Keeping Your AC System Cleaner

Addressing Two Important Furnace Maintenance Questions

by Yolanda White

Furnaces are common heating systems that are employed by people living in areas with harsh winters. These units are able to produce a tremendous amount of heat, and they are normally extremely reliable if properly maintained. Unfortunately, some people underestimate the maintenance needs of these devices, and this can lead to major mechanical problems. By understanding these two common maintenance questions about furnaces, you should have a better idea of when to have the system serviced by a professional technician. 

How Can You Tell If The Primary Fan Needs Servicing?

In order to distribute the heat produced by the furnace, a strong fan is used to circulate air through the ducts running through your house. Without this fan, the furnace would be unable to heat the home regardless of how much heat it was producing. As a result, it is vital for you to ensure that this part of the system is properly maintained. 

If at any point you notice a strong sound or intense vibrations coming from the furnace fan, you should immediately contact a professional technician. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to turn off the fan, and based on the description you provide the technician like one at Ice Age Mechanical, they will likely be able to tell you if it is safe to leave the fan running. 

Why Does The Burner Lose Efficiency As Time Passes?

Over the years of having your furnace, you may notice that the pilot light will start encountering problems. Whether it is constantly going out or simply not hot enough, problems with this part of your furnace can substantially reduce the efficiency of your system. While this problem can have major effects on your system, it is actually a relatively simple problem to address. 

These issues arise because soot will accumulate around the burner, and this may restrict the airflow to the flame. As a result, it will struggle to work as designed, but you can correct these issues by simply cleaning the soot off. To do this, you will only need a damp rag, but you will need to allow the burner to completely dry before it can be lit.  

A working furnace can be the only thing standing between you and the brutally cold outside temperatures. However, when these systems encounter problems, you can quickly find yourself in a dire situation. Luckily, understanding when the fan needs to be inspected and how to keep the burner free from soot deposits can help you avoid going long nights without heat. 

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