Tips for Maintaining a Furnace

Maintaining a Furnace

• Check to make sure the pilot light is burning. Some furnace units must be lit by hand if the pilot light goes out.

• Follow the instructions for relighting usually printed on access doors. If you have difficulty relighting the pilot light, call a qualified heating contractor for advice.

• Check the blower and vacuum out and dust or debris in and around the unit. Check or replace the filter every 30 days. A dirty air filter clogs the air flow and it can overwork the equipment.

• Lubricate the blower motor.

• Remove the flame shield and check the burner for corrosion. Check flames with the fan off and on to conform to proper operation.

• Check the flue for gaps or dents and make sure it is venting properly to the outdoors.

• Vacuum all the dust from the air registers around the house.

• Check motion and make sure they are clear of furniture rugs, drapes, etc. to let the air flow freely.

Filter Information  

• Spun Fiberglass Filters are the least expensive, disposable filters. They don't, however, adequately filter out finer particles.
  
  
• Pleated Disposable Filters are more costly but will provide four to eight times the filtering capability of the spun fiberglass filters.
  
  
• Washable Electrostatic Filters have a high initial cost but they are re-useable and offer much higher filtration rates.
  
  
• Electric Filters and Mass Media Filters offer superior filtration but they require modification to the ductwork for installation. But note that installing these types of filters is not a do-it-yourself project; they should be professionally installed.