Plenty of homeowners wonder if they can DIY their furnace maintenance tasks to save time and money. But is this a good idea? A furnace is a complex piece of equipment. When you add to that the dangers related to its fuel source, natural gas, there is a lot of room for error when it comes to performing your own gas furnace maintenance.

Most HVAC companies do not recommend that you perform repairs or complicated maintenance on your gas furnace. It is wise to leave these tasks to the experts who know how to safely handle heating equipment and work with natural gas.

However, there are some gas furnace maintenance tips that you can do on your own. The following is a list of basic and safe furnace DIY tips you can use at home:

• Perform a visual inspection. Look at the exterior of your furnace, checking for black soot, corrosion or leakage, which can be signs of major problems.
• Check the pilot light. If the pilot light is not burning, follow the instructions in your furnace manual to relight it. If it still does not ignite, call a professional for assistance.
• Check the burner flames. Visually examine the flames inside your furnace, which should be steady and blue in colour. If you see yellow flames, this could indicate that the burners are dirty. Call a professional for assistance.
• Clean the flame sensor. Over time, residue can build up on the flame sensor, which can cause your furnace to shut off and on repeatedly. Use a piece of light grit sandpaper or steel wool to clean the sensor.
• Check your thermostat. If you find that the indoor temperature is not quite comfortable, there may be an issue with your thermostat. Test it by raising and lowering the temperature a few degrees and see how your furnace adjusts. The thermostat may need replacement if there is no response.
• Repair the ductwork. If you notice any air leaking from connections in your ductwork, repair them with foil tape. For larger holes, you may need the help of an expert to patch or replace sections of ductwork.
• Replace your air filter. Your gas furnace’s air filter should be replaced at the beginning of the heating season, and on a monthly basis throughout periods of peak usage. A clean filter is essential for proper airflow and healthy, clean air.
• Check for gas leaks. If you notice any natural gas smells near your furnace, always call your local gas company immediately to shut off the gas safely.

Not sure if you need an expert to handle your gas furnace maintenance? We’d be happy to help! Contact Evam Canada today for all your furnace maintenance and repair needs in Mississauga and beyond. Schedule your service now by calling us at 1-905-624-5544 or contact us online.