To prevent problems, a gas furnace should be serviced at least once a year. When a furnace is not maintained correctly, several problems could arise affecting your heating system:
Dirty Filters
If your filter is clogged, your furnace will need to work harder to warm your home. This is inefficient and will eventually cause it to break. You should change your filter every three months during the heating season. Keeping your filter clean can prevent several issues and problems.
Faulty Pilot Light
Sometimes, there is a clog in the pilot opening or the pilot light button isn’t fully depressed, and the gas valve is not completely open. Regular annual maintenance would include cleaning the pilot light, setting the flame slightly higher, inspecting the button, and opening up the gas valve to get the pilot working again.
A Cracked Heat Exchanger
When the heat exchanger cracks, your gas furnace can leak carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot. In large quantities, these substances are hazardous to your health.
The Benefits of Annual Gas Furnace Servicing and Maintenance
Having your furnace serviced annually has additional benefits, including:
Preventing Costly Repairs
When we do annual maintenance, we typically find and fix small issues that could lead to more significant problems over time. Better to do these repairs in the fall, rather than wait until winter, when you really need your heat.
Extending the Life of Your Furnace and Your Entire HVAC System
Simply by keeping your furnace maintained, you will be able to keep it running longer and better.
Increase Efficiency
A properly maintained gas furnace will work more efficiently and cost less to operate. Win-win!
What an Annual Furnace Service Plan Should Include
An annual maintenance plan should include a thorough examination and cleaning of the air filter, the fan, the pilot light, the heat exchanger, and more. Here is what we include in our annual gas furnace maintenance:
• Clean and adjust the thermostat.
• Clean and adjust safety controls.
• Clean burners and controls.
• Clean and adjust pilot assembly.
• Check standing pilot.
• Check electronic ignition control.
• Check the gas valve.
• Check and adjust the burner for efficiency.
• Check for gas leaks in the unit.
• Check the exterior of the unit.
• Lubricate all moving parts.
• Check the flue piping and draft.
• Check wiring and connections.
• Check manifold pressure and adjust.
• Check the heat exchanger for cracks.
• Check the complete heat cycle.
• Check the belt and adjust the tension.
• Check filters and replace (1″ fiberglass only).
• Check fan control.
• Check temperature rise.
• Check voltage and amperage.
• Change Filter
If you live in the Rockland County NY, Orange County NY or Bergen County NJ area, call on CV Plumbing, Heating & Pool for your annual furnace service or our maintenance contract. We also install, maintain, and repair boilers and heat pumps.
