In preventive maintenance, the key word is “preventive.”  The goal is not merely to maintain; it’s to head off problems before they strike. It’s based on the assumption that most mechanical failures are better and less-expensively prevented than they are repaired after they happen. After a long season of inactivity, your furnace is facing another challenging Kansas winter. Don’t put off scheduling routine maintenance service until the first cold snap. Any HVAC contractor can tell you that’s one of the busiest times of the year. Homeowners who’ve put off seasonal maintenance suddenly discover their system won’t start or isn’t fully functional. A typical procedure performed by an HVAC technician takes only an hour. Be proactive and get prepared for the winter with a professional maintenance service call that includes the following:

  • Start up the furnace and check the ducts and flue for dangerous level of carbon monoxide gas.
  • Verify the operation of the blower including the wear and tension of the fan belt.
  • Shut down the furnace and inspect the heat exchanger for cracks.
  • Lubricate the oil ports in the blower motor.
  • Make sure the condensate drain is open and drains freely.
  • Inspect all wiring and verify the tightness of connections.
  • Verify that the limit controls including the limit switch, pressure switch and roll-out switch are operational and calibrated correctly.
  • Inspect the vent duct for leaks and obstructions all the way to the roof.
  • Verify the operation of the pilot light or electronic igniter.
  • Remove the burner and wash it. Clean residue from the pilot light and flame sensor.
  • Restart the furnace and clock the gas meter to check rate of fuel usage.
  • Measure the temperature of supply air and compare to return air temperature to verify proper differential.
  • Compare thermostat readings to actual room temperature and calibrate thermostat if necessary.
  • Clean the exterior of the furnace.

With roots in Wichita reaching back more than 50 years, Comfort Systems serves the community with heating, cooling and plumbing expertise. Contact us to schedule a fall furnace preventive maintenance appointment now.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about preventive maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Posted in Preventative Maintenance and tagged , , , , , ,