Gas Furnace And Boiler Tune-Up And Maintenance

Just as your car needs tune-ups to keep it in good running order, your furnace or boiler needs periodic tune-ups to keep it in tip-top running shape. A regular maintenance program for your heating equipment is relatively inexpensive.

Sticking to a maintenance schedule suggested by your heating service contractor will benefit you in several ways. Well-tuned equipment will save you energy dollars, provide increased comfort, and extend the life of your heating system. Keep in mind that proper and professional cleaning and adjustments will save you money and protect your equipment investment.

While there are certainly differences in the design and operation of gas boilers and furnaces, and therefore in the maintenance provided, the following measures are those which should be included in a routine tune-up procedure:

• Clean burner, combustion chamber, and heat exchange surfaces
• Check color of flame: the proper color is blue; a yellow or orange flame denotes indicates that the gas is not burning properly, the equipment should be adjusted by a professional
• Check fan belts and blowers
• Check safety controls
• Check barometric damper operation
• Check thermostat operation and location
• Check thermocouple
• Check chimney base and flue pipe
• Adjust pilot and burner (if applicable)
• Inspect and replace filters
• Lubricate all motors
• Document any major code violations found
• Perform a combustion efficiency test

The following combustion efficiency test results are considered acceptable for gas heating systems after a tune-up has been performed. If combustion efficiency test results are not within acceptable parameters, then the maintenance contractor should document the heating system's deficiencies.

A few additional notes: gas replacement burners installed in furnaces or boilers designed for oil or coal, and gas fired furnaces or boiler replacements with an atmospheric burner should attain a minimum combustion efficiency of 75%.

Spark Ignition

If your heating unit has a standing pilot (i.e., the pilot is always on during the heating season), consider installing an electronic or mechanical ignition system. This system saves up to 5% of the heating energy by eliminating the standing pilot. When the thermostat calls for heat, the pilot is ignited by an electronic or mechanical spark, and then ignites the burners. Once the burners are ignited, the pilot shuts off.

Many new systems use a ceramic "hot surface igniter" which eliminates the pilot altogether. The igniter is energized electrically and quickly attains a very high temperature. When the gas valve opens, the gas is ignited by coming into contact with the hot surface igniter.

Replacing Your Heating System

Replacing your heating system is sometimes the most cost-effective way to achieve energy savings. Older heating equipment can have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of as little as 50%, whereas new energy efficient condensing and pulse furnaces can achieve AFUEs as high as 97%. Equipment and fuel costs must be considered to determine if equipment replacement is a cost-effective measure.