Your furnace is an essential part of your home's comfort system. Regular maintenance can help ensure it operates reliably and efficiently, providing you with the warmth and comfort you need all year round.
To keep your furnace in top condition, we recommend following these maintenance tips. Some tasks can be handled by homeowners, while others require the expertise of a qualified HVAC technician. Click on each section to learn more:
- Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
- Get an Annual Furnace Inspection
- Furnace Maintenance & Safety Inspection Checklist
- Benefits of a Furnace Maintenance & Service Plan
At Generations Heating & Air Conditioning, our friendly and knowledgeable team is always available to assist you with furnace maintenance and optimization. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Preventative Furnace Maintenance
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
You should inspect your air filter regularly and replace it every three months.
A dirty air filter can strain your HVAC system, leading to increased energy consumption, reduced efficiency, and potential damage to components like the blower motor and coils. Additionally, circulating dirty air can exacerbate allergies and respiratory problems.
To maintain optimal performance and indoor air quality, inspect your air filter regularly and replace it every three months. If you have pets or live in a dusty environment, more frequent replacements may be necessary.
Steps to Change Your Furnace Air Filter:
Here are the steps you can take to change your furnace air filter. These are general guidelines. Each furnace is slightly different so you should consult your owners manual or ask your HVAC professional to show you how to do the replacement for your particular model.
- Locate the Filter: The filter is usually located in the return air duct, which is often a rectangular opening on the side or top of your furnace.
- Turn Off Power: For safety, turn off the furnace and disconnect the power supply.
- Remove the Filter Cover: Open the filter compartment door or remove the filter cover.
- Remove the Old Filter: Carefully pull out the old filter.
- Inspect the Filter: Check the filter for dirt, dust, and debris. If it's heavily clogged, it should be replaced.
- Insert the New Filter: Place the new filter in the compartment, ensuring it fits securely and the arrows on the filter match the airflow direction.
- Replace the Cover: Close the filter compartment door or replace the cover.
- Restore Power: Turn the power back on to the furnace.
Remember: The frequency of air filter replacement depends on factors like the type of filter, the size of your home, and the number of pets or occupants. Consult your furnace manual or a professional for specific recommendations.
2. Get an Annual Furnace Inspection
Schedule an annual furnace inspection to keep your heating system healthy.
A yearly furnace inspection by a qualified HVAC professional is essential for ensuring your heating system operates efficiently and safely. Here's why:
- Identify Potential Problems Early: Regular inspections can help detect minor issues before they escalate into major breakdowns, saving you time and money.
- Improve Efficiency: A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering your heating bills.
- Ensure Safety: Inspections can identify potential safety hazards, such as carbon monoxide leaks, preventing risks to your health and well-being.
- Prolong Lifespan: Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your furnace, delaying the need for costly replacements.
By scheduling an annual furnace inspection, you're investing in the long-term health and performance of your heating system.
3. Furnace Maintenance & Safety Inspection Checklist
The following tasks should only be done by a qualified HVAC technician. A thorough furnace maintenance and safety inspection should include:
Thermostat Operation: Ensure the thermostat is functioning correctly and responding appropriately to temperature changes. A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to inefficient heating or cooling.
Adequate Air Supply: Verify that there's sufficient airflow to the furnace for safe combustion. Insufficient air can result in incomplete combustion, leading to reduced efficiency and potential safety hazards.
Flue Connections: Tighten flue connections on both the furnace and water heater to prevent gas leaks. Gas leaks can be dangerous and should be addressed promptly.
Blower Assembly and Louvers: Remove the blower assembly and clean the louvers to improve airflow and prevent restrictions.
Blower Motor: Clean the blower motor and lubricate it if necessary. A clean and well-lubricated motor operates more efficiently and quietly.
Heat Exchanger Inspection: Clean and inspect the heat exchanger for signs of deterioration, such as cracks or corrosion. A damaged heat exchanger can pose a safety risk and reduce heating efficiency.
Burner Maintenance: Brush, clean, and adjust the burners to ensure proper combustion and prevent soot buildup.
Ignition or Pilot Assembly: Clean and adjust the ignition or pilot assembly to ensure reliable ignition and prevent flameouts.
Electrical Connections: Tighten electrical connections to prevent arcing and ensure the furnace operates safely.
Electrical Capacitor: Test the electrical capacitor for proper function. A faulty capacitor can affect the furnace's performance.
Voltage and Amperage: Measure voltage and amperage to ensure the furnace is receiving the correct power supply.
Gas Pressure: Check and adjust furnace gas pressure to maintain optimal combustion. Incorrect gas pressure can lead to inefficient operation and safety hazards.
Temperature Rise: Adjust the furnace to ensure it's providing the correct temperature rise for your specific needs.
High Limit Safety Shut-Off: Test the high limit safety shut-off to ensure it's functioning properly and preventing overheating.
Condensate Drain Assembly: Clear the condensate drain assembly to prevent clogs and water leaks.
Operating Efficiency: Test the furnace's operating efficiency to assess its overall performance and identify areas for improvement.
Carbon Monoxide Test: Test for the presence of carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas that can be produced by incomplete combustion.
Air Filter: Check and replace the furnace filter if necessary. A dirty filter can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and increase energy consumption.
By completing these tasks during a regular furnace maintenance and safety inspection, you can help ensure your furnace operates efficiently, safely, and reliably.
4. Benefits of a Furnace Maintenance & Service Plan
Getting a furnace maintenance plan has many great benefits.
A furnace maintenance and service plan from Generations Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge offers numerous advantages, including:
Financial Benefits:
- Utility Savings: Regular maintenance ensures your furnace operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering your utility bills.
- Capital Savings: By preventing breakdowns and extending the lifespan of your furnace, a maintenance plan can save you money on costly replacements.
Comfort and Safety:
- Avoid Emergency Repairs: Preventive maintenance can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate into costly emergencies, saving you time and money.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your furnace is well-maintained provides peace of mind, especially during harsh winter weather.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Regular maintenance helps remove dust and debris from your furnace, improving the quality of air circulating throughout your home.
- Reduced CO Risk: A well-maintained furnace is less likely to produce carbon monoxide (CO), a potentially dangerous gas.
By investing in a furnace maintenance and service plan, you can enjoy these benefits while ensuring the safety, comfort, and efficiency of your heating system.
Depend on Generations Heating & Air Conditioning for Expert Furnace Maintenance
At Generations Heating & Air Conditioning, our TSSA-certified technicians are friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing top-notch furnace maintenance and repair services. Serving Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding areas, we offer emergency furnace repair services when you need them most. To ensure your furnace operates at peak performance and efficiency, we strongly recommend a yearly inspection and maintenance program.
We will not only look after your furnace but also provide a full range of home comfort services including:
- Air Quality
- Ductless Heating
- Hybrid Heating
- Fireplaces
- Water Softeners
- Pool Heating
- Air Conditioning
- Duct Free
- Gas Fitting
- Water Heaters
Contact Generations Heating & Air Conditioning today at 519-635-4561 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment.
What Our Customers Are Saying...
"Thank you for another amazing maintenance service call. As usual Rob was very pleasant, and very knowledgeable, kind and patient in responding to all of our questions. Our furnace and gas fireplaces are in tip top working condition, I highly recommend the team at Generations for any of your HVAC needs. See you in the spring Rob."
-R. Koszta
New Hamburg
