Dirty furnace filters can
raise heating costs and reduce the life of
your equipment. You should,
Examine replacement
filters once a month, replacing them every
one or two months during the heating and
cooling seasons.
Wash and rinse permanent
filters monthly.
Clean electronic air
cleaner filters every one to two months.
2. CHECKING THE BLOWER
MOTOR
Always turn off the
electric power before working on the motor.
If your furnace belt is
broken or worn, replace it. Ensure the
correct part is used for replacement.
Keep a spare belt handy.
They are available at most automotive and
hardware stores as well as your heating
repair depot.
Furnace belts and
pulleys may need adjustment. Always turn off
the power first before making any
adjustments.
3. OILING THE FAN MOTOR
Always turn off the
electric power before working on the motor.
Always check the motor
carefully. Some motors are self-lubricating
and require no oil.
Most fan motors need
periodic oiling. Add a couple of drops of
oil (SAE 20 Oil) in the oil receptacle twice
yearly. Do this carefully so as to not
over-lubricate.
4. EXAMINING THE FAN OR
BLOWER
Always turn off the
electric power first.
Ensure the fins on the
blower fan are clean. Make sure the fan
housing is clear of debris.
5. CHECKING THE
HUMIDIFIER
Proper humidity levels
will reduce your heating costs and make your
home more comfortable.
Clean your humidifier
once a month, more often if you have hard
water.
Power or drum
humidifiers are easy to control, cause few
problems, and are very efficient. They do
need to be cleaned regularly.
Replace the pad or wick
once a year.
6. CHECKING THE
CHIMNEYS AND VENTS
Before starting up your
furnace or fireplace, check that your
chimney or vent is not blocked by debris,
and make sure it has not deteriorated.
Check any metal chimney
that protrudes from your home. To inhibit
rusting, paint the exposed metal chimney
with an outdoor primer and then apply a
water-based, outdoor latex paint. If it's
already rusty, clean off the rust with a
wire brush and then paint with an outdoor
primer, then apply a water-based, outdoor
latex paint.
7. KEEPING YOUR FURNACE
AREA CLEAN
Never store chemicals,
chlorine, paint thinners, paint strippers,
or gasoline in the furnace room.
If you're using any of
the above, always shut off any pilot lights
in the room and open up the windows during
and after use. Wait until fumes have
dissipated before re-starting the pilot
lights.
Make sure there is a
free flow of air to the furnace. Keep an
area of at least two feet around the furnace
clear by removing any boxes or obstructions.
Also, the furnace room should not be
completely closed off with walls and solid
doors.
8. KEEPING HEATING
AREAS CLEAN
Keep return air grills,
hot air registers, radiators, and space
heaters/baseboards clear of furniture, rugs,
and drapes to allow free movement of air.
9. SEALING FURNACE
DUCTS
You can ensure more
heated or cooled air reaches its destination
by sealing the accessible furnace duct seams
with duct tape.
10. INSULATING FURNACE
DUCTS
Insulate all ducts in
unheated or cooler spaces with commercial
duct insulation - or make your own! Simply
wrap the duct with glass fibre batts, secure
lightly with string, cover insulation with
plastic, and tape all edges.
Furnace Trouble Shooting
1. CHECKING THE PILOT
Older furnaces have a
standing pilot light that burns
continuously. As well as igniting the
burners, the pilot light is also a safety
device.
If the pilot light is
out, follow the relighting instructions on
your furnace.
Newer furnaces have an
electronic pilot. Just follow the
instructions and reset the switch.
If you are at all unsure
of the correct procedure, call your
qualified heating contactor.
2. CHECKING FUSES OR
BREAKER SWITCHES
Find out which fuse or
breaker switch controls the power to your
furnace; it should be marked on the fuse
panel. If necessary, replace the fuse or
reset the switch.
You can't always see
fuse damage. Be on the safe side; always
replace it with a correctly-sized fuse. If
it fails again, there could be a short
circuit. For more information call your
electrician.
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