Heating systems are commonly easy to maintain and trouble free. Efficient operation is actually a function of ideal regular maintenance. Regular maintenance and furnace cleaning do not necessarily require special talents or skills. If you are familiar and handy about some basic hand tools, then you can certainly do it. Regardless of the type of furnace you have, there are still essential things that you need to do in order to maintain your furnace’s top condition.
While there are some aspects that are best left to experts, there are still surprising amount of do it yourself repairs that you can facilitate. Keeping your heating system’s proper functioning can actually save you lots of money on heating costs and saves you from encountering costly repairs in the near future.
Cleaning the Furnace
Dirt is one of the major enemies of your furnace for the reason that this can drastically waste fuel and lower the system’s efficiency. Cleaning is therefore an integral part of routinely maintenance. The blower, motor and filter system are three primary parts of furnace that need to be cleaned properly.
Furnace filters should be replaced or cleaned, especially in the start of heating season or about once per month during the time of excessive use. There are numerous types of furnace filters available in home centers and hardware stores. Choose the one that best suits your need. When replacing a filter, it would be best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions accordingly which is usually attached to the furnace housing.
Gas Furnaces: Gas Leaks and Burner Adjustments
The flames on gas burner must be steady and full without sputtering and traces of yellow. In order to adjust the flame of the primary burner, you can call a professional service individual. In case you suspect some leaks around the unit, stir up mixture of water and liquid detergent. Paint this in the gas supply line alongside its valves and connections. Soapy water will bubble if there is a leak. Tighten leak connection using a pipe wrench. If there is still a leak, call a professional specializing on this field.
Troubleshooting an Oil Furnace
Oil-fired burners have been used in different parts of the world as primary source of hot water and warm water heating systems. Most of the oil systems used today are called pressure burners. These types of burners got oil sprayed to the combustion chamber on high pressure ignited by electric spark and propelled by a blower.
There are inevitable instances that oil furnaces pose problems. Regular and good maintenance are actually excellent ways to avoid problems. There are also other maintenance tips you can undertake such as:
• Checking the smoke on chimneys during heating season. If smoke appears black, then the furnace is not completely burning oil and fuels are wasted. Call a professional for proper adjustments.
• Clean blowers at the start of heating season.
• If the blower got oil fittings or grease, you need to lubricate the oil fittings mid-way through the heating season.
• Cleaning the thermostat is also necessary to maintain the condition of your heating system.
Cleaning Oil Filters
The oil filter must be cleaned or changed at the beginning of the heating season of midway which is about 3 t 4 times a year. In cleaning the oil filters, do the following steps:
• Close oil shut-off valve between the filter and fuel tank.
• The cup or the bottom of the filter housing must be unscrewed and then remove the filter.
• In case you have disposable filters, insert new one of the same type and size. If permanent filter, clean this based on the recommendations of the furnace manufacturer.
• Replace the old and used filter gaskets with durable and new ones.
• Screw in the housing bottom, open the shutoff valve.
These are just few of the many ways people can take in order to maintain their furnace. These ways must be undertaken properly for great results.