Furnaces

More information about furnaces

Learn how to buy, maintain and get the most out of the biggest energy user in your home — your furnace.

Maintaining your furnace

Regular inspection and maintenance is the best way to keep your furnace working well. A qualified gas contractor should do an annual furnace inspection and service. Between visits, here's what you can do:

Safety note: WHEN INSPECTING OR CHANGING FILTERS OR FAN BELTS, SHUT OFF THE ELECTRICITY AT THE FURNACE SWITCH AND AT THE CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL FIRST.

Change or clean filters at least every three months and keep the fan compartment door tightly closed. Filters are located at or near the blower compartment of the furnace and are held in place by a clip.
If your furnace has a fan belt, inspect it for cracks or signs of wear (and replace if necessary) at the same time you change the furnace filters.
Keep vents and air returns clear of obstructions like furniture, lint, dust or pet hair.
Check the chimney and appliance vent system at least once a year to ensure that the pipe is connected securely, that there are no signs of corrosion or damage and that nothing has fallen into the base of the chimney or into the flue.
Keep the area around the furnace clear. Don't store items against the furnace. Don't store flammable items in the furnace room.
If your furnace motor has oiling points, apply one or two drops of SAE 20 non-detergent oil every heating season. Avoid over-oiling!

Watch for warning signs

There are almost always warning signs that a furnace isn't working properly:

frequent pilot light outages (not all furnaces have pilot lights — check your manual)
delayed ignition (mid- and high-efficiency furnaces have an intentional delay — check your manual)
a yellow or wavering flame
excessive soot or corrosion on the appliance or vent system (white, brown or black streaks)
too much or too little heat
any continuous or intermittent odour – either the "rotten egg" or sulfur smell of the odourant in natural gas or a sharp odour that may cause eyes to sting
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: nausea, headaches, lethargy or other flu-like symptoms
indications that the flame has 'rolled-out' of the furnace — scorch marks by the door or other opening

If your pilot light goes out

Most natural gas appliances with pilot lights are designed to shut off automatically if the pilot goes out. To relight the pilot, follow the manufacturer's instructions (usually located on a metal plate near the furnace burner or gas controls). If it fails to relight, turn off the manual valve in the natural gas supply to the furnace and call a qualified gas contractor.

NOTE: Many newer gas furnaces do not have a pilot light. Check your owner's manual.

Safety

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