At Air Design Services we get asked that a lot. Most people think a furnace inspection involves flipping the thermostat to “on” and replacing the filter. In reality, a furnace inspection is a lot more involved and can save you thousands of dollars in furnace repair costs. Not to mention water damage caused by frozen pipes because your furnace quit while you were away on holidays.
Think of it this way, would you buy a used car without having it inspected? Would you run that car forever without having an oil change and inspection done? We didn’t think so.
How often should you get your furnace inspected? The general rule is twice a year for combined heating and cooling systems or once for each of the stand-alone systems.
Let’s review a few of the areas we look at when performing a furnace inspection.
Inspect and clean the blower motor, wheel and housing.
- If it’s an older model we lubricate the furnace blower motor, check belt and replace if needed.
- Check combustion blower for any obstructions and lint, clean as required.
- In gas furnaces we inspect for any gas leaks.
- Inspect the condensate lines and pan, drain as required.
- Check evaporator coil.
- Inspect burner and clean if necessary.
- Check safety controls, ignition and adjust if required.
- Perform a complete inspection of the heat exchanger and/or heat elements.
- Check the flue system ensuring good connections. Inspect for corrosion.
- Check all electrical systems including control box, wiring and connections.
- Inspect air filters and replace as needed.
- Check ductwork for any leaks.
- Review system start up for errors.
- Listen for sounds that may indicate a furnace issue.
- Detect any unusual odors and search for source.
- Review air conditioning and heat pumps while HVAC system is running.
- Measure indoor and outdoor bulbs for pressure.
- Check all furnace system pressures, including high and low side and manifold.
- Measure temperature rise and adjust.
- Inspect vent system while furnace is operating.
As you can see, inspecting a furnace system is a lot more than just flipping a switch and checking to make sure your furnace is generating heat. It is critical you have your furnace inspected to ensure your furnace is operating properly. Having your furnace shut down in the middle of winter is not only an inconvenience it can cost you thousands of dollars in water damage if your water pipes were to freeze.
Preventative maintenance is the most cost effective way to avoid expensive furnace repairs later.
Call or contact Air Design Services to have your furnace inspected in the London Strathroy area and rest easy knowing you did all you could to protect your investment.
Air Design Services, 39 Enterprise Dr. London, ON, N6N 1A3