When the weather starts to cool off, you don’t want to be left with a furnace that isn’t functioning. Early fall is the best time to consider scheduling a furnace maintenance visit with Garrett Mechanical in Marietta. That way, you can be assured that everything will be in tip-top shape when the weather turns cold. When it’s time to turn on that furnace, you don’t want to be left with cold air blowing through your vents.
Here are the top 11 items that should be done during a routine furnace maintenance appointment.
1. CLEAN OR REPLACE THE AIR FILTER
This is probably the single most important maintenance item that should be performed regularly on your furnace. Filters perform two essential functions. First, they remove pollutants from the air to provide you with improved indoor air quality. Second, they protect your HVAC system from dust, pollen, animal hair, and other airborne pollutants. If your filter gets too much dust and grime buildup on it, it will no longer work. An accumulation of dust inside your HVAC system can cause the entire system to shut down. When this happens, it requires extensive repairs or a complete replacement. Fortunately, replacing your air filter is also one of the most affordable things you can do to keep your furnace in good working order.
2. CHECK THE THERMOSTAT
Many homeowners view the thermostat as just the little device that you use to turn the heat up or down. The truth is that the thermostat is the brain of the furnace. If your thermostat is not functioning correctly, your entire system will not function correctly. Replacing a malfunctioning thermostat is a cost-effective repair with a major positive impact.
3. CHECK FOR LEAKS IN THE GAS LINES
A leaking gas line can be a disaster waiting to happen. Leaking gas can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, a leak in the gas line is a rare problem. However, it is a problem that requires immediate intervention before it turns into a huge disaster.
4. CHECK FOR BURNED WIRES OR OTHER SIGNS OF HIGH TEMPERATURES
Even though your furnace can and will reach high temperatures, it is designed to do so safely. If you smell a burning odor when running your furnace, something may be wrong. A scorched wire or other element is a reason for further investigation.
5. CLEAN THE BLOWER AND BLOWER MOTOR
If your blower is not working correctly, you won’t be getting even temperatures throughout your home. The blower needs to function in order to blow the warm air hard enough that it reaches every room in your home. During your regular scheduled maintenance, your technician will clean the blower and ensure the motor is in good working order.
6. INSPECT THE DUCTWORK AND FLUE PIPE
Just like with a dryer, the ductwork can have a buildup of dust in it. If your air filter is being changed or cleaned regularly, there may not be a buildup. However, your technician will check the ductwork and clean it as necessary. They will also inspect the flue pipe at this time, as it is essential that the flue pipe remains unobstructed.
7. CHECK THE BURNER, CROSSOVER, AND IGNITER IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER
A combustion chamber is where the fuel and air mix. Your furnace needs both fuel and air to run properly. The venting system has an area that creates efficient combustion and a place where the furnace can burn off the by-products of combustion. If these areas are not working correctly, the furnace cannot operate.
8. CLEAN AND CHECK THE HEAT EXCHANGER
Your heat exchanger mixes cool and hot air, enabling your furnace to heat your home more efficiently. It also functions as a metal shield between the combustion chamber and the blower. When a heat exchanger is not functioning properly, unsafe levels of carbon monoxide can enter your home, leading to a dangerous situation.
9. EVALUATE THE PILOT LIGHT SYSTEM
If your furnace burns gas or oil, it has a pilot light system. This is a flame that is either always burning or is ignited when needed. The flame burns the gas from your furnace. There are safety systems in place, in case your pilot light goes out, so that the furnace does not continue to emit gas. During your regular furnace maintenance, this system should be thoroughly checked, cleaned, and tuned up.
10. CHECK THE GAS VALVE AND ADJUST AS NECESSARY
You don’t want your furnace to emit too much or too little gas. The correct amount of gas is necessary to create a comfortable environment without the problems of gas smells and carbon monoxide.
11. CHECK HEATING OUTPUT
During your furnace maintenance, the technician will run your furnace for a bit and record temperatures from a few different places. It is important to check the temperature readings from both the return air ducts and the supply ducts. Then, they will compare these readings to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure everything is running correctly.
Keeping your furnace running efficiently is important for your home. We do not recommend that you attempt these maintenance items on your own. Instead, hire qualified NATE-certified technicians from Garrett Mechanical to ensure your furnace is in good working order. You don’t want to attempt a repair that could end up costing you more because it wasn’t done correctly.
WHEN TO CALL A TECHNICIAN FOR FURNACE MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR
We recommend that you do not wait until there is a problem to check out your furnace. Scheduling a regular maintenance checkup will save you major headaches down the road. Problems can still arise, though.
SIGNS YOU NEED FURNACE REPAIR
- No heat coming from vents
- Jump in energy bill
- Unusual smells, especially a smell like rotten eggs
- Unusual or loud noises
- You can hear the furnace turning off and on frequently
- Pilot light is yellow or orange or doesn’t stay lit
If you are experiencing any of these issues, you’ll want to schedule a repair call as soon as possible. With a system as complex as a furnace, you don’t want to put off repairing issues. This will lead to bigger and more expensive repairs.
TRUST IN OUR EXPERT CARE
Garrett Mechanical has been servicing the Marietta area for over 20 years. Our technicians have the knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose problems with your furnace and initiate repairs. We are dedicated to customer service and satisfaction. We want you to live in a comfortable home, and we are committed to solving your HVAC problems to ensure this is your reality. We are a full-service mechanical business with experience in heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical. Let us take your HVAC and plumbing systems under our wing, and we will ensure everything is running well for you.
Contact our friendly customer service reps at Garrett Mechanical today to get on our maintenance schedule or to answer any questions you may have.
