Illinois Homeowners: How To Do Furnace Maintenance Yourself

Winters in Illinois can be long and cold, putting a strain on your home heating system. The last thing you want is your furnace to fail you on a chilly night, quickly turning your house into an icebox.

This is why your home maintenance checklist should include a yearly furnace inspection and tuneup to ensure that it’s running efficiently and doesn’t fail you at the time of year you need it most.

Regular furnace maintenance and servicing lets you:

• Be proactive and keep your furnace running efficiently all year round.
• Protect your family from deadly carbon monoxide leaks.
• Avoid thousands of dollars in future repairs.
• Prolong the life of your furnace and heating system.

Annual furnace maintenance doesn’t have to break your budget or take a lot of time. For as little as $30 to $50 and using only a few hand tools, you can complete your own furnace service in less than three hours.

Use these tips for basic maintenance and cleaning tasks that you can do on your own to keep your furnace in optimum running condition:

1. Before you start

Before beginning any furnace maintenance, make sure to turn off all power to the unit by switching off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse.

2. Clean blower fan

Remove the blower, which is held in place by screws, and clean each blade and the space in between with a toothbrush. Finish up by vacuuming away debris and dust.

3. Lubricate motor

If the furnace motor has oil ports, you’ll need to lubricate at least once a year. Add 2 to 3 drops of 10-weight non-detergent motor oil to each of the ports.

4. Replace filter

Furnace air filters should be inspected and replaced once every month. A $2 filter will be adequate but consider spending $15 for one that’s high efficiency.

5. Inspect and replace belt

Motor belts need to be inspected for tension, cracks, and damage. The belt should be firm when pressed and will need to be replaced if it gives more than a half inch.

6. Inspect duct joints

Check duct joints and if you feel any leaks, seal them using metal tape.

7. Check outside vents

Do an outside check for any debris or snow blockage around vents and chimneys.

8. Hire a pro

Many homeowners prefer to rely on the experience and knowledge of a professional for furnace maintenance. For a cost of between $100 to $150, heating contractors can do a more thorough job of servicing your furnace, including analyzing combustion gases and inspecting wiring.

Is it time for your annual heating system maintenance and service? Contact an Illinois HomeAdvisor heating contractor to schedule a furnace tuneup with a professional.

This Patch article is sponsored by Home Advisor.