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Originally Published: Feb 6, 2023
Updated: Jan 3, 2025

Winter is here, and maintenance is important to keep your furnace operating efficiently and reliably until it warms up. The HVAC experts at A-Abel are here to help cover preventative furnace maintenance and its benefits. Not all home heating systems are the same, so we discuss gas furnaces and how to prevent breakdowns. We want to cover the essentials to keep your home warm and cozy and avoid any unnecessary and costly repairs down the road.

Types of Furnaces

Not all furnaces are the same, and depending on where you live, your heating requirements, and the structure of your house, the type will differ. Furnace types include:

• Gas Furnaces
• Electric Furnaces
• Oil Furnaces
• Propane Furnaces
• Dual-Fuel Systems.

Each type of furnace has unique maintenance requirements. Regular tune-ups and inspections by qualified HVAC professionals can ensure your heating system operates safely and efficiently, no matter the type.

Why Should I Have My Furnace Checked?

Preventative furnace maintenance, conducted by an expert HVAC technician, offers numerous benefits to homeowners. Here are some reminders in case you’re due for a furnace tune-up:

Protection

Furnaces are an investment, which means they can be quite expensive. You probably don’t want to spend thousands to replace a furnace that breaks down prematurely. Preventative furnace maintenance provides the care needed to keep your furnace operating efficiently — this reduces any wear and tear to parts and allows maintenance technicians to catch unit issues before they progress into more costly and complicated repairs or replacements. Remember, it’s better to be proactive than reactive.

Improved Energy Efficiency 

Furnace maintenance reduces long-term wear and tear to system components. An HVAC expert will clean and lubricate parts to ensure they’re working the way they should. A technician can also resolve problems that may be causing your furnace to expend excessive energy while it’s running. An annual tune-up not only ensures your furnace is working — but also helps keep your heating bills from skyrocketing. A tune-up can lead to reduced energy consumption and reduced heating costs.

Safety

Preventative furnace maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safety of your home and family. Regular inspections by a professional HVAC technician help identify potential hazards before they become dangerous. This includes checking for gas leaks, which can lead to explosions or fires, and testing for carbon monoxide buildup, which can be lethal. 

Technicians also inspect the furnace’s ventilation system to prevent backdrafts and ensure that exhaust gases are safely expelled from the home. By maintaining your furnace, you can significantly reduce the risk of safety issues related to heating.

Maintenance for Different Furnace Types

Each type of furnace requires specific care to operate efficiently and safely. Here’s a closer look at how various systems are maintained:

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are relatively low-maintenance but still need periodic attention. Inspect the heating elements for wear, ensure the fan systems are running smoothly, and check wiring connections for damage to avoid potential overheating or power issues.

Oil Furnaces

Oil furnaces rely on clean burners and efficient oil flow. Regularly replace oil filters and clean the burners to remove soot and residue that can affect performance. It’s also essential to check for leaks in the oil line to prevent energy loss or safety hazards.

Propane Furnaces

Propane furnaces are similar to gas models but require specific attention to their fuel systems. Inspect for leaks, ensure proper combustion, and clean ventilation systems to avoid blockages or safety risks. Annual professional servicing is highly recommended.

Dual-Fuel Systems

These systems combine a heat pump with a gas or propane furnace, requiring maintenance for both components. Clean and inspect the heat pump and check the furnace for proper operation, ensuring seamless switching between the two for maximum efficiency.

No matter the type of furnace, regular inspections and tune-ups by an HVAC professional will keep your system running smoothly and reduce the risk of costly repairs or safety issues.

Gas Furnace Maintenance: What Homeowners Need to Know

Gas furnaces are common in many homes, especially those that rely on natural gas for heating. Because gas is combustible and has many potential hazards, we’ve gone into more detail about gas furnace maintenance, which is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity. Here’s what homeowners should know about gas furnace maintenance and how it differs from other types.

Differences in Gas Furnace Maintenance

Gas furnaces require specific maintenance steps due to the nature of their fuel source and combustion process. Safety is paramount due to gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning risks. A thorough inspection by a professional can catch these issues before they become dangerous. A professional will:

• Check for gas leaks around the furnace and gas lines to prevent hazards.
• Inspect the combustion chamber for cleanliness, corrosion, and cracks that could cause leaks.
• Ensure there is no risk of carbon monoxide leaking into the house.
• Examine ventilation and exhaust systems to ensure they are blockage-free and prevent backdrafts or carbon monoxide buildup.

The Role of Annual Tune-Ups for Gas Furnaces

Annual tune-ups are key to maintaining your gas furnace’s performance and longevity. They ensure that your system runs efficiently, delivering consistent warmth while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. These appointments are also an opportunity to fine-tune your furnace for optimal operation:

• Enhanced Heating Performance: Technicians calibrate the furnace to ensure it heats your home evenly and maintains a stable indoor temperature. This prevents cold spots and ensures comfort throughout the season.
• Energy Efficiency Optimisation: By identifying and addressing factors like restricted airflow or improper gas combustion, tune-ups help reduce energy waste, lowering your heating bills.
• Prolonged Equipment Life: Routine care reduces strain on critical components, preventing premature wear and extending the lifespan of the furnace.
• System Reliability: Regular inspections and adjustments reduce the risk of sudden malfunctions, ensuring your furnace performs dependably during peak usage periods.

Annual tune-ups aren’t just about safety; they are an investment in the overall performance and reliability of your heating system, helping you get the most out of your furnace year after year.

How to Service a Gas Furnace

Gas furnace maintenance is critical for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your heating system. Homeowners can perform some tasks, but others require professional attention due to safety concerns. Here’s some minimal gas furnace DIY, but remember it’s necessary to call in an HVAC expert for thorough checkups or if it’s not working.

• Regular Filter Changes: Depending on usage, homeowners should change filters every one to three months. This helps prevent clogged filters that restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.
• Clear the Furnace Area: Keep the area around the furnace free from flammable materials and ensure it is clear of dust and debris to prevent potential hazards.
• Inspect for Unusual Noises: Homeowners should listen for sounds like popping, banging, or whistling, which can indicate issues that require professional inspection.
• Check the Flame: Checking the gas flame can help identify potential problems, and healthy gas flames should be blue. Yellow flames may indicate incomplete combustion, which can lead to carbon monoxide production and other safety issues.

While homeowners can perform some basic maintenance tasks, professional inspections and tune-ups are crucial. Technicians have the tools and expertise to thoroughly clean components like burners, coils, and ventilation systems, ensuring optimal performance. 

They also provide in-depth diagnostics that can identify issues not obvious to the average homeowner, such as cracked heat exchangers or failing sensors. Comprehensive safety checks, including testing for gas leaks and carbon monoxide levels, are only conducted by qualified HVAC technicians.

Cost Considerations for Gas Furnace Maintenance

The cost of regular maintenance is far outweighed by potential repairs and replacements. Discussing the costs of professional maintenance services and emphasizing how regular tune-ups can prevent costly repairs is essential. Investing in annual tune-ups helps maintain furnace efficiency and prevents breakdowns, making it more cost-effective in the long run.

Get Your HVAC Looked at Before It’s Too Late

When your furnace is regularly inspected and maintained, it operates reliably. This can provide superior comfort throughout your home. Maintenance gets rid of performance issues that may be keeping heat from spreading throughout your home.

Keep your home warm this winter without high costs. Have one of our expert HVAC technicians come to your home to perform a furnace tune-up.