Do you have a furnace maintenance checklist? If not, then you should start having one. 

When it comes time to check out a gas furnace, forgetting an item or two can be easy. There are so many parts attached to the system that it’s not hard to do so. Start by making sure that you’ve taken all of the prerequisite safety precautions.

Safety, after all, is always the most important thing when working with powered equipment like furnaces. That being said, you can also be proactive and start by getting into a regular maintenance pattern.

The Top Things To Check When Maintaining A Gas Furnace

Due to their overall reliability, you don’t often have to check your gas furnace outside of normal scheduled HVAC maintenance. When it’s time for this to happen, it’s vital to go over the entire system to ensure it’s working correctly. Check out these essential maintenance tips.

• Check the pilot light and clean it if necessary to ensure that it works freely
• Inspect any electric igniters or gas valves
• See if the thermocouple is still working correctly
• Ensure that the system responds to any commands that it’s given via the thermostat
• Feel if any drafts around the furnace could be causing the pilot light to go out
• Inspect the gas line and see that everything seems to be free of corrosion or anything else that could cause damage to it
• Listen for leaks, which are often seriously dangerous
• Measure the voltage in any gas valve solenoids
• Make sure that the height and color of the gas burner flames are right
• Turn off the furnace and see if it shuts down correctly

How Pilot Lights Have Changed for Gas Furnaces

Remember that while it’s still common to have problems with what many HVAC technicians refer to as a pilot light, this device isn’t an old-school pilot light. It’s a combination of a small flame and an electric igniter because traditional pilot lights wasted so much energy that they were phased out in most residential and commercial applications.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for several equipment-related issues. Regular inspections should be done before you start using the equipment for the season. In most climates, furnaces are used far more in the winter, so performing an overall maintenance checkup before they get used makes sense.

Larger components, like blower motors, don’t often fail, but you’ll know right away when they have. Take note of any part that seems to malfunction because there’s always a chance that it might eventually have to be swapped out. Once it does, you’ll want to be certain that you’re using high-quality replacement parts to ensure that you don’t have trouble again.

Common Furnace Maintenance FAQs

What are some of the most common preventative maintenance questions? We list the top three inquiries that our customers receive.

How Often Does A Furnace Need To Be Serviced?

Aim for once a year if possible. Suppose you are worried about finances, schedule bills around the same time, or work out a payment plan ahead of time with your HVAC specialist. You'll also save money in the long run and avoid breakdowns when a furnace works properly.

How Much Should It Cost To Maintain A Furnace?

An annual maintenance plan includes HVAC tune-ups, one each for a furnace and air conditioner. On average, this should cost $200-400, though HVAC specialists may offer discounts to loyal customers or offer deals on regular service.

Suppose you would do a one-time tuneup instead of committing to a plan. Valid reasons can include not wanting to sign a contract with a new HVAC specialist if one has multiple options. A tuneup has a broader range, between $50-200 USD.

Can I Service My Furnace?

You can't do all the services unless you want your furnace to break down early, but some DIY furnace maintenance is possible. These steps are also safe for a home older or building manager.

Check your air filters regularly, and replace them as part of a regular schedule. As an added benefit, your indoor air quality will improve.

Clear any vegetation or animal life from condenser units. Rodents and insects aren't the only potential concerns; other pests can mess with electric circuits.

Check Out A Heating System’s Fine Details At Furnace Part Source

People often get in touch with Furnace Part Source because something’s gone wrong with their equipment. HVAC specialists use our components from air filters to heat exchangers because we source from the best market brands.

Use our online contact form if you find yourself running into any difficulties. At Furnace Part Source, we’ll do our best to help you get the information that you need to place an informed order. Restore your HVAC system to working condition.