Furnace Maintenance

Every furnace is different, so the exact maintenance procedure can vary depending on the make, model, age and condition of the equipment. However, our typical furnace maintenance checklist includes:

• Inspect the furnace filter and advise if replacement is required.
• Inspect and clean the burner area where required.
• Inspect the flame sensor and clean it when necessary.
• Inspect the igniter for visible signs of deterioration or damage.
• Check furnace ignition and burner operation to make sure the furnace is lighting properly.
• Inspect the burner flame for abnormal operation.
• Inspect the heat exchanger in accessible areas for visible signs of deterioration, corrosion or damage.
• Check the inducer motor and listen for unusual noise or signs of wear.
• Inspect the pressure-switch system and tubing for obvious problems.
• Inspect the blower compartment and check the condition of the blower wheel.
• Check blower motor operation and listen for abnormal noise.
• Check the condensate system on high-efficiency furnaces and clear accessible debris where necessary.
• Inspect electrical connections and wiring for visible signs of overheating, damage or loose connections.
• Check furnace safety controls and normal operating sequence.
• Check thermostat operation and confirm the furnace responds properly to a call for heat.
• Check temperature rise and compare the reading with the manufacturer's acceptable range where applicable.
• Check venting for visible signs of problems.
• Inspect the furnace cabinet and accessible compartments and remove loose dust and debris.
• Run the furnace through an operating cycle to make sure it's functioning properly before we leave.

What Are We Actually Looking For?

We're not simply trying to make the furnace look clean.

We're looking for problems.

A noisy inducer motor, dirty flame sensor, deteriorating igniter, dirty blower wheel, blocked condensate drain, loose electrical connection, unusual burner operation or abnormal temperature rise may not have shut the furnace down yet, but they can give us an indication that something needs attention.

That's one of the main purposes of preventative furnace maintenance: inspect the equipment while it's still operating rather than waiting until you're standing in a cold house wondering why your furnace won't turn on.

At SDG Duct Cleaning, furnace maintenance is performed by HVAC technicians who work on and understand the equipment we're inspecting. If we find something that concerns us, we'll explain what we found and whether it requires immediate attention or is simply something you should keep an eye on.