Your furnace works hard all winter to keep your home warm and comfortable. But without proper maintenance, parts can wear out prematurely, impacting performance and safety. Regular furnace cleaning and inspection helps catch parts wearing or in need of replacement before failures occur.
Dust and Debris Take a Toll
Over time, dust and debris accumulate inside your furnace from outdoor air entering through vents and ducts. This buildup can:
•Restrict air intake and exhaust vents. Clogged vents reduce airflow which strains parts.
•Deposit onto moving parts like motors and blowers. Friction from dirt accelerates wear of bearings and seals.
•Trap moisture that leads to corrosion. Rust and corrosion shorten the lifespan of metal components.
As a result, dust and debris contribute to parts wearing out faster. Critical components you want inspected include:
•Blower Motor – The blower propels air through your ductwork. Over time, dust buildup causes premature motor failure.
•Burners – The gas burners that produce heat can become clogged and less efficient as dust accumulates.
•Heat Exchanger – This coil-like part transfers heat into your home’s air. Corrosion from moisture trapped in dust shortens its life.
•Filters – Clogged filters put more strain on your furnace and allow dust to reach interior parts.
Inspecting Parts for Wear During Cleaning
The best way to check your furnace parts for wear is during a routine annual cleaning. Technicians:
•Remove the furnace casing to access all internal components.
•Vacuum dust and debris from parts using specialized tools.
•Thoroughly clean dust traps that collect contaminants.
•Inspect parts for signs of wear like cracks, corrosion, or loose fasteners.
•Check that motors and controls function properly while running the furnace.
•Advise you on any concerning issues or parts that need attention or replacement.
When replacing worn parts, professionals use high-quality OEM or original equipment manufacturer components for reliability. They also properly reinstall new parts and reseal the furnace to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Benefits of Inspecting Parts During Furnace Cleaning
Having technicians inspect parts and system controls during annual cleaning offers many advantages:
•Issues are caught early before failures during the heating season.
•Worn parts are proactively replaced before causing longer downtime or costlier repairs.
•Problems with airflow, combustion or controls that impact safety are identified and corrected.
•Your furnace runs as efficiently as possible heading into the colder months.
In summary, routine annual furnace cleaning not only removes dust and debris that accelerate part wear, but allows technicians to inspect critical components for signs of wear. Catching and addressing worn parts proactively helps avoid costly repairs, maximize furnace performance and ensure dependable, safe heat for years to come.