In order to maintain your gas furnace heater safely and prevent any unforeseen dangers this winter, it’s important to service your furnace heater regularly. In addition, you need to pay attention to any strange noises your heater might be giving off this year. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to maintain your gas furnace, simply by keeping on top of routine tune-ups. A few of of this tune-up to-dos you can do at home, though there are some that are better left to a professional like A-Abel.
Gas Furnace Maintenance & Safety
When you make adjustments to the thermostat on your gas furnace heater, an ignitor should activate the gas burners that create heat in a combustion chamber. The warm air created is then distributed throughout the ductwork of your home by blowers, thus heating up your house. Gas furnaces are a great energy-efficient way to keep you cozy. But they do come with a few drawbacks when it comes to safety.
Make sure to regularly schedule a tune-up.
A thorough cleaning and check up of your gas furnace should be done by a professional HVAC technician at least once a year (ideally twice). Your technician will check for cracks or leaks in the ductwork that might be making your furnace less efficient. In addition he/she will also inspect your combustion chamber, to ensure carbon monoxide isn’t leaking into your home.
Change your air filter
Dust and allergen particles easily build up on your furnace’s air filter. Not only does this reduce the efficiency of your furnace, it can also become a serious fire hazard. Ideally your air filter should be changed before the winter season, in addition to at least every 1-3 months during regular use.
Keep your registers clear
Avoid the temptation to close off more than 20% of the furnace registers in your home. Doing this may funnel heat into other areas of the house but it can also cause unnecessary heat build up and affect your furnace efficiency. You also want to make sure your registers are kept free of lint, dust, and pet hair. If you’re not an avid neat-freak, aim to vacuum around your registers at least once a month.
Avoid storing flammable materials near your furnace
To avoid a major fire hazard, keep flammable or combustible materials far away from your furnace. You want to ensure the area around your furnace is kept clean and unobstructed.
Do you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home?
If you don’t already have carbon monoxide detectors (you should!), make sure to install a few around your house as soon as possible! If you already have them installed, check to make sure they’re working properly. You should do this at least once a month during winter. One of the biggest hazards of owning a gas furnace is that they have a risk of causing carbon monoxide poisoning if not functioning properly. Having carbon monoxide detectors in your home will help keep you and your family safe. If you detect a gas smell and your detectors aren’t going off, you may have gas feed or valve issues. Call a professional immediately.
Ready to schedule your annual HVAC tune-up?
Our team of certified and insured HVAC technicians are standing by to help you maintain your gas furnace. Give us a call today to schedule your annual tune up or to learn more about the benefits of a new gas furnace in your home.
