Gas Furnace Maintenance Tips To Lower Energy Bills And Boost Heating Efficiency

9 February 2023
 Categories: , Blog

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Gas heating is an efficient and reliable way to heat your home and boost indoor comfort during the cold months. However, gas furnaces require regular maintenance to operate efficiently. Without proper maintenance, a furnace can lose its efficiency, leading to increased energy consumption and frequent breakdowns. Therefore, follow the maintenance tips below to improve the efficiency and performance of your gas furnace.

Clean the Air Intake Vent

Furnaces have an air intake that provides fresh air for the combustion process. Air intakes draw air from the home or outside, depending on the configuration. Over time, dirt and debris build up in the vent, inhibiting airflow to the combustion chamber. Airflow restriction can cause the pilot light to go out or lead to incomplete gas combustion.

As a result, the furnace could work harder to heat the home. Clean the air intake vent regularly to allow proper airflow to the combustion chamber. With adequate air for the combustion process, the furnace will operate efficiently and consume less energy to heat the home.

Inspect and Clean the Pilot Assembly

The pilot assembly is the component that provides ignition for the furnace and ensures the appliance starts safely and efficiently. It comprises the pilot burner, thermocouple, safety valve, ignition control module, and switch. If these components are defective, the pilot won't ignite, and the furnace will stop working. If the parts have dirt and debris, the furnace won't operate efficiently. Therefore, clean the pilot assembly and inspect the individual parts for wear and tear. Replace worn components to allow safe and efficient ignition of gas in the furnace.

Clean the Furnace Burners

Dirt and grime can block the holes on the burners, preventing proper combustion. Clogged burners burn gas inefficiently and release carbon monoxide gas. If your furnace doesn't have a sealed combustion system, carbon monoxide gas can leak into the room and pose a health hazard. Therefore, clean the furnace burners regularly to remove dirt and grime buildup. Ensure the flame is blue at all times, which signifies complete combustion.

Inspect and Lubricate the Blower Motor and Fan

The blower motor is the component that blows heated air into the ductwork for circulation throughout the home. The motor has a fan that helps push air into the ductwork. If the fan or motor is faulty or inefficient, the blower won't push enough air into the house. Consequently, the furnace will work harder to provide heating, leading to increased energy consumption. Clean and lubricate the blower motor and fan to allow smooth operation and even heating throughout the home. 

Besides maintaining the furnace components, clean your ductwork and air filters to allow proper circulation of heated air in the home. Contact a heating contractor for professional heating maintenance services.