Keeping a furnace checklist handy can help you understand potential problems that may occur, as well as annual professional-maintenance procedures that are typically required. However, since residential, gas-fired furnaces incorporate a high-temperature burner flame and produce combustion byproducts, including dangerous carbon monoxide, just one item on the typical furnace checklist is something you can handle on your own: Be sure to replace the furnace air filter at least every other month all winter long. Leave the rest of the furnace checklist below to a qualified HVAC service technician.
Here’s a typical furnace checklist that a service tech might utilize to conduct routine furnace maintenance and inspection:
- Verify all safety controls and wiring connections between sensors.
- Clean burners and the furnace combustion chamber.
- Visually inspect the heat exchanger for signs of cracks or other defects that could leak dangerous gases into the system airflow.
- Clean the electronic flame sensor or thermocouple in an older unit and verify proper operation.
- Clean the furnace blower and pulley. Adjust fan belt tension if necessary. Lubricate all moving blower parts. Test the blower for proper operation.
- Check the condensate drain pan for mold or algae growth. Verify that condensate flows freely through the drain line.
- Inspect the condition of the furnace vent pipe all the way to the roof. Look for any obstructions such as bird’s nests.
- Make sure adequate combustion air can reach the combustion chamber.
- Cycle the furnace on and monitor proper ignition and flame quality.
- Measure and record furnace manifold pressure.
- Check temperature rise. If necessary, adjust blower output.
- Test for carbon monoxide in circulating air and free air and record the level.
- Verify that furnace has the gas-pressure test tag attached.
- Wipe the furnace cabinet clean. Verify that no flammable materials are stored nearby.
- Test home smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if required.
- Review results with the homeowner.
If you have questions about a furnace checklist or other HVAC-related issues, the professionals at Paitson Bros. — your source of trusted advice in the Wabash Valley since 1922 — are here to help.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922