Your Gas Furnace Maintenance & Inspection Checklist
Any Season HVAC • November 3, 2022
As winter approaches, we will heavily rely on our heating systems to keep our homes warm throughout the season. Therefore, you should check your gas furnace inspection off the list as part of your winter preparation. An inspection will ensure that your unit operates efficiently and with minimal problems.
Here are essential components in the inspection checklist that a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional will present to you.
The inspection specialist will check if your thermostat is accurate according to the gas furnace's standards. They can use a thermometer to recalibrate it and then clean off any dust and smoke accumulated on the thermal coupling that might inhibit its operation.
The filters block any impurities that might affect the home environment. You should replace the gas furnace filters regularly, especially before heavy use seasons like the winter. Additionally, pets and family members with allergies might increase the necessary frequency of filter changes.
A visual, auditory, or scent inspection will highlight if the heat exchange requires cleaning, repair, or replacement. Some noticeable signs of damage that should worry you include strange smells, soot build-up, cracks, and irregular noises.
The inspection technician will evaluate the blower components and check if they work as expected. The blower fan should rotate with minimal noise and vibration. If the fans have any issues, lubrication or replacement can help according to the severity of the problem. Also, the technician can remove and clean the whole compartment to remove any soot or debris build-up.
The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are not part of the gas furnace system but complement its operation. The inspector can replace the smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries since they offer essential information to prevent air contamination from these hazardous substances.
The venting system is a safety mechanism as it pulls away gas from your home through the flue pipes. Signs of damage like corrosion, cracks, improper condensation, and blockage can decrease the functionality of the furnace venting system.
The inspection professional should check if the panels have a tight fit. Loose panels can cause your furnace to vibrate when under operation or expose your home to poisonous carbon monoxide that leaks from inside.
The gas line supplies your furnace with the required fuel to operate while the valve controls the amount of gas supplied to your furnace. Any leak highlighted by propane scent or hissing sound indicates the gas line or valve is compromised and will require immediate repairs before operation.
The burner requires regular cleaning as soot and condensation can gradually age the furnace before its estimated end-of-life period. While the inspector evaluates and cleans the burner, they can also include the flame sensor, which detects when the pilot light is on.
Drain pipes remove excessive condensation from the heat exchange and vent, which might affect its optimal operation. The specialists should flush the drain pipes and check for loose connections, cracks, and holes.
The control system detects defects that standard inspection cannot see, like a furnace overload. Therefore, the specialist should evaluate the control board and check its performance to ensure it can detect any malfunctions.
Most of the components in this checklist will require considerable expertise to check, clean, and repair. Therefore, you should talk with an HVAC expert that can visit your home and perform an extensive inspection. The professional will have the required tools, spare parts, and knowledge to leave your gas furnace operating smoothly before the winter. Visit us at Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning to book an appointment.
Thermostat
The inspection specialist will check if your thermostat is accurate according to the gas furnace's standards. They can use a thermometer to recalibrate it and then clean off any dust and smoke accumulated on the thermal coupling that might inhibit its operation.
Filters
The filters block any impurities that might affect the home environment. You should replace the gas furnace filters regularly, especially before heavy use seasons like the winter. Additionally, pets and family members with allergies might increase the necessary frequency of filter changes.
Heat Exchanger
A visual, auditory, or scent inspection will highlight if the heat exchange requires cleaning, repair, or replacement. Some noticeable signs of damage that should worry you include strange smells, soot build-up, cracks, and irregular noises.
Blower and Motor
The inspection technician will evaluate the blower components and check if they work as expected. The blower fan should rotate with minimal noise and vibration. If the fans have any issues, lubrication or replacement can help according to the severity of the problem. Also, the technician can remove and clean the whole compartment to remove any soot or debris build-up.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are not part of the gas furnace system but complement its operation. The inspector can replace the smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries since they offer essential information to prevent air contamination from these hazardous substances.
Venting
The venting system is a safety mechanism as it pulls away gas from your home through the flue pipes. Signs of damage like corrosion, cracks, improper condensation, and blockage can decrease the functionality of the furnace venting system.
Panels
The inspection professional should check if the panels have a tight fit. Loose panels can cause your furnace to vibrate when under operation or expose your home to poisonous carbon monoxide that leaks from inside.
Gas Line and Valve Assembly
The gas line supplies your furnace with the required fuel to operate while the valve controls the amount of gas supplied to your furnace. Any leak highlighted by propane scent or hissing sound indicates the gas line or valve is compromised and will require immediate repairs before operation.
Burner
The burner requires regular cleaning as soot and condensation can gradually age the furnace before its estimated end-of-life period. While the inspector evaluates and cleans the burner, they can also include the flame sensor, which detects when the pilot light is on.
Drain Pipes
Drain pipes remove excessive condensation from the heat exchange and vent, which might affect its optimal operation. The specialists should flush the drain pipes and check for loose connections, cracks, and holes.
Controls
The control system detects defects that standard inspection cannot see, like a furnace overload. Therefore, the specialist should evaluate the control board and check its performance to ensure it can detect any malfunctions.
Most of the components in this checklist will require considerable expertise to check, clean, and repair. Therefore, you should talk with an HVAC expert that can visit your home and perform an extensive inspection. The professional will have the required tools, spare parts, and knowledge to leave your gas furnace operating smoothly before the winter. Visit us at Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning to book an appointment.
Learn the top 10 A/C maintenance tips to ensure your air conditioner operates efficiently throughout the summer.
Learn how proper duct sealing keeps your home cooler, saves you money, and improves your air conditioning system’s performance.
Learn helpful tips to keep your home’s air conditioning system running smoothly throughout the summer.
Learn five important facts about the emergency air conditioning repair process to help you make informed decisions.
Learn seven common signs you need to replace your AC unit and how to increase its lifespan.
Learn eight important spring maintenance tips to ensure your HVAC system is fully prepared for the summer heat.
Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning Specializes in Emergency Furnace Repair
What To Expect During Your Furnace Replacement
Prepare Your Furnace For Winter!
Winter is approaching soon and you know what that means - high heating bills. While staying warm is essential during the chilly months, it doesn't have to come at the cost of skyrocketing utility bills. With a few simple strategies and maintenance tips, you can keep your home cozy without breaking the bank. Our professional technicians at Any Season HVAC have over 25 years of experience and have picked up on many tips on how to save money during the cold winters! 1. Regular Furnace Maintenance One of the most critical steps to ensure your furnace operates efficiently and economically is to schedule regular maintenance. An annual check-up by a professional technician can identify and address any issues, such as clogged filters or worn-out parts, before they lead to higher energy consumption and costly repairs. 2. Replace Air Filters A clean air filter is essential for efficient furnace operation. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and use more energy to maintain your desired temperature. Check and replace your furnace filters regularly, typically every one to three months, depending on the filter type and usage. If they’re running less, you’ll be saving much more money. 3. Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat Investing in a programmable thermostat can significantly reduce your heating costs. These smart devices allow you to set different temperatures for various times of the day, automatically lowering the heat when you're away or sleeping and raising it when you're home and awake. This can result in substantial energy savings over time. 4. Seal Air Leaks Drafts and air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings can let cold air in and warm air out, making your furnace work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Inspect your home for any gaps and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Additionally, consider adding insulation to your attic and walls to further improve energy efficiency. 5. Utilize Zone Heating Instead of heating your entire home uniformly, consider using zone heating. This involves heating only the rooms you use most frequently, like the living room and bedrooms, while keeping unused areas cooler. Space heaters or ductless mini-split systems can help you achieve this and reduce your overall heating costs. 6. Maximize Natural Sunlight During the day, open curtains and blinds to let natural sunlight in. Sunlight can naturally warm your home, reducing the need for your furnace to work overtime. Just remember to close them at night to retain as much heat as possible. 7. Lower the Thermostat at Night Lowering your thermostat a few degrees when you go to sleep can lead to substantial savings. You can compensate by using extra blankets or wearing warmer pajamas. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to automate this temperature adjustment. 8. Keep Furniture and Drapes Away from Vents Ensure that furniture, rugs, and drapes do not obstruct heating vents or radiators. Blocking these sources of heat can reduce their efficiency and force your furnace to work harder. Not only that, but it is also a fire hazard to have objects close to hot vents. Lowering your heating bills during the winter doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. By implementing these tips and making a few adjustments to your heating habits, you can stay cozy while saving on energy costs. Remember that a well-maintained furnace and a well-insulated home are your allies in achieving both warmth and savings. Take these steps, and you'll not only enjoy a comfortable winter but also a lighter load on your wallet. Our experts at Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning can help give you advice on which system to go with to help save you money. Heating and cooling gets expensive during winter and summer so do what you can to avoid those bills. Contact us today to get more info on your furnace. We serve all of the Chicagoland area in towns such as Mokena , Palos Park , Palos Heights , Frankfort , Lockport , and more!
