Your home’s gas furnace should be professionally cleaned and serviced at least once a year to maximize efficiency and prolong its lifespan. However, the furnace’s age, the number of people living in your home and whether you have pets are all factors in furnace maintenance. Here are indicators that your furnace is due for a cleaning.
Your filters are dirtier than usual You should change your furnace filter every 30 to 90 days. When you do, inspect the filter for dust and pet hair buildup. Clean or replace the filter, then recheck it a couple of days later. If it’s already filthy, it’s time to get your furnace a professional cleaning.
Your energy bills are rising Rising natural gas bills when you’re not using your furnace more than usual is a sign that your HVAC system is working harder than it needs to. A possible cause is a dirty furnace. Regular maintenance will keep your furnace running efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills.
The furnace produces yellow flames The flames in your gas furnace should be blue. If they’re yellow or orange, it may be due to a dirty burner or flame sensor. Either way, stop using your furnace immediately because your furnace may be producing dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide gas, which can be fatal.
The furnace turns on and off Short cycling is a term used to describe a furnace that switches on, then turns off again quickly. This is often caused by a dirty filter or flame sensor. If replacing the filter doesn’t help, call a pro.
What Happens During a Furnace Maintenance Service Call?
You can avoid untimely furnace problems with routine maintenance. A professional furnace maintenance call takes roughly two hours. Here’s what the technician does:
Examine and vacuum the burners
Clean the flue pipes and check for damage
Examine and clean the blower
Check the flame sensor, fuel line, pilot light and thermocouple
Adjust the gas pressure
Inspect and clean the condensate line
Check the heat exchanger for damage
Lubricate moving parts
Test and calibrate thermostat and safety controls
Check all electrical connections
The technician may recommend necessary repairs so you catch minor issues before they become costly problems.
Furnace Cleaning, Maintenance and Repair in Orangeville and Alliston
At Don’s Heating & Cooling, we provide furnace cleaning, maintenance, and repair to homes and businesses in the Orangeville and Alliston areas. Sign up for a Service Maintenance Plan, and you won’t have to remember to book your service calls because we’ll do it for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert HVAC technicians.