FALL MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR GAS FURNACE: 5 TIPS TO REMEMBER

If you want to make sure those chilly nights are still cozy and warm in your home, it is best to get your gas furnace prepared for the heating season with a quick maintenance checkup. Here is a short list of fall maintenance tips to remember to get your furnace ready.

For the burner flame to remain stable, it needs a perfect combination of gas and oxygen, and any variances can alter how the flame burns. Variances in the appearance of the flame can help you diagnose some problems. A flame that burns properly should be mostly blue with a bit of yellow at the tip of the inner cone. If the flame is yellow only or orange only, it is not burning properly.

Most of the time, an improperly burning flame will simply signify that the burner itself needs to be cleaned. Collections of soot and dirt can prevent oxygen from reaching the flame to create a stable burn. However, if you clean the burner and see the same yellow or orange flame, it can also mean the burner is getting too much gas, which is an issue a professional should look at.

The access door to the inner-working components to the furnace can be removed so the interior can be properly cleaned on occasion. Cleaning the interior of the furnace is a good idea just before the onset of winter, during the fall. Remove the access panel and use a vacuum cleaner to pull out any visible dust and debris.

Furnace filters should be changed when they are visibly dirty or soiled. Some modern furnaces will alert you when you need to change the filter with an indicator on the thermostat, but these indicators are not always foolproof; a visible inspection is best. According to Angie's List, there's no definitive time when a filter should be changed, but you should never let the filter get filthy before you change it.

If your furnace has a belt-driven blower motor, the belts can become weak and brittle with age. Checking the resiliency of these belts is a good idea before the heating season because a broken belt means a nonfunctioning blower, and a non-functioning blower means no heat.

Locate the blower and the drive belts and do a simple push test to make sure they are taut and still rubbery. If they aren't, be sure to replace them as soon as possible.

Some moving parts need to be lubricated regularly inside the furnace. Check your furnace's owner's manual to find out what parts may need regular lubrication. Typically, motor bearings or motors shaft bearings will need a few drops of lubricant. Be careful not to go overboard with the lubrication because it can compromise how your furnace functions.

With a little time and attention, you can rest assured your furnace is prepared to provide ample heat for you and your home as autumn sets in. If you need help with your furnace before fall arrives, reach out to us at Art Douglas Plumbing Inc. for more information about how we can help.