A good furnace maintenance checklist includes inspecting various parts of the furnace. This includes the burner assembly, the combustion chamber, the blower, and the inducer motor. The HVAC technician will also check the thermostat and the air filter. Dirty filters can limit airflow and make the furnace work harder than necessary.
Inspection of the burner assembly
Inspecting the burner assembly is one of the first things to check on a furnace. These parts are responsible for creating the flame; if they are dirty, your furnace can shut down. It’s also important to check the manifold pressure and gas lines. Finally, you should clean the combustion blower. A dirty burner can reduce the efficiency of the furnace and even reduce its lifespan.
A professional technician will start the inspection by igniting the furnace and studying the ignition sequence. They will look for corrosion or cracks in the ignitor. They will also test the heat exchangers to ensure they are functioning properly. They will also check the combustion efficiency and the airflow over the heat exchanger. If they are not operating at their maximum efficiency, your furnace may have problems with overheating and safety.
A professional furnace technician will inspect the burner assembly for signs of wear and tear. The furnace’s flame sensor should be cleaned every 3 months, and the air filter should be replaced. The burner should also be checked for cracks or loose wires. The furnace should also have a working thermostat. If the thermostat is not working correctly, it could lead to a fire.
Checking the burner assembly is one of the most important furnace maintenance items. A leaking condensate system can lead to rust accumulation on the burners. This condition may have gone unnoticed for years. A simple way to solve this problem is to reverse the ceiling fan’s speed, so that warm air is forced downward instead of upward. This can reduce heating costs by up to 10 percent.
The furnace technician should also check the flue. The furnace is not functioning properly if the flue is blocked or has a loose connection. If the flue is clean, the furnace can run at optimum efficiency. The furnace will have to work harder if it’s dirty, wasting energy and causing mechanical damage.
Inspection of the combustion chamber
Inspection of the combustion chamber is an important step in maintaining a furnace. It helps ensure that natural gas and air are mixed safely. The combustion process produces a cloud of gas, soot, and vapor that must be cleaned annually. You can start your furnace’s annual checkup by inspecting the combustion chamber.
When you hire a heating contractor, they’ll check the combustion chamber to ensure it’s free of debris. Keeping this part clean will improve efficiency and prevent contaminants from entering the furnace. A thorough cleaning will also improve airflow. Also, contractors should clean the blower components, including the filters. A filter can get clogged, reducing efficiency and causing noisy furnaces.
Another essential part of furnace maintenance is the inspection of the flue pipe. This pipe takes the combustion chamber’s exhaust gases outside, and a technician will check to ensure it’s leak-free and airtight. An HVAC specialist can also check the furnace’s humidifier, which is required to counteract air drying during the winter months. This device won’t be needed during the summer, but it’s important to ensure the filter doesn’t get clogged.
Inspection of the combustion chamber is an essential step in ensuring the reliability of your furnace. As the fuel is burned, it produces carbon soot, damaging the combustion chamber’s walls. The soot will also slow down the blower, compromising system efficiency. Therefore, you should inspect the combustion chamber at least once a year.
A combustion inspection tool can be used to determine whether there are any leaks in your furnace. A combustion analyzer is an electronic instrument that extracts a sample from the flue and analyzes it with the help of electrochemical gas sensors. This instrument can also detect combustion air and stack temperatures. In addition, the final step on the furnace maintenance checklist is to clean the floor vents.
Inspection of the blower
As part of a furnace maintenance checklist for reliability, you should inspect the blower to ensure it is working properly. When the blower is operating properly, the furnace produces warm air. This warm air is used to warm your home. If the blower is not working properly, it can cause the unit to shut down. It also needs to be cleaned and has its filter changed regularly. In addition, you should check for leaks and damage on the gas lines.
Another important component is the combustion air opening. Your furnace technician will check the fan switch and listen for abnormal noises. A dirty air filter can affect furnace efficiency and can even damage vital components. Also, dirty burners can reduce the furnace’s life by preventing it from burning properly. Make sure to replace the air filter every few months, as the manufacturer recommends. Also, make sure the motors and belts are working properly.
To ensure the blower’s reliability, you must inspect it thoroughly. A blower motor has belts and pulleys that should be inspected regularly. Checking these parts will prevent fires and extend the life of the blower components. In addition, the burner and flame sensor should be inspected to ensure they are functioning properly. The moving parts of the blower motor should also be lubricated to reduce friction. Motors with a high level of friction will consume more electricity than they should. And finally, make sure all connections are secure and not loose.
Besides examining the blower, the furnace should have the thermostat and gas valve assembly. You should also check the thermostat and the pressure switch. If the furnace has been converted to LP, you should look for a label indicating the change. The inducer fan motor should be checked while the furnace is running to ensure it is functioning properly.
Inspection of the inducer motor
The inducer motor is an important component of your furnace. It helps to force hot air out of the furnace by sucking combustion gases outside. It is usually composed of an electric motor that spins a fan. As the furnace ages, the inducer can begin to malfunction. A failing motor will cause an increase in noise, particularly in the start-up phase. If the noise is too loud, consider replacing the motor.
Checking the inducer motor on your furnace maintenance checklist for reliability is important in keeping the system running efficiently. Failure of this component is most likely due to aging and internal bearing wear. While oiling the motor is a temporary solution, replacing the entire inducer assembly may be necessary. Another part of the inducer assembly is the vent connector, which connects the fan to the flue vent. The vent connector should be tightly sealed. Otherwise, it could leak, letting combustion gases into the house.
Another important part of the furnace is the inducer/blower assembly. It is the noisiest component in the furnace. If you hear excessive noise when the furnace starts, this is a sign of a malfunction. You should call a professional to fix the problem.
Similarly, a broken heat exchanger can cause health problems. It separates heated air from combustion air, which includes noxious gases. If the heat exchanger is broken, the combustion air will enter the house, causing health problems for people.
Inspection of the flame sensor
Inspection of the flame sensor is an important part of furnace maintenance. Its failure can cause your furnace to shut down and pose a safety and health risk. The flame sensor is sensitive to changes in temperature and can be fooled by the slightest carbon buildup. Most furnaces are located in dusty areas, and this dust can attach to the flame sensor and cause it to misread the temperature. If you notice this problem, contact a professional HVAC service provider to perform the required repairs.
Cleaning the flame sensor can extend the life of the furnace. The flame sensor can get dirty with dirt and residue; you should take it out from the furnace each season to clean it. If the sensor is dirty, the furnace will not be able to perform its job properly, and you may even have to call a heating service to get the furnace to function properly.
To perform this inspection, you should unplug the furnace and remove the flame sensor. It should be easily accessible, and you can use a wrench or driver to remove the burner assembly. If the flame sensor is dirty, you can use sandpaper, steel wool, or a wire brush to clean the sensor. Wipe the sensor with a cloth or paper towel before testing it. You should unplug the furnace and the power cord during this process.
The flame sensor is a small metal rod in front of the burner. The flame sensor is responsible for making sure all burners are ignited, and a dirty flame sensor can cause the furnace to shut down completely. Often, the flame sensor is held in place by a single screw.
