diy gas furnace maintenance

Gas furnaces demand regular maintenance and inspection. Cleaning the filters (or replacing them) is particularly important for energy savings, but there are other DIY gas furnace maintenance tasks.

Regular DIY maintenance is also crucial to prevent safety hazards, namely those associated to leaks: gas furnaces can be dangerous without regular maintenance. If you're up to it, here are some simple tips on tasks you can tackle yourself.

Changing or cleaning the air filter

Changing (or cleaning) dirty gas furnace air filters each few months is particularly important. It’s a typical DIY maintenance task: easy, cheap (just a few dollars in the case of replaceable filters) and a source of energy savings.

Look at the owner’s furnace manual for help and tips, and do not forget to clean out the area around the filter with a vacuum or a wet rag, before reinstalling the air filters.

Note: The filters of your gas furnace are usually located in the 1) cabinet of the furnace, 2) behind a slot in the main return air duct, or 3) behind a central return air grille.

Disposable air filters

If the filters are disposable, just replace them with new ones. Filters will cost you some few dollars and can be bought in most improvement and hardware stores.

Washable air filters

Washable air filters (often plastic filters) can be washed with soap and warm water; something that can be done in a bathtub or outdoors, using a common hose. Take into account the owner’s manual for details and tips on cleaning your furnace air filters.

Cleaning the blower

Use a small brush to removed dust or dirt in the blower fans and around them. Vacuum out all the loosened dust and dirt and wipe down the motor with a rag.

Pilot light Tips

Problems in the pilot light can become serious. If the pilot light doesn’t work or isn’t deep blue, pay attention. That's a warning sign, and typically out of common DIY gas furnace maintenance. Call a professional to fix the problem.

Check for gas leaks

Be attentive to gas leaks. You may use a CO2 detector for an accurate measurement, though most leaks are easily spotted by smell or from gas build up. Though simple do detect, leaks should be fixed by a professional.

Lubrication Tips

Most gas furnace motors are sealed and do not require any lubrication, but some do. Oil may be needed. See recommendations and tips in the owner’s furnace manual.

Tension belt Tips

If your gas furnace is running loudly than usual, inspect the tension belt. Damaged belts are a common cause of a noisy running.

Check the venting regularly

Check the exhaust stack connected to your furnace and look for leaks, gaps, rust, blockages and debris. Venting system parts can deteriorate over time. Damaged systems can pose a variety of health hazards, namely CO2 poisoning.

Thermostat DIY Tips

If you are having temperature control problems , take a look at the thermostat. If it isn't working properly, the gas furnace will not function properly either. Confirm all the furnace cycles using your thermostat (through start-up to shut-down). Also check the supply and return air temperature to make sure the thermostat is accurate.