Here's What the Technician Checks During an Annual Furnace Inspection
Posted on Nov 10, 2017 9:25am PST
The Seattle weather’s turning cold and you know what that means—it’s
time to call for your annual pre-winter
furnace inspection. Having your furnace checked and cleaned every year by an HVAC professional
is a must if you want to guard against any midwinter breakdowns. You may
be wondering, however, just what a furnace inspection entails. How essential
is it? These are some of the tasks that happen during a typical furnace
inspection:
Check the Wiring
If your furnace’s wiring needs to be replaced, it’s better
to know that before the winter, when you’ll probably be running
it regularly. An inspector can check all the wiring in your furnace and
replace any of it that has become corroded or worn-out. This isn’t
just important to keep your furnace running—it can also help to
prevent fires.
Inspect the Vents
Without clear vents, your furnace won’t be able to keep your home
comfortable when the temperature falls. In addition to making sure that
there are no blocks or leaks inside your vents, an inspector can clean
them out to help ensure that your indoor air stays clean and fresh. Your
grills and louvers will also be checked during the inspection.
Check the Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is perhaps the single most important component of your
heating system—after all, it’s where the air that circulates
through your furnace is heated. An inspector will examine your heat exchanger
to make sure that it is still in good condition, and that it hasn’t
become rusted or corroded over time.
Inspect the Drainage System
Your furnace also needs a working drainage system to continue to provide
you with great service. When an HVAC professional looks at your drainage
system, he or she will check all the hoses, clean out the condensate drain,
and replace the water in the trap.