There is nothing more inconvenient for a homeowner than a furnace that stops working on the worst night of the year. While some furnace repairs are completely unavoidable due to the natural wear and tear of the equipment, many gas furnace issues can be avoided with proper home maintenance in the months leading up to the start of the heating season. By better understanding the actions that can be taken to prevent furnace breakdowns, homeowners can avoid furnace repair costs and prolong the lifespan of their heating equipment.
Gas furnaces have more going on under the hood than most people can imagine, which is also why a furnace malfunction can occur for a number of different reasons. Left unchecked, minor issues such as dust accumulation can lead to major problems, such as equipment failure down the line. Beyond the regular furnace maintenance tips that can prolong the life of the equipment, gas furnaces also require special consideration when it comes to furnace repair prevention due to the additional safety precautions associated with gas equipment.
This is the single most important furnace maintenance tip that most homeowners can enact on a regular basis, and it is also among the easiest to overlook. Dirty furnace filters restrict airflow, placing additional strain on the blower motor and, by extension, the entire heating system. By replacing dirty filters on a regular basis, homeowners will prolong the life of the blower motor and, in turn, the life of the furnace itself. Most filters need to be replaced every month. However, it is best to ask the local heating and air conditioning company for specific recommendations based on the furnace and household needs.
Proper airflow is absolutely essential for a furnace to operate as intended, which is why it is so important to ensure that the area around the furnace is free of objects that can impede airflow. Large boxes, furniture, and other objects should be kept away from the furnace in order to allow the equipment to operate safely and efficiently.
While most furnace maintenance can be performed by homeowners, a professional cleaning and tune-up is an essential part of any furnace maintenance schedule. By cleaning and inspecting the furnace on a regular basis, a professional HVAC technician can identify and resolve issues before they lead to a furnace breakdown later in the season. Annual furnace maintenance can help identify the most common causes of furnace failure, such as ignition problems, and eliminate them before they can cause any issues. This is much more cost-effective than trying to troubleshoot a furnace failure during the coldest part of the year.
The sound made by a furnace can often be used to determine whether or not the equipment is operating normally. Most furnaces will make a whooshing sound when the gas valve opens, followed by a clicking sound as the igniter turns on. If other strange noises such as rattling, buzzing, or squealing are heard coming from the furnace, this can be an indication of an underlying issue.
Most furnaces will give off a faint smell when they are first turned on for the season due to the accumulation of dust. If an offensive smell is detected coming from the furnace, it is imperative to contact the local utility company and an HVAC professional to have the furnace inspected for gas leaks. A smell reminiscent of rotten eggs can also be a sign of a gas leak, and it should never be ignored.
Blocked vents can wreak havoc on the heating system by restricting the amount of conditioned air being distributed throughout the home. Furniture, rugs, and other objects should be placed away from vents and registers to ensure proper airflow at all times. In addition, regularly cleaning vents and registers of any accumulated dust will help make sure the heating system is operating as efficiently as possible.
Many furnace breakdowns are the result of homeowners ignoring minor issues that eventually lead to more serious problems. Instead of waiting for a furnace to fail, it is much more cost-effective to have a furnace service technician address minor issues before they become major problems. This will also help avoid gas furnace repair costs that would have been incurred if the furnace had failed later in the heating season.
The list of things that can go wrong with a furnace is virtually endless, but most furnace repairs can be prevented by following a few simple tips. By maintaining the furnace in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and having a professional HVAC technician inspect the heating system on an annual basis, most of the common furnace issues can be avoided.
In the long run, this will dramatically reduce the likelihood of a furnace breakdown occurring and prolong the lifespan of the heating system. Homeowners across the country rely on All-Pro Heat Pump Solutions to help them prevent furnace breakdowns by following the proper furnace maintenance schedule.