Early Signs your Furnace needs repair to reduce furnace repair costs!

San Rafael

(415) 942-6565

Santa Rosa

(707) 452-3464

When temperatures drop and the cold weather season arrives, you want to be sure your heating system is in top shape for the coming months. A furnace has many moving parts that work together to help it operate efficiently, such as the combustion chamber, electrical connections, heat exchanger, etc., and these components need regular maintenance in order to keep your heating source at peak efficiency. While it is best to call a professional furnace service for this job, there are some aspects of furnace maintenance you can handle yourself in between those annual furnace inspections.

Furnace maintenance is not like furnace repair, in that it should be performed regularly, not just when your furnace is malfunctioning. The scheduled upkeep of your HVAC equipment is what will hopefully prevent frequent furnace repair needs and extend the life of your air conditioning/heating system so you will not have to deal with a premature replacement. Routine furnace tune-ups can also help to catch any potential issues early on before they can grow into more problematic and expensive ones. In this article, we will go over the parts of the furnace you need to be familiar with, the aspects of furnace maintenance you can perform yourself, and the signs you need a repair or replacement. You will be well on your way to a well-maintained furnace.

Understanding Your Heating System

Though there are many different types of heating systems (boilers, heat pumps, electric, etc.), we will be focusing on forced-air furnaces since those are the most common furnaces in homes. Understanding the different components that make up your HVAC system is crucial in knowing how you can maintain them to extend the life of your system.

Key Furnace Components

  • Air filter – keeps contaminants out of the furnace to stop them from circulating through your ducts and air.
  • Blower – the blower fan that pushes the air through your ductwork and into your home.
  • Burner assembly – combines the fuel source with the air in order to create the flame that will supply heat.
  • Electrical ignition or pilot light – sends the spark to ignite the gas to produce heat.
  • Flue or vent pipe – vents the exhaust gases outside of your home.
  • Heat exchanger – responsible for separating toxic gases from the combustion air that is being sent into your home.
  • Gas valve – controls the gas flow of the furnace and will shut the gas off if the safety switch fails.
  • Heat shield – protects the furnace from overheating.
  • Flame sensor – detects heat on furnace models using a hot surface ignition system.
  • Limit switch – the switch that will shut off the gas flow to the furnace if it is becoming too hot.
  • Gas pipe and drip leg – the gas pipe feeds the gas into the furnace from the supplier, and the drip leg collects the condensation within the pipe.

Materials Needed for Furnace Maintenance

  • Screwdrivers
  • Wire brushes
  • Shop vacuum
  • Socket wrench
  • Strap wrench
  • Drinking straws
  • Emery cloth

Furnace Maintenance Checklist

You should complete this process annually, preferably before the heating season begins so you can take care of any issues beforehand, just as you should get your air conditioning maintenance before the beginning of the summer months. Changing your air filter should be done every couple of months. A clean furnace minimizes problems building up in the system. An annual professional inspection is also recommended to make sure your furnace runs efficiently during the cold season.

1) Shut down the system

This is always the first step you should take before doing any work on your furnace. Turn off the power switch at the main circuit breaker, then turn off the fuel supply valve if you have an oil or gas furnace.

 2) Clean the combustion chamber

Remove the chamber cover and use a small wire brush to scrape away any built-up debris. Use a vacuum to suck out any loose soot and dust, then inspect the chamber for any signs of corrosion. Since this is where the fuel mixes with the air to ignite the heat source, there is a lot of carbon that can build up over time and cause corrosion in the chamber. You can also clean the blower compartment by taking out the blower with a screwdriver and socket wrench and cleaning the individual blower blades, checking here for corrosion as well. You can also remove and clean the blower motor.

 3) Inspect the flue pipe

The flue pipe can have corrosion as well since it carries the exhaust gases outside of the house. It is good to check and make sure there are no holes or corrosion and also check that it is aligned properly and that the connections are secure. If there are holes, you should be able to patch them with foil tape, but you will need to call a furnace professional if the flue pipe is corroded and needs to be replaced.

4) Clean the ducts and vents

Dirty ductwork can restrict airflow, causing you to spend more money on heating. It can also cause harmful pollutants to circulate through your indoor air. After removing the floor registers, take your shop vacuum and vacuum the inside of the ducts, possibly using a brush to loosen up the debris beforehand. Cover the other vents before working on each one. Wipe down the vent covers using a damp cloth before putting them back. You should get a professional duct cleaning done if you notice a large amount of debris or if it has been a few years since you’ve had one.

5) Replace your air filter

You should be checking your air filter monthly and most likely replacing it every three months or so to preserve your indoor air quality. The filter is located in the blower compartment. When you remove the old furnace filter, check the direction of airflow that is marked on the frame and place the new air filter facing the correct direction. Put the furnace filter cover back on and close the compartment.

6) Dust off the pilot light

You can use a plastic drinking straw to blow the dust off your pilot light or hot surface igniter. This should be a very delicate process since hot surface igniters can break easily.

 7) Clean off the flame sensor

Remove the flame sensor from its bracket and clean it off with an emery cloth before securing it back on. The flame sensor can get coated with residue over time and prevent your furnace from properly lighting.

 8) Check for air leaks

Inspect around your windows and doors to see if there are any drafts and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping in order to prevent lost air. Make sure your attic is efficiently insulated to help reduce energy consumption and the strain on your heating system and maintain a consistent temperature in your home.

 9) Check carbon monoxide detectors

Test your CO detectors to ensure they are in good working condition before the heating season begins. Since gas furnaces run the danger of carbon monoxide leaks, you want to be extra sure that you have the extra protection aside from your furnace maintenance checks. batteries will typically need to be replaced every six months.

 10) Adjust the thermostat

You can save a lot of energy by setting your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re awake and setting it lower when you are asleep or out of the house. make sure to only adjust a couple of degrees if you have to.

 11) Visual inspection

Look over the blower motor, heat exchanger, compartments, and the unit in general to make sure nothing looks amiss, such as corrosion, rust, or debris coating any of the parts.

 When To Call A Professional

You should always schedule routine furnace maintenance from a professional for your furnace system so that they can conduct more in-depth tune-ups that will ensure your unit runs perfectly for the heating season. But if you are experiencing any of these issues, it is a sign there may be a severe issue developing that a certified HVAC technician needs to take a look at.

Strange noises: Sounds like scraping, banging, screeching, or popping mean there could be problems with the blower motor or furnace burners.

Frequent on-and-off cycling: If your furnace is turning on and off frequently when trying to heat your home, this could mean you have a thermostat issue or an overheating furnace.

Uneven heating: This could be a sign of a clogged filter, thermostat problems, or dirty or leaking ducts letting heated air escape into places like the attic or crawlspace.

Unusual smells: This could be a very dangerous sign, as there could be a problem with the gas line, in which case you would need to remove everyone from the house and contact emergency services right away.

Yellow, orange, or flickering pilot light: Your pilot light burner flame should always be blue and not be flickering.

Signs You Need a Furnace Repair or Replacement

 Age of the Furnace

Most furnaces have a lifespan of 15-20 years. If your furnace is approaching or has exceeded this age, it may be time to consider replacement. Though regular furnace maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your furnace, no heating system will last forever.

 Increased Energy Bills

If your energy bills are increasing, it may be a sign that your furnace is losing efficiency. It could also be a sign of something like leaky air ducts that need to be repaired. A new furnace can help save money and improve efficiency.

 Frequent Repairs

If you’re experiencing frequent emergency repairs or breakdowns, it may be time to consider replacing your furnace. Scheduling regular maintenance can help prevent repairs, but frequent issues may indicate a need for replacement. Consider the cost of furnace repairs versus the cost of replacement and have an HVAC technician come to inspect the system to see if there is something seriously wrong that could be dangerous.

Benefits of Replacing Your Furnace

Improved Energy Efficiency: An updated furnace can help improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills.

Enhanced Safety Features: Newer furnaces often come with enhanced safety features, such as improved gas leak detection and automatic shutdown.

Increased Home Value: An updated furnace can increase the value of your home, including improving your Home Energy Score, which could help a lot if you ever sell your home.

There are rebates available for counties which you can get.

 Choosing the Right Furnace Replacement

Consider factors such as energy efficiency, safety features, and cost when choosing a furnace. Look for a furnace that meets your specific needs and budget. You can hire an HVAC contractor to assist you with determining your heating goals and how you can best meet them.

There are several types of furnaces available, including natural gas furnaces, oil furnaces, and electric furnaces. Consider the pros and cons of each type when making a decision. Also, keep in mind the size and capacity of your furnace when making a decision. A furnace that is too small may not provide enough heat, while a furnace that is too large may waste energy.

When you are ready to install, it is very important to consult a professional HVAC company for the job. Proper installation is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your furnace. You want to make sure you get the most out of your new HVAC system and that you won’t have to deal with expensive furnace repairs or premature replacement because of an improper installation.

The exact cost of replacement can vary depending on several factors, including the type and size of the furnace. Financing options are available for replacing a furnace, and there are even some rebates and tax credits available when replacing traditional gas appliances with electrically powered heaters or with systems like heat pumps.

 Professional Furnace Maintenance

Scheduling furnace maintenance service with a professional is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your furnace. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to costly repairs, reduced energy efficiency, and increased risk of gas leaks. If you conduct a combination of professional and at-home furnace maintenance, you can minimize your need for regular repairs and replacements. An annual furnace service checklist that you address at least once a year can help ensure your furnace is running efficiently. Then, schedule furnace maintenance service with a professional to ensure your system is running smoothly.

For the best heating services company in the Sonoma and Marin Counties, you can reach out to John Owens Services, Inc. to inquire about our HVAC assistance, or visit our website to get a free quote on any HVAC maintenance!

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Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.

San Rafael
(415) 942-6565
Santa Rosa
(707) 452-3464

01

Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your home’s systems running well all year long. We’ll help you gain efficiency and save money.

02

Repair

When something breaks down, our team will get to you fast. We’ll find the problem and fix it to get you back to normal.

03

Replacement

When it’s time to replace something in your home, we’ll help you get a top quality product that matches your specific needs.
San Rafael
(415) 942-6565
Santa Rosa
(707) 452-3464