Summary: Every furnace should be inspected annually by a licensed heating company, but you should check it for proper operation yourself once a month. Spotting common problems early can help you avoid serious problems later. Here are some simple steps to follow.

Furnace Inspection You Can Do Yourself

While there's no substitute for a professional furnace inspection, which should be done each year prior to the heating season, there are several checks you can do for yourself during the heating season. It's a good idea to check your furnace and the entire heating system at least once a month while it's in use. Just follow the simple steps listed below and you'll spot any problems that come up and can call your Twin Cities licensed heating company to correct them.

• Lower the temperature setting on your thermostat to shut the furnace off, then check the area around the furnace for any items near the furnace that might be restricting air flow. Move any flammable items away from the furnace.
• Check all heat registers and air supply registers and remove items that may be blocking them. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove all dust from the registers.
• With the furnace off, remove the filter and check it. Fiberglass filters should be changed once a month during the heating season. Replace the filter, making certain that is fully inserted.
• Using a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, remove all accumulated dust from the exterior of the furnace.
• Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat high enough to turn the furnace on, and then return to the furnace.
• Listen for any mechanical noises that don't sound normal as the blower comes on. When the burners ignite, look at the resulting flame through the viewing port. It should be blue in color, not tinged with yellow. If not, contact your licensed heating company for repairs immediately.
• Inspect all visible ductwork for any sign of leaks and check exhaust vent components for leakage or loose parts.
• Return the thermostat to its normal settings.
• If you didn't change the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarms at the beginning of the heating season, replace them now.
• For professional furnace repair service in Minneapolis St Paul, call 612-724-1899.

Professional Furnace Inspection Only a Phone Call Away - Twin Cities

Modern furnaces are very reliable, so you probably won't discover any problems. If you do, however, call your licensed heating company and get problems repaired right away to prevent wasting your heating dollars and to prevent dangerous conditions. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a new high-efficiency furnace to prevent future furnace problems and lower your heating bills.