Basic Furnace Repair and Maintenance

(Page 2 of 2)

Feb. 6, 2008
By Troy Griepentrog 
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Your furnace blower might be powered by a V-belt connected to an electric motor. If the belt is cracking or fraying, it needs to be replaced. Even if the belt looks OK, you might want to check the blower and motor pulleys for alignment; if they’re not aligned the belt will wear out faster (and make more noise). To align it, loosen the screws holding the motor in place, then align the pulleys using a metal carpenter’s square and tighten the screws.

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You can replace the oil filter to keep clean fuel flowing to an oil-burning furnace. Check the owner’s manual to find out how to bleed air out of the fuel line, though it may not be necessary on your model. Regularly checking the fuel lines and connections for leaks is a good idea. For more information on maintaining and repairing an oil furnace, read Oil-Furnace Troubleshooting.

If you have a hot water system, bleed air out of radiators annually. While the system is on, simply open the bleeder valve on each radiator until water comes out without sputtering. Be prepared to catch the water and be careful — it’s hot! There are different types of bleeder valves on radiators: Some open with a screwdriver; others, with a special key or a knob already in place.

For all types of furnaces, make sure the outside vents and chimneys are not blocked by snow, leaves, nests, etc. Such blockages can cause carbon monoxide hazards. Flues that leak pose carbon monoxide and fire hazards, so check for cracks or joints that are separating.

 Do you have other tips for maintaining furnaces? Post them in the comments section.

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Comments

  • Richard Morriss 10/23/2008 2:03:23 PM

    You can purchase a washable filter at a local store and use it. They make a washable electrostatic filter that have a good life cycle.

  • Keith Britton 10/22/2008 1:47:23 PM

    To conserve landfill and trying to be environmentally sound, I sometimes clean and reuse my filters. What would you recommend for a more permanent answer to replacing filters monthly or tri-monthly?

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