| In most homes in North America, unless you live | | | | furnace is important to not store anything around |
| in a warm, sunny part, you will find three types | | | | it, no flammables near it. Keep the air filter clean, |
| of furnace systems, the conventional furnace, | | | | make sure the gas burners have a clean blue |
| mid- efficiency furnace, and high-efficiency | | | | flame, and that there are no unusual sounds when |
| furnace. With some homes, you will also find a | | | | it starts or runs. Make sure that there are no |
| wood furnace or an outdoor wood furnace. Here | | | | leaks coming from it or unusual odors and that |
| are a few tips on maintaining your furnace | | | | the thermostat is functioning properly. If you have |
| throughout the year. If you have a forced-air gas | | | | electric radiant heat, it is still a good idea to follow |
| furnace, there is a thermostatically-controlled gas | | | | similar safety precautions. |
| control valve that feeds through a manifold to a | | | | Here are some of the tasks performed by a |
| series of burner tubes. Your furnace ignites by an | | | | licensed heating technician. They check for |
| electric spark or constant-flame pilot ignition | | | | hazardous debris in the chimney or flue, safety |
| system. The furnace blower then heats and | | | | test for carbon monoxide, ensure the furnace |
| circulates the air that was warmed in the heat | | | | filter is cleaned and reinstalled, check the operation |
| exchanger above the burners. | | | | of your thermostat and its safety controls, clean |
| It is important that the air is warmed inside the | | | | the motor and fan, check blower operation, and |
| exchanger without allowing any deadly carbon | | | | check the gas pilot safety system, cleaning it as |
| monoxide, that is usually odorless into the supply | | | | well, if required. All belts are checked for condition |
| ducts. You will find that on most models of blower | | | | and tension and any necessary adjustments |
| and burner chambers, there are individual access | | | | made. The burners are cleaned and set for |
| panels or a single large panel. The operation of | | | | proper combustion and ignition, and the gas piping |
| your furnace is regulated by the gas control | | | | is checked as well. Remember to have your |
| valve, a remote thermostat and ignition system. | | | | furnace overhauled once a year to ensure good |
| In addition to having a technician service your | | | | clean and safe operation. |