Fall Furnace Maintenance Checklist
The colder months have a way of sneaking up on us, and before long, you’re relying on your furnace to keep the chill-out. To make sure your heating system is up to the task, a fall maintenance checklist is the best place to start. It’s a quick way to help your furnace run efficiently and avoid those dreaded heating issues that lead to high energy bills or unexpected breakdowns during the season.
Not sure where to start? No sweat! Swanton Energy Services is here to take you under our wing, breaking down all you need to do to make sure your furnace works perfectly when the cold weather hits. However, there are some tune-up tasks that should only be left to the pros. Let’s go over what homeowners like you can safely handle and when to call in our experts. Plus, we offer a suite of other heating, air conditioning, and energy services for complete home comfort all year round.
Why Furnace Maintenance is Non-Negotiable
Regular furnace maintenance represents a critical investment in your family’s comfort, safety, and financial well-being. A well-maintained furnace runs efficiently, keeping your energy bills in check, your living spaces cozy, and your indoor air quality at a healthy level. But more importantly, it acts as a silent guardian against the dangers of carbon monoxide leaks and sudden breakdowns. By scheduling annual check-ups, you’re not just prolonging the life of your heating system; you’re safeguarding your home against potential disasters and ensuring that when temperatures drop, your family will remain nice and snug.
Considerations for Gas vs. Electric Models
Different furnace types, whether gas or electric, require distinct care. Gas furnaces come with the added need for gas pressure adjustments, pilot light checks, and attention to potential carbon monoxide risks. These systems often rely on components like burners and heat exchangers that must remain in top working order to ensure safety and efficiency.
Electric furnaces, on the other hand, require inspections of heating elements, electrical connections, and controls. While the absence of a pilot light or gas-related concerns simplifies their care, they still need thorough professional inspections. Both systems share the need for proper airflow and air filter replacements to avoid clogging and system breakdowns.
How You Can Care for Your Furnace
Change the Air Filter Regularly
The air filter is one of the most critical components of your heating system. Clogged air filters restrict airflow, causing the furnace to work harder, which may lead to higher energy bills. Replace filters every 1-3 months, depending on your system, to maintain performance and improve indoor air quality.
Check the Thermostat Settings
Ensure the thermostat is set to the appropriate heating settings for your household needs. A thermostat stuck on incorrect settings may cause the system to run unnecessarily, wasting energy and stressing the furnace. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can also help improve the efficiency of your entire HVAC system.
Clear the Area Around the Furnace
The space surrounding your furnace needs to remain unobstructed to ensure proper airflow and reduce the risk of fire hazards. Clutter or household items placed too close to the furnace can restrict airflow, causing your system to overheat or shut down. These obstructions also pose a potential fire hazard, particularly if they include flammable materials like paper, fabrics, or chemicals. Keeping the area around your furnace clear not only helps the system operate more efficiently but also ensures that the airflow is not compromised.
Inspect Vents and Air Registers
Blocked or dirty vents and air registers can disrupt this balance, forcing your furnace to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Pay particular attention to rooms where vents may be obstructed by furniture, curtains, or other objects, as these blockages can affect the overall performance of your heating system and lead to uneven heating in your home.
Listen for Unusual Noises
Unusual sounds coming from your furnace can serve as early warning signs of underlying mechanical issues. Rattling, banging, screeching, or other unexpected noises may indicate problems with the motor, fan, or other components. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more serious issues, such as system failures.
Monitor the Furnace Pilot Light (for Older Models)
Gas furnaces equipped with pilot lights require regular monitoring to ensure proper function. The flame should burn steadily and be blue in color, indicating that the furnace is operating safely. A flickering or yellow flame may suggest problems with combustion, potentially signaling a gas leak or other issues within the heating system. Homeowners with older gas furnaces should keep a close eye on the pilot light and address any abnormalities immediately to prevent further complications. If the pilot light goes out or exhibits unusual behavior, contacting a professional for further inspection is recommended to ensure your system remains intact.
Check for Furnace Leaks
Water or gas leaks around your furnace can lead to serious problems, ranging from system inefficiencies to dangerous hazards. High-efficiency furnaces with condensate drains may experience water leaks due to clogs or damage in the drain lines. Gas leaks, on the other hand, are much more serious and require immediate attention from a professional. Regularly inspecting the area around your furnace for signs of moisture, puddles, or gas smells helps catch these problems early, before they develop into costly repairs or safety concerns.
Inspect the Furnace Exterior
The exterior of your furnace can provide valuable clues about its condition and performance. Signs of rust, soot buildup, or corrosion can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. While these problems may not immediately impact your furnace’s ability to heat your home, they can worsen over time and lead to more serious malfunctions.
What Should Only Be Done During Professional Furnace Maintenance
Annual Inspection & Cleaning
A professional inspection and cleaning go beyond simply looking for visible problems. This process involves checking each component of the furnace for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. The technician will clean the internal parts, removing any dust, debris, or buildup that could affect the system’s performance.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Over time, the mechanical parts within your furnace, such as the blower motor and fans, can wear down without proper lubrication. Lubricating these components reduces friction and prevents unnecessary strain, allowing the system to run more smoothly. A professional technician will inspect these parts and apply lubrication where necessary to prevent premature failure.
Checking & Adjusting Gas Pressure
Gas pressure plays a critical role in how efficiently a furnace burns fuel. If the gas pressure is too low or too high, it can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in energy waste and potential safety hazards. During a professional inspection, the technician will check and adjust the gas pressure to make sure your furnace operates safely and consumes fuel efficiently.
Inspecting the Heat Exchanger for Cracks or Damage
The heat exchanger is one of the most important components in your furnace, as it is responsible for transferring heat from the combustion chamber to the air circulating through your home. Cracks or damage in the heat exchanger can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Regular inspections of the heat exchanger help prevent this from happening, keeping your home and family safe.
Testing & Calibration of Safety Controls
Furnaces come equipped with several safety controls that protect your home from overheating, gas leaks, and other potential dangers. These controls must be tested regularly to make sure they are functioning properly. A trained specialist will test and calibrate these safety mechanisms during your annual inspection, ensuring that your furnace operates under safe conditions at all times.
Cleaning the Blower Assembly
The blower assembly moves heated air throughout your home, so keeping it free of dust and debris is essential to the furnace’s overall performance. Dust buildup can reduce airflow, causing the furnace to work harder and leading to potential system malfunctions. An expert will clean the blower assembly as part of the annual maintenance, improving airflow and reducing wear on the system.
Repair & Replacement: We Can Handle Those Too
Sometimes, furnace maintenance reveals the need for repairs or even replacements. Issues like frequent cycling, uneven heating, or pilot light problems signal deeper issues that require professional intervention. When repairs or replacements become necessary, homeowners can trust Swanton Energy Services to recommend the best solutions for their heating systems.
Set Up Your Personalized Maintenance Schedule Today!
Don’t wait for heating issues to surprise you during the colder months. Swanton Energy Services offers annual preventative maintenance plans to keep your furnace and entire HVAC system running smoothly. Set up a personalized maintenance schedule and receive regular service reminders, ensuring your heating system gets the attention it needs year-round. Stay comfortable, save energy, and avoid higher energy bills by taking action now.
