DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR FURNACE
Gas furnaces are reasonably easy to operate and maintain, but they do require regular upkeep to stay in good working condition. Gas furnaces can be dangerous if they are neglected and cause costly unnecessary repair bills. As well Gas leaks if not caught and addressed can have deadly consequences.
Change the Furnace filter Regularly Regularly changing the air filter is an important part of gas furnace maintenance that should be addressed regularly. Air filters can be purchased at almost any hardware store, and they are not expensive. A dirty air filter will make the gas furnace produce less heat and make it incredibly inefficient. Check for gas leaks Gas leaks on gas furnaces are easy to spot, you can tell from gas build up on the floor or from the smell of gas around the furnace area. Gas leaks require a professional to fix the furnace to ensure the safety of the unit. Check to make sure the Thermostat is working properly Have you noticed the house is either really warm or really cold, but the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature? When a thermostat is not working properly the furnace will not heat the house properly, which makes the unit very inefficient. Make sure the Control valve is turned to open If you’re having a problem with the furnace producing heat a common problem is that the control valve is turned off. If the valve is turned off the furnace will not produce heat. Check the tension belt If your gas furnace is running loudly and you can’t seem to figure out why, the tension belt may be a possible cause. Check the pilot light Make sure the pilot light is lit and working properly. The pilot light should be a hot deep blue, if it is a different color then there is something wrong and it’s not working properly. Oil the motor Oil is necessary for proper maintenance of the motor, you only need to add a couple of drops. Oil should be added to the motor with the change of every season, or when the motor does not sound like it is running smoothly. Check the ducts often The Furnace Ducts should be checked frequently for debris or any obstructions. If the ventilation is blocked it could pose a range of health risks including breathing problems and or carbon monoxide poisoning
