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Gas Furnace Tune-up
Level of difficulty: Beginner
| Before the cold winds begin to blow, you should inspect your
gas-fired hot-air system once a year and perform routine tasks such
as cleaning, oiling, and filter servicing. You'll be repaid for your time
and effort in energy savings, fewer breakdowns and service calls,
and increased equipment longevity. Most importantly, however, is
the peace of mind you'll receive knowing that your furnace system
will be operating safely for the upcoming heating season. Here are
the basics for servicing your gas furnace. Tools & Materials:
- Vacuum
- Air compressor or canned air
- Goggles
- Screwdrivers and nut drivers
- Open-end wrenches
- Replacement furnace filter
- Degreaser
- Nondetergent electric motor oil
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| 1. Clean Burner Assembly | |  | | After the electrical power and gas have been turned off,
vacuum the entire burner area. Unscrew and remove
the burner tubes (left) and tap them on end to shake
out any dirt or rust particles. Every two years, remove
the pilot light/thermocouple assembly. Clean the
thermocouple with a soft cloth and the pilot light with
compressed air. |
| | |  Caution: | | | | When cleaning with compressed air, wear goggles and a dust mask when
necessary.
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| 2. Clean Gas Orifices | |  | | Use an open-end wrench to remove the gas orifice that
is screwed into the manifold pipe at each burner tube
location. Blow out any particles with compressed air. |
| Step 3. Service Filters | | | Replace disposable air filters or clean washable ones with soapy water twice a year. Follow
manufacturer's instructions for cleaning electronic filters once a year. A replacement filter
must be the same size and thickness as the original. Install it so the air flows as indicated by
the arrows on the filter. |
| 4. Clean Fan and Motor | |  | | Remove the fan housing (left). Access varies, but is
evident upon inspection. Replace a worn or cracked belt
and tighten a loose one until there is only about 1/2
inch of play. Clean the fan blades with compressed air
and a brush. Don't disturb any weights on the blades. If
necessary, use an automotive grease-cutting solvent
but do not get liquid into the motor. Clean the exterior of
the motor and blow dust off the windings. |
| 5. Lubricate Fan and Motor | |  | | Once a year, lubricate the fan shaft at lubricating ports
or reservoirs. If the motor has oiling ports, insert 3-6
drops of heavy-duty electric motor oil. Do not over-oil
and do not use automotive motor oil or "3-in-1" type
household oil. |
| 6. Adjust Pilot and Main Burner | |  | | Rotate the screw at the gas valve, where the pilot light
gas supply tube connects to the gas valve, to adjust the
pilot light until it is blue and just large enough to reach
the thermocouple. To adjust the main burner: Loosen
the setscrew and close down the air opening or shutter
until the flame is yellow; then open it until the yellow tip
is gone and the flames have soft blue cones. Retighten
the setscrew. |
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