When it starts to get cooler outside, one of the most important things you can do is have your home’s furnace checked. Read on, and we’ll review a several items you should have professionally inspected before the temperature drops and the snow flies.
Before you use your furnace for the first time in the coming weeks, you should have a heating contractor thoroughly check your unit to be sure it’s operating properly and safely. We have a multi-point checklist that we go through, that will make sure the furnace is drafting properly (meaning all the exhaust gases, especially carbon monoxide, are being removed from the home through the exhaust).
There is a fairly standard list of items most heating contractor’s service technicians will check.
Burner Compartment Cleaned, Burners Checked
One of the most common items is the burner compartment. Service techs want to make sure it’s clean, it’s vacuumed out to remove any rust or debris, and that all the burners are firing properly. The burner flame should be an even blue color, no orange or yellow flame, which would indicate there may be a combustion problem and the furnace needs an adjustment or cleaning. If you notice this yourself, you should definitely schedule a visit right away with an HVAC professional.
Furnace Gas Valve
Every year, the furnace’s gas valve needs to be adjusted to ensure the gas pressure is correct, to be sure the furnace is firing at the right BTU output, and to be sure the furnace isn’t overheating.
Furnace Safeties & Limits Checked
The furnace contains a number of safeties and limits that must be checked to make sure the furnace isn’t overheating and is working correctly. Those must be checked every year. It’s extremely important that all safeties and protective devices are working correctly to ensure the safety of your family.
Furnace is Drafting Properly
One of the most important things you want your furnace contractor to check is to be sure your furnace is drafting properly. When you burn gas, it generates dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) and we want to be sure the furnace is pulling the CO out of your home adequately. That means none of it is staying inside your home to possibly cause problems with your family’s health.
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that poses the danger of illness or death to your family. I can’t emphasize this enough – CO poisoning is a very real threat from a poorly maintained furnace and should not be taken lightly.
Furnace Filter Change
Of course, the furnace filter should be changed, the blower compartment should be cleaned, and the blower wheel cleaned.
Temperature Rise Check
We check what’s called the “temperature rise” on the furnace. That’s the difference in temperature between the air that’s coming from the “return” or the “intake,” and the air leaving. We want to make sure it’s adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. That will make sure the furnace is not operating too hot or not outputting the heat that it should.
Check the Furnace’s Flue Pipe
The flue pipe up on top of the furnace needs to be checked to make sure that it’s in good order – not rusty, no holes in it, and that the furnace is properly drafting and not leaking. There could be sticks, or leaves, or animals could build a nest in the chimney (stopping it from drafting). Any of these items could affect the health or safety of your home’s heating equipment.
Be Sure to Have Your Furnace Checked by a Professional Heating Contractor
So, some basic checks of the furnace need to be performed before you start using it for the season, and you’ll have a season of safe and warm heat. The best time to perform this annual maintenance is before the furnace is needed!
Remember, as we get into the fall and cool weather is approaching, be sure to call Dor-Mar and schedule your annual maintenance for the safety and protection of your family and the biggest investment of your life – your home.
Schedule an appointment for your Furnace Tune-Up with us today by using our online contact form, or call one of our seven neighborhood offices.. We pride ourselves on our customer-focused service, and our reviews show it.
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