Your Furnace NEEDS to be Inspected EVERY Year! Or Does It? This video by Word of Advice TV tackles the topic of furnace inspections and whether they truly need to be done annually. While the video acknowledges that most people should consider a furnace inspection, it suggests that it doesn’t necessarily have to be done every year. The content of the video covers the two major reasons for getting a furnace inspection – frozen pipes and carbon monoxide poisoning, along with tips for mitigating these risks. It also provides DIY furnace maintenance tips and outlines a recommended frequency for furnace inspections based on the age of the furnace. However, the video emphasizes the importance of carbon monoxide detectors and regular filter replacement, regardless of the inspection frequency.
Reasons for Getting a Furnace Inspection
Getting a furnace inspection is important for several reasons, with two major ones being the risk of frozen pipes and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Frozen Pipes
During the winter months, if your furnace breaks down, leaving the house is not always an option like it would be with an air conditioner in the summer. If the temperature inside your home starts to drop, the water pipes can freeze and burst, causing a massive mess. This is particularly true during a blizzard when you may not be able to get immediate help to fix the furnace. To prevent this, it’s important to have your furnace inspected regularly.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a serious and life-threatening issue that can occur if there is a cracked heat exchanger in an older furnace. The heat exchanger’s role is to separate the exhaust fumes from the supply air, ensuring that the harmful gases are pumped outside of your home. However, if there is a crack in the heat exchanger, the exhaust fumes can leak into the supply air and spread throughout the house. This poses a significant risk to your health and safety. Having a furnace inspection can help identify any issues with the heat exchanger and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mitigating the Risk of Frozen Pipes
To mitigate the risk of frozen pipes, there are a few steps you can take.
Using Space Heaters
In the event that your furnace breaks down in the winter, using space heaters strategically placed throughout your home can help keep it warm enough until you can get the furnace fixed. While this may not be a permanent solution, it can buy you some time until you can find a professional to address the issue.
Turning off Water to the House
If you are facing a furnace breakdown during the winter and you are unable to get immediate help or find alternative heating sources, you can consider turning off the water supply to your entire house. By doing this, you can prevent the pipes from bursting due to freezing temperatures. This may be inconvenient, but it can significantly reduce the chances of water damage.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Furnace Inspections
As mentioned earlier, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if there is a cracked heat exchanger in an older furnace. This is why regular furnace inspections are crucial.
Cracked Heat Exchanger in Older Furnace
Older furnaces are more likely to develop cracks in their heat exchangers. According to experts, at least 10% of furnaces that are over 5 years old have a cracked heat exchanger. By the time a furnace reaches 10 years or older, the likelihood of a cracked heat exchanger increases to 50% or more. This statistic highlights the importance of regular inspections, especially for older furnaces.
Frequency of Furnace Inspections
The frequency of furnace inspections depends on the age of your furnace.
Inspection Every 5 Years up to 10 Years Old
For furnaces that are 5 years or older, it is recommended to have an inspection every 5 years up until the furnace reaches 10 years of age. This is to ensure that any potential issues, such as a cracked heat exchanger, are caught early and addressed.
Inspection Every Other Year After 15 Years Old
Once a furnace reaches 15 years or older, it is recommended to have an inspection every other year. The older a furnace gets, the greater the likelihood of developing problems. Regular inspections can help identify and address any issues before they become major concerns.
Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are essential for every home with a furnace. These devices can detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas and sound an alarm to alert you to potentially dangerous levels. It is important to have carbon monoxide detectors installed on every floor of your home and to regularly check and replace the batteries to ensure they are functioning properly. Carbon monoxide detectors provide an additional layer of safety and can potentially save lives.
Regular Filter Replacement
Another important aspect of furnace maintenance is regular filter replacement. Furnace filters help trap dust, debris, and other particles, preventing them from entering the furnace and affecting its performance. Over time, filters can become clogged, reducing airflow and putting strain on the furnace. It is recommended to replace furnace filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on the type of filter and usage. Regular filter replacement helps maintain the efficiency and longevity of your furnace.
DIY Tips for Furnace Maintenance
If you are a handy person and feel comfortable working on your furnace, there are several do-it-yourself tips you can follow to maintain its performance.
Some DIY tips for furnace maintenance include:
- Cleaning the blower motor and fan blades
- Lubricating the motor and other moving parts
- Checking and cleaning the burner assembly
- Inspecting and cleaning the flue pipe
- Checking and tightening electrical connections
These maintenance tasks can help keep your furnace running smoothly and potentially extend its lifespan. However, it is important to note that if you are not experienced or comfortable working on your furnace, it is best to leave the maintenance and repairs to a trained professional.
Importance of Having a Spare Igniter
Having a spare igniter on hand is recommended, especially during the winter months when furnace breakdowns can occur. The igniter is responsible for lighting the fuel in the furnace, allowing for proper ignition and heat production. If the igniter fails, your furnace will not work. Having a spare igniter readily available can save you time and inconvenience in the event of a breakdown. Consult your furnace’s user manual or contact a professional to determine the correct type of igniter for your specific furnace model.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it may not be necessary to get a furnace inspection every single year, it is still recommended for most people to have their furnace inspected regularly. Frozen pipes and carbon monoxide poisoning are significant risks that can be mitigated through inspections and maintenance. The frequency of inspections depends on the age of the furnace, with more frequent inspections needed as the furnace gets older. Carbon monoxide detectors, regular filter replacement, and DIY maintenance tips are all important aspects of furnace care and can help ensure the safe and efficient operation of your heating system.
