Maintaining your furnace is key to ensuring that you are getting the most efficient and that your furnace works the way it should. As discussed in our How to Maintain Your Furnace: DIY Tips For Homeowners blog, homeowners can do some things themselves. However, there are a few things that really should be left to the professionals as they have the expertise and equipment needed:
Inspect and Clean Burners & Flame Sensor
Since most modern furnaces have sealed burners, professional cleaning is recommended.
- Proper Combustion: A properly functioning furnace burns fuel cleanly with a blue flame. A yellow flame may indicate incomplete combustion, potentially leading to carbon monoxide buildup and reduced efficiency.
- Regular Cleaning: Soot and condensation buildup can accumulate on the burners, hindering performance and potentially shortening the furnace’s lifespan.
- Flame Sensor: The flame sensor monitors combustion. It should be cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician during routine maintenance.
Inspect the Heat Exchanger (Professional Inspection)
- Critical Component: The heat exchanger is a vital part of your furnace, transferring heat from the combustion process to the air that warms your home.
- Safety Concern: Cracks or deterioration in the heat exchanger can allow dangerous gases to leak into your home.
- Professional Inspection: Heat exchanger inspection should be performed by a qualified HVAC technician during routine maintenance.
Safety is priority number one, followed by maximizing the efficiency of your furnace, which is why we always suggest calling Comfort Pro to maintain your furnace. You really can’t beat the knowledge and expertise of professionals. In addition, professionals know what to look for when it comes to preventative maintenance. Our simple and cost-effective Maintenance packages are designed to accomplish three things:
- Early Detection of Issues: Regular maintenance allows for early detection and correction of minor problems before they escalate into major, costly repairs.
- Improved Efficiency: Proper maintenance can significantly improve the efficiency of your furnace, reducing energy consumption and saving you money on utility bills.
- Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps extend your furnace’s lifespan, saving you the cost of a premature replacement.
Inspect and clean the condensate trap, pump, or drain.
Condensate Trap:
- Inspection: Check the trap for debris, mold, or mineral buildup. Look for any cracks or leaks in the trap itself.
- Cleaning: If the trap is dirty, clean it out. Flush it with warm water and a mild detergent as required. Ensure all seals are tight when reconnecting.
- Frequency: The trap should be cleaned at least once per season.
Condensate Pump:
- Inspection: Check the pump for any signs of leaks or damage. Listen to it when it’s running—unusual noises could indicate a problem. Make sure the pump is securely mounted.
- Cleaning: Some pumps have a small reservoir that can collect debris. Clean this reservoir periodically. Flush the pump and tubing with warm water as needed.
- Testing: Test the pump to ensure it’s working correctly. Pour some water into the reservoir or turn on the AC and observe if the pump activates and discharges the water.
- Tubing: Check the tubing connected to the pump for clogs or kinks.
- Frequency: Similar to the trap, it should be cleaned at least once per season.
Condensate Drain (Gravity Drain):
- Inspection: Check the drain line for clogs, kinks, or leaks. Ensure the drain line has a consistent slope for proper drainage.
- Cleaning: Clear it using a wet/dry vacuum, a stiff wire, or by flushing it with warm water. Being careful not to damage the drain line.
- Frequency: Checked during regular maintenance intervals of your HVAC system.
How much does a maintenance plan cost? Can I book a time online? Visit Comfort Pro’s maintenance page for all the answers!
