Winter is coming, which means that the furnace season is upon us once again. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably spring into action the minute your furnace starts making strange noises or your heat begins to wane. But before you start frantically calling electricians and plumbers, be sure to check the temperature settings on your furnace and make some repairs if necessary.
Most of them should be serviced every 5-7 years, but it’s always a good idea to check with your contractor or heating specialist for specific instructions. In the meantime, read on for some helpful tips on how to service your furnace in a safe and effective way.
Service a furnace is important in order to keep it running efficiently and keep your home warm. Here are some guidelines to help you determine when you should do a service:
– If the furnace has an emission control system, check it every month or every year.
– If it doesn’t have an emission control system, service it every 3 years.
– If it has a carbon monoxide detector, service it once a year.
General Guidelines for Servicing Your Furnace
Service your furnace at least once every 12 months to ensure efficient operation. A cleaning schedule is usually provided with it. Cleaning instructions are typically based on the type of heating system your furnace uses, such as natural gas, propane, or wood stove.
To clean it, read on:
– Remove all combustible materials from around the furnace – this includes any furniture, rugs, etc.
– Open all windows and doors to allow good airflow into and out of the space.
– Turn off all utilities in the area.
– Clean the exterior of the furnace using a hose with a mild soap solution – avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners. Wipe down all surfaces including the roof and chimney with a dry cloth.
Types of Furnace
There are three main types: air, electric and gas furnaces.
– Air furnaces are the oldest type of furnace. They use air to heat the metal. They have a flat top and a round base. They are usually small and can be placed on the ground.
– Electric furnaces heat metal by using electricity. They have a square or rectangular shape and a flat top. They are usually taller than they are wide and have a fan on the roof to help move the heat around the furnace.
– Gas furnaces heat metal by using gas. They have a cylindrical shape and a flat top. They usually have two gas ports in the top: one for burning gas and one for injecting it into the furnace.
What if You Can’t Find the Right Parts?
If you’re having trouble locating the right part for your furnace, don’t worry. There are a few things you can do to get it up and running again.
1. Check the manufacturer’s website or call their customer service line. They may have a replacement part available that you can order online or over the phone.
2. Try searching for the part on eBay or another online marketplace. You may be able to find a used or discontinued part that’s in good condition and at a discount.
3. Ask your neighbors if they know of any scrap yards or appliance repair shops that might be able to help you out. Sometimes small businesses will have parts in stock that larger companies don’t bother caring about anymore.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Furnace
Furnaces should be serviced every 10,000 hours, but this can vary depending on the type you have.
Be sure to clean the filters and ductwork regularly to keep your home heating system running at its best. Once a year, clean out the flue and chimney with a brush and sooty material to prevent fires. Finally, make sure your thermostat is set correctly and keep an eye on your furnace’s fan belt for signs of wear or damage.
What is a Furnace Service?
A furnace service should be performed at least every year, but sometimes more often depending on its age and condition. It involves a technician checking its vents and filters, cleaning them if necessary, and making any repairs or replacements needed.
It is also a great way to keep your home’s heating system in good working order. If there are any problems with the furnace, the technician can help you troubleshoot and fix them quickly.
When Should You Service Your Furnace?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as it depends on a number of factors, including the age and type of your furnace, the climate where you live, and how often you use it. However, general guidelines suggest that you should do it every 6-12 months.
If your furnace has relatively recent controls (within the last 3-5 years), or if it uses high-efficiency filters or other modern technologies, most homeowners can typically go without a service visit for the average season. If it is older or if it doesn’t use modern technology, periodic servicing may be necessary in order to maintain proper function.
How Do You Know When to Service Your Furnace?
Symptoms your furnace needs repairing include:
– high energy bills
– frequent overheating or freezing
– a strange smell or noise coming from the furnace
– a lack of heat
If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to get them serviced.
What Can Happen if You Don’t Service Your Furnace?
If you don’t service it regularly, it will not operate efficiently and could result in energy bills that are significantly higher than if the furnace was serviced on a regular basis.
Not servicing it can also lead to problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning, a serious health hazard.
Conclusion
Servicing your furnace is an important task that should be done on a regular basis to ensure optimal efficiency. Follow these tips for how often you should service it:
• Clean the filters and other parts of the furnace as necessary.
• Check for blockages in pipes and air vents.
• Replace or adjust as necessary any airflow grills, registers, or dampers.
• Change the oil if required.
