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What is Furnace Maintenance? Do I Need It?

November 8, 2021 | Blog

We may not get the harshest winters here in Louisiana, but you don’t want to be in a position when cold weather hits and your furnace isn’t working. You can avoid this situation by maintaining your furnace

Here at Foulks Southern Air, we are experts when it comes to all things heating and air conditioning. Here is everything you need to know about furnace maintenance.

What is Furnace Maintenance?

Furnace maintenance is a preventative measure to get the most out of your furnace. Like a car needs an oil change, your furnace needs maintenance to keep it running in top condition. Furnace maintenance is important to make sure your furnace lasts long and works efficiently. Most furnaces last anywhere between 15 and 20 years. If you want to make sure your furnace makes it closer to that 20-year mark with as few issues as possible, then your going to want to maintain your furnace. 

The best thing you can do when it comes to furnace maintenance is schedule regular furnace tune-ups. Letting an HVAC professional regularly examine your furnace is important to elongating your furnace’s life span. If you want your furnace to run efficiently, smoothly, and for a long time, then schedule a furnace tune-up at least twice a year. 

What Is Included In a Furnace Tune-Up?

Because furnaces are such complex machines, there is a lot to do during a tune-up. Some steps you can expect an HVAC technician to take during a tune-up include: 

  • Inspecting the vent system and removing any blockage
  • Calibrating the thermostat
  • Cleaning the blower
  • Checking the thermocouple
  • Lubricating all moving parts
  • Inspecting all electrical connections
  • Examining belts for signs of damage
  • Testing the systems safety controls
  • Checking the fuel lines
  • Checking the burner and flame sensor
  • Checking the heat exchanger
  • Testing the gas pressure and the pilot

Will Regular Tune-Ups Save Me Money?

During a furnace tune-up, an HVAC specialist will take time to meticulously check all the key components of the furnace. These tune-ups allow the technician to catch small issues and fix them before they become bigger, more expensive ones. More often than not, mechanical issues start as something small such as faulty wiring or an unkept part. A good cleaning and replacing any broken parts can prevent these issues from turning into something as drastic as having to replace the whole unit. 

Regular maintenance also allows the furnace to run much smoother. If your furnace is running more efficiently, then it will use less electricity. Over time, you’ll start to notice the difference in your energy bill. 

Is There Any Furnace Maintenance I Can Do?

While furnace maintenance is mostly best left to professionals, there are some steps you can take to maintain your furnace.

Clean the Burner

The burner creates the flame in the furnace by burning gas. Due to the combustion of gas, it’s very easy for soot to build up inside the furnace. It’s important to regularly check the burner and clean it. Before cleaning it, make sure you turn off the power and gas to the furnace. Remove the cover panel to access the furnace’s interior and vacuum out any soot or other debris.

Inspect the Flue Pipe

It’s important to make sure the exhaust flue is in top condition or it could leak carbon monoxide, especially where the pipe and furnace connect. If you notice smaller holes, they can be patched with foil tape. If you notice large holes or any corrosion, then the flues will need to be replaced.

If you feel uncomfortable doing any maintenance yourself then don’t hesitate to contact an HVAC professional.

Contact Foulks Southern Air

If you are ready to get the most out of your furnace, then contact Foulks Southern Air today. Whether you need furnace maintenance, furnace installation or AC repair, we can help you with all of your heating and cooling needs. 

If you are located in Covington or Hammond, Louisiana, contact us today! We are also providing heating services in Shreveport on behalf of Southern Air!

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