It's that time of the year again. Cold weather is moving in and furnaces are turning on. Have you had your furnace inspected within the last year? If not, you could doing yourself a serious disservice. Your furnace may be running inefficiently and using more gas and/or electric than necessary, or there could be hidden problems waiting to show up when the temperatures really drop, or you could even be at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. We will examine the benefits of having routine inspections and maintenance performed on your furnace.
The picture above is a picture of a heat exchanger for a gas furnace. As you can see, it is not in good shape. We replaced this furnace 3 months ago in August. We were originally called out to repair the air conditioner and inspect the furnace. The air conditioner was 30 years old and had a defective outdoor condensing coil which was non-repairable and required replacement. But the furnace was in worse condition. The heat exchanger was completely rusted through as you can see. This is one of the worst defective heat exchangers that I have seen in a long time. I asked the tenant if she had noticed being drowsy and/or having headaches during the past winter. She indicated that she had. She was lucky. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. If this single picture alone isn't motivation to have your furnace inspected annually, then I don't know what is. In addition to safety issues like this, having your furnace inspected annually can prevent failure, increase efficiency, and prolong longevity of your furnace.
Maintenance issues that can cause decreased efficiency and increased likelihood of breakdown include : dirty heat exchanger, dirty burners, dirty flame sensor, dirty filter, dirty blower wheel, dirty condensate trap, and dirty indoor ac coil. These things can be checked during the inspection to insure that they are not a potential problem. Also, igniters can be checked for proper resistance and capacitors for proper capacitance. theses two things are common issues that can be easily addressed during the inspection. Motors can be checked for proper amperages, and air temperture measured to insure proper operating range. Carbon monoxide tests can be performed to insure that the furnace is not producing elevated amounts and that none of it is entering your conditioned house air. Other things that may be checked include combustion efficiency, manifold gas pressure, gas leak testing, and draft pressure. There are many things that can be inspected that can insure that you furnace is operating efficiently and safely not to mention preventative measures that can prolong the furnace longevity and reduce the likelihood of furnace repairs or premature furnace replacement.
So what's holding you back? Now that you can see the benefits of having your furnace inspected annually, call to schedule your appointment today. Don't wait for a breakdown to occur or for carbon monoxide to sicken you. now is the time.
-Jim Harless
Minutemen Heating and Cooling, Inc.
614-837-5062
