{"id":1592,"date":"2022-12-19T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-19T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alltechservicesinc.com\/blog\/?p=1592"},"modified":"2025-09-05T10:23:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T14:23:04","slug":"what-happens-during-furnace-maintenance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alltechservicesinc.com\/blog\/heating-service\/what-happens-during-furnace-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens During Furnace Maintenance?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We often stress the importance of having furnace maintenance done regularly and explain the ways that it improves the functioning and lengthens the lifetime of your furnace. But perhaps you don\u2019t know exactly what occurs during the maintenance process. Being armed with knowledge about the comfort systems in your own home can be empowering, and we believe that knowledgeable customers are better able to make decisions that they\u2019ll be happy with in the long term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many steps to the furnace maintenance process, and we\u2019d like to give you a behind-the-scenes tour. If you want to know exactly what to expect when you make an appointment for heating maintenance in Ashburn, VA<\/a>, read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Internal Furnace Cleaning: Dust & Debris Removal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The inner workings of your furnace have many parts that will need a thorough cleaning. The flame sensor, pilot assembly, and blower motor are high on this list. For proper functioning, it\u2019s necessary to avoid dust and residue. A thick layer of dust on the flame sensor, for example, may prevent it from detecting a flame. Your furnace, thinking the pilot is out, will refuse to turn on so as not to leak gas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspecting Key Furnace Components for Wear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many parts of your furnace that your technician will look at, checking that they are in good condition and functioning the way they should. The ignition system, burner tubes, safety controls, heat exchanger, flue, and ductwork will all be inspected. Your technician will let you know if any repair or replacement of parts is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performing Safety and Efficiency Electrical Tests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The thermostat, blower motor capacitors, and every other electrical component and connection are scrutinized and tested. For optimal function and for safety, all connections must be secure,  and all components must be properly calibrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lubricating Furnace Parts to Prevent Friction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your furnace has moving parts, including the blower motor and fans, and moving parts mean friction. Wear and tear and overheating can occur if there is too much friction, so your technician will lubricate all the places where parts move against each other. This keeps everything sliding freely, which helps with efficiency as well as decreasing strain on the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gas Line and Burner Safety Checks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have a gas-burning furnace, there are steps that must be taken to maintain safe operation. During maintenance, your technician will check for signs of fuel leakage, inspect the CO detector for proper function, and test for complete combustion of the fuel. If the gas is not combusting completely, carbon monoxide can be created, so this is absolutely critical for your safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replacing or Cleaning the Furnace Air Filter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although this piece of heater maintenance is something that you should already be doing every 1\u20133 months, maintenance will include a filter change, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explaining Maintenance Findings to the Homeowner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond simply giving you a status update about your furnace\u2019s health, your technician should be clear and open with communication. You should feel comfortable asking your maintenance technician any questions you might have. Don\u2019t worry that a question might feel silly or unimportant. We love to help customers understand their heating systems better. We can also provide tips for maximizing efficiency, extending the life of your furnace, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Question: What safety checks are performed during a furnace maintenance?
Answer:<\/strong> For gas\u2011burning furnaces, technicians look for fuel leaks, verify that the carbon monoxide detector works, and test for complete combustion to prevent the dangerous creation of carbon monoxide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: Why do technicians lubricate furnace components?
Answer:<\/strong> Moving parts like the blower motor and fans create friction, which can lead to wear and overheating. Lubrication ensures smooth operation, improving efficiency and reducing stress on the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: Does maintenance include changing the filter?
Answer:<\/strong> Yes, technicians will replace the air filter during maintenance, even though it\u2019s something homeowners should ideally do every 1\u20133 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question: How important is communication during a furnace maintenance visit?
Answer:<\/strong> Technicians should clearly explain what they\u2019re checking and what they find, and homeowners should feel comfortable asking questions, no question is too small or irrelevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n