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Seasonal Furnace Maintenance
Changing the furnace filter is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can perform on your furnace.
Introduction
Seasonal furnace maintenance is essential to make sure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. We’ll walk through some of the steps in maintaining your furnace. It is also a good idea to locate a Carbon Monoxide detector badge at the furnace to monitor its safety.See my tutorial How To Test for Carbon Monoxide for reference.
Seasonal furnace maintenance is essential to make sure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. We’ll walk through some of the steps in maintaining your furnace. It is also a good idea to locate a Carbon Monoxide detector badge at the furnace to monitor its safety.See my tutorial How To Test for Carbon Monoxide for reference.
- Difficulty Level
- Easy
- Needed Tools and Materials
- Screwdriver (possibly)
- New Air Filter
- Vacuum or shop vac
- light oil for motor bearings
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Turn Off Gas and Electricity to Furnace
The furnace shutoff switch can usually be found on the side of the furnace. Photo Credit: © Home-Cost.com 2013
As with all home repairs, the first step is to turn off the power and in this case, the fuel.There should be a switch on the side of the furnace, if not, check the electrical service panel and shut off the appropriate breaker.
The gas line will be connected to the furnace in a black pipe and will have a shut off valve nearby. To shut off the gas, turn the valve so it is perpendicular to the gas line.
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Vacuum the Furnace Interior
Open the furnace door. With a vacuum cleaner having a long snorkel attachment, vacuum out the base of the furnace and the gas burners. Get all the crevices cleaned of any loose dust or debris.
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Change the Air Filter
The furnace filter is the one component that needs to be checked and possibly changed monthly during the heating season. Replace it as part of this seasonal maintenance.
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Check the Fanbelt
Just as on your car, fanbelts wear and get loose. Check the fanbelt on your furnace that drives the blower. Inspect the belt for glazing, cracking or fraying. If any of those signs are evident, replace the belt. Also check the belt tension. By pushing down in the center of the belt, it should feel taut and only deflect about 1/2″ – 3/4″. If it deflects more than that, tighten the belt by loosening the attachment bracket. Then, move the motor assembly so the belt tightens and hold the motor assembly in place while maintaining tension on the belt. Tighten the attachment bracket.
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Lubricate Oil Bearings
If your furnace is older or if it has a motor without permanently sealed bearings, the bearings will need to be oiled. Find the oiling caps. They may also be on the bearing shaft. Drop a few drops of lightweight household oil in the oil spout below the caps. Don’t over oil.
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Replace Furnace Cover and Reconnect
Once completed, replace the furnace cover and turn the electrical power back on along with the gas. Relight the pilot if necessary.
SOURCE: ABOUT.COM