Furnace Maintenance

GAS FURNACE MAINTENANCE

Warning

Before proceeding, be sure the area is well ventilated. Turn the thermostat OFF. If the blower is running, wait until it stops automatically. Turn OFF the gas and electrical power supplies to the furnace. Check all metal parts and surfaces to be sure they have cooled to room temperature before you begin.

EXTERNAL AIR FILTERS

Filters used with this furnace must be installed external to the furnace casing. DO NOT attempt to install filters inside the furnace cabinet. Some installations may have the air filter in a rack attached to the casing of the furnace or placed in the return air duct. If the filter location or replacement process is not obvious, contact your installer or service technician for assistance.

Every time the external air filters are changed the following items should be visually inspected: • Check combustion air and vent pipe for blockage or leakage; • Check all components to be sure they are in good condition and that there are no obvious signs of deterioration; • Check the drain lines to make sure there are no cracks or leaks; • Check for dirt or lint on any surfaces or on components. Do not try to clean any of the surfaces or components. Cleaning of the furnace and its components must be done by a qualified service professional.

If during the inspection of your furnace, you find any of the following conditions:

• Excessive amounts of dust and lint on components;
• Damaged or deteriorated components or surfaces;
• Leaks or blockage in the vent pipe passages;
• Water on any surface inside or outside of the furnace;

Do not operate the furnace, call a certified dealer or servicing contractor to check or clean your furnace, or for more information if you have questions about the operation of your furnace. If all components appear to be in good operating condition, replace the furnace access panels/doors. Turn ON the gas and electrical power supplies to the furnace, and set thermostat to the desired temperature.

How to clean your filter

High-velocity filters may be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or washed with a garden hose. Be sure to shake off excess water and allow filter to completely dry before re-installing the filter.

Replace throw away filter(s) with the same size new filter(s). Throw away filter(s) may be replaced with cleanable filter(s) at this time.

BLOWER CARE

Even with good filters properly in place, blower wheels and motors will become dust laden after months of operation. The entire blower assembly should be inspected annually. This service must be performed by a qualified service agency.

NOTE: The spring-loaded safety cut-off switch, mounted at the blower deck will automatically cut off the electrical power supply to the furnace when the furnace blower access panel/door is removed. As a safety precaution, all electrical power and the gas supply to the furnace should be turned off before servicing.

MOTOR LUBRICATION

The motors in these furnaces are permanently lubricated, and do not require periodic oiling.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your furnace is not operating correctly, the following visual checks should be made before contacting your local contractor, dealer, or service provider.

1. Check that electrical power to the furnace is turned on.
2. Check that the manual gas shut-off valve in the gas piping supply is turned to the ON position.
3. Check that the ON/OFF switch on the gas valve is turned to the ON position.
4. Check that the furnace blower access panel/door is correctly positioned. The electrical power supply will be cut off if this door is removed.

FURNACE MAINTENANCE

The furnace should be cleaned and adjusted by a certified dealer or qualified service contractor once a year or before the start of every heating season. The following items must be cleaned and serviced or replaced if there are signs of deterioration.

1. The vent terminal.
2. The furnace vent and combustion air intake passageways. Should it be necessary to service the vent/air intake system, the manufacturer recommends this service be conducted by a qualified service agency. The operation of this appliance requires the reassembly and resealing of the vent/air intake system.
3. The furnace burners, ignitor and flame sensor.
4. The condensate collection and disposal system. If any disassembly of components containing flue or vent gases is required, a qualified service agency must perform the service.
5. Heat exchanger assembly.
6. Induced draft motor assembly

Electric furnace maintenance

ELECTRIC FURNACE MAINTENANCE

Warning

Before proceeding, be sure the area is well ventilated. Turn the thermostat OFF. If the blower is running, wait until it stops automatically. Turn OFF and electrical power supplies to the furnace. Check all metal parts and surfaces to be sure they have cooled to room temperature before you begin.

EXTERNAL AIR FILTERS

Filters used with this furnace must be installed external to the furnace casing. DO NOT attempt to install filters inside the furnace cabinet. Some installations may have the air filter in a rack attached to the casing of the furnace or placed in the return air duct. If the filter location or replacement process is not obvious, contact your installer or service technician for assistance.

Every time the external air filters are changed the following items should be visually inspected:

• Check all components to be sure they are in good condition and that there are no obvious signs of deterioration;
• Check for dirt or lint on any surfaces or on components. Do not try to clean any of the surfaces or components. Cleaning of the furnace and its components must be done by a qualified service professional.

If during the inspection of your furnace, you find any of the following conditions:

• Excessive amounts of dust and lint on components;
• Damaged or deteriorated components or surfaces;
• Water on any surface inside or outside of the furnace;

Do not operate the furnace, call a certified dealer or servicing contractor to check or clean your furnace, or for more information if you have questions about the operation of your furnace. If all components appear to be in good operating condition, replace the furnace access panels/doors. Turn ON the gas and electrical power supplies to the furnace, and set thermostat to the desired temperature.

How to clean your filter

High-velocity filters may be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or washed with a garden hose. Be sure to shake off excess water and allow filter to completely dry before re-installing the filter.

Replace throw away filter(s) with the same size new filter(s). Throw away filter(s) may be replaced with cleanable filter(s) at this time.

BLOWER CARE

Even with good filters properly in place, blower wheels and motors will become dust laden after months of operation. The entire blower assembly should be inspected annually. This service must be performed by a qualified service agency.

NOTE: The spring-loaded safety cut-off switch, mounted at the blower deck will automatically cut off the electrical power supply to the furnace when the furnace blower access panel/door is removed. As a safety precaution, all electrical power and to the furnace should be turned off before servicing.

MOTOR LUBRICATION

The motors in these furnaces are permanently lubricated, and do not require periodic oiling.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your furnace is not operating correctly, the following visual checks should be made before contacting your local contractor, dealer, or service provider.

• Make sure electrical power is turned on.
• Check that the furnace blower access panel/door is correctly positioned. The electrical power supply will be cut off if this door is removed.

FURNACE MAINTENANCE

The furnace should be cleaned and adjusted by a certified dealer or qualified service contractor once a year or before the start of every heating season. The following items must be cleaned and serviced or replaced if there are signs of deterioration.

Split AC or HP care

CARE OF SYSTEM

A periodic inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of your heat pump is available from your dealer. Be sure to ask him about this service. For those who prefer to do-it-yourself, follow the instructions below to care for your system.

COIL CARE

Keep the outdoor unit free of foliage, grass clippings, leaves, paper, and any other material which could restrict the proper air flow in and out of the unit. The coil may be vacuumed to remove any debris from between the fins. If the coil becomes excessively dirty, turn the main disconnect switch to “Off” and wash the coil with your garden hose. Avoid getting water into the fan motor and control box. Flush dirt from base pan after cleaning the coil.

CARE OF FAN MOTORS

Some fan motors are provided with lubrication ports. Inspect your indoor and outdoor units to determine whether or not lubrication ports are provided.

The fan motor is shipped with an oil supply which will last for several years under normal operating conditions. After this time, each motor bearing should be oiled with 10-15 drops (approximately 1/4 teaspoon) of SAE 20 non-detergent electric motor oil or automobile oil. DO NOT use definite purpose oils such as sewing machine, cleaning, rust preventative, cutting, household, etc.

If your system is an add-on type, (installed in conjunction with a standard furnace) inspect your furnace blower motor and care for it in the same way.

FILTER CARE

Inspect the air filter(s) at least once a month. If they are dirty, wash reusable filters with a mild detergent per manufacturer’s recommendations. Replace disposable filters with new filters. Install the clean filters with “air flow” arrow in the same direction as the air flow in your duct. Filters should be clean to assure maximum efficiency and adequate air circulation.

Caution

Coil cleaning solutions must be diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The use of undiluted coil cleaning solutions on the coil WILL damage the coil coating.

Warning This product must be installed and serviced by a qualified installer or service agency. Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause injury or property damage.

Ductless maintenance

With proper ductless maintenance you can ensure that your system has a long life. That is good considering the cost to replace it. You will also save energy and have lower utility bills.

Most dealers offer service contracts, but you can do a part of it yourself and save.

Caution

Before cleaning the air conditioner, be sure to turn it off and disconnect the power.

Remove dust from the indoor unit with a vacuum cleaner; wipe the unit with warm water, then dry with a clean, soft cloth.

During periods of normal use, the air filters should be cleaned every two weeks. If dirt is allowed to accumulate on the air filter, air flow will be reduced, lowering operating efficiency and increasing noise. Dust can be cleaned from the air filter either with a vacuum cleaner, or by washing the filter in a solution of mild detergent and warm water. If you wash the filter, be sure to allow it to dry thoroughly in a shady place before reinstalling.

Air cleaning filters (carbon filters) are disposable. They can not be washed and reused. Generally, they should be changed every three months.

Deodorizing filters should be changed every three years in order to maintain their deodorizing effect. Every three months, clean the filters with water and make sure they are dry before reinstalling them.

If your unit uses plasma filters, a sensor will let you know when it must be cleaned. To do so, let it sit in warm water with mild detergent. Ensure it is completely dry before reinstalling in the unit. Plasma filters can last up to 6-8 years.

To keep your system in mint condition, an exterior cleaning is also required. Simply wipe the unit with a damp cloth and, with a garden hose, make sure there are no contaminants on the exterior coil.