Furnace Maintenance Checklist
October 1, 2019
Your furnace is like a car—it requires maintenance in order to run properly. When the skilled technicians at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Pittsburgh inspect your unit, they follow a comprehensive checklist to ensure every element of your furnace is functioning as it should.
Not only do annual inspections keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently, but it can also protect your home and family from dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.
Here are just a few of the important furnace maintenance checklist items:
- Pilot Light– Keeping the pilot light clean and strong reduces the risk of it going out and causing your heat to fail.
- Gas Line– If your furnace is fueled by natural gas, an inspection of the fuel lines will reveal any weak points or potential issues, including signs of leaks or corrosion.
- Lubrication– Proper lubrication of your unit’s components reduce friction to keep the system running smoothly.
- Belts & Pulleys– The belts on your furnace can become weak over time. Identifying a weakened belt and replacing it before it breaks prevents loss of heat and emergency services to your unit.
- Air Filters– Air filters should be replaced often to keep your air clean and of high quality.
- Thermostat– Sometimes, issues arise not in the furnace itself, but in the thermostat or control point.
- Exhaust Venting– One of the most important aspects of a functioning furnace is that it vents properly because improper venting poses a risk for toxic fumes to enter your home.
- Safety Controls– Of course the safety of your unit is largely dependent on the condition of its safety controls, so it’s important for these features to be inspected by a professional.
After the inspection, the HVAC professional will offer suggested repairs and improvements. Some items will likely be more pressing than others, so it’s the technician’s job to communicate with you the severity of any issues and offer timeframes in which they should be addressed.
No matter the age or condition of your furnace, annual maintenance can help prolong the life of your unit, improve efficiency to save money, and (most importantly) keep your home and family safe.