Discovering Your Twelve Month Heating and Cooling Servicing Plan

It is very important to keep your furnace well-maintained and in good repair. The last thing you want to have happen is for the heating system to break down in the middle of the winter. A furnace that is neglected can also emit dangerous carbon monoxide into your house, which can endanger the health of your family. On the other hand, a well-maintained furnace will prolong the life of the unit and save on fuel costs. That is why it is so important to do furnace maintenance in the fall to prepare for the cold months ahead. Here are the major steps you need to take this fall to get ready for winter.

Step-By-Step Furnace Maintenance Plan:

Step 1 Shut off electricity and gas.

Before you perform any maintenance, be sure that you turn off the fuel supply and electrical power. There should be a switch on the side of the furnace for shutting off the electricity.

Step 2 Clean the interior of the furnace.

In addition to generating heat, it also produces carbon dioxide, water vapor and carbon soot. Use a wire brush to scrape off the built-up carbon. Check for corrosion and holes.

Step 3 Inspect the flue pipe.

If the exhaust pipe has holes in it, this could cause carbon monoxide leaks. If the flue is corroded you will need to replace it.

Step 4 Replace the oil filer.

If you have an oil-powered furnace you will want to replace the oil filter. Close the oil valve first and then remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one.

Step 5 Change the air filter.

During the winter months while you are using your furnace that all of the air that your family breathes come through the furnace air filter. You should change the air filter at least once a year, but more frequently is better. During the winter, you may want to change it once a month.

Step 6 Check the fan belt.

Inspect the fan belt that drives the blower on your furnace. If there are visible signs of any of these, replace the fan belt.

Step 7 Put the furnace cover back on and reconnect.

Turn the gas and electrical power back on once you have completed all of the above furnace maintenance steps. Relight the pilot if necessary.

A furnace that is neglected can also emit dangerous carbon monoxide into your house, which can endanger the health of your family. On the other hand, a well-maintained furnace will prolong the life of the unit and save on fuel costs. That is why it is so important to do furnace maintenance in the fall to prepare for the cold months ahead. During the winter months while you are using your furnace that all of the air that your family breathes come through the furnace air filter. Inspect the fan belt that drives the blower on your furnace. visit this site