through your home’s ductwork and forced air registers. It works hard through the winter (and summer if you have central air), so it needs to be cared for well. The location and appearance of the blower motor in your furnace will depend on its design and age—you can check your furnace manual or look on the manufacturer’s website for specifics. Some tasks can be done by handy DIYers. For others you’ll want to call a professional furnace repair service. Here’s some common issues and fixes to be aware of:

• Rattling or banging noises from the fan:

   

  This may simply be loose mounting brackets or a loose setscrew on the spindle that need tightening 

• Furnace comes on and off rapidly and repeatedly:

   

  The blower-motor unit probably needs cleaning to prevent overheating 

• Noisy motor:

   

  It could mean the motor needs lubricating, or the motor bearings could be worn out which means the whole unit needs replacing 

• Air volume exiting registers is lower than usual:

   

  It’s time to clean the fan and the blower motor 

• Fan has stopped operating in variable speed mode:

   

  May require a reset of the blower motor, and it could be a sign that the fan and motor need cleaning 

• Blower motor has ceased operation:

   

  Cleaning and resetting the blower may fix this, otherwise the motor may be burned out and in need of

   

Check Your Thermostat

To work properly, your furnace takes its cues from the thermostat, which of course must be working properly too. Your thermostat may be hard-wired or battery operated. If it’s the latter you should change the battery every fall season. You should also test the system before the cold weather sets in. Do this by raising the temperature on your thermostat to ensure the furnace receives the signal and lights up. An indoor thermometer will tell you if the thermostat-furnace partnership is operating properly.

Inspections & Maintenance

If you feel up to a little DIY work to keep your furnace working well, here are a few things you might tackle:

Checking the Flame:

1. Turn off the power switch to your furnace

2. Refer to the furnace manufacturer’s manual 

3. Open or remove the combustion chamber door 

4. If there’s a cover over the burner, remove that too 

5. Turn the power switch back on, turn up the thermostat and watch the flame (it should be blue and burning evenly) 

6. If you see a yellow flame, your burner is probably dirty and in need of cleaning (note: keep back from the flame because your oxygenated breath could make the flames turn yellow too)

Cleaning the Burner and Blower Cavities:

1. Turn off the power switch 

2. Turn off the gas flow by giving the valve a one-quarter turn 

3. Vacuum the burners and the base of the furnace (you can attach a half-inch drain line to your vacuum hose to reach the back of your burners) 

4. Remove the blower door to vacuum the blower compartment 

5. Inspect the whole area: any signs of soot can indicate poor combustion and it’s time to call in a professional

Cleaning the Blower:

1. Unscrew the control panel in front of the blower and let it hang down 

2. Remove the bolts that hold the blower in place and lift it out 

3. Vacuum out any loose debris from the blower unit and brush the blower blades clean 

4. Note: If the blower’s wiring and counterweights make it difficult to clean safely, it’s better to leave this task to a furnace service professional

Inspect Your Vents & Ductwork

Forced air ducts and returns throughout your home should always be cleared of anything that blocks their free flow.

Clear Your Furnace Area

Make it a rule in your household that nothing is stored close to the furnace – especially not leaning against it. Air circulation around the furnace is important for safe operation.

Regular Furnace Tune Up

Hire a professional to do a furnace tune up every year before the onset of winter. Ask for a detailed report on the furnace condition and what you need to do if updates are required.

Winterize to Reduce Heating Load

You can put less of a load on your HVAC system by winterizing your home. Seal any gaps to the outside with caulk and place weather-stripping around windows and doors.

Your HVAC system is the key to your home’s year-round comfort. Spending the time to keep it operating at optimal levels will save you repair costs and ultimately extend its life.