Sitting here with a friend. Just joined this site myself. As a single woman living in ct she's just like everyone else in this economy. Stretched beyond her means. We were discussing her need to have her propane furnace cleaned and the associated costs. I personally have no expierience with gas furnaces myself. Besides the obligatory filter change what else is involved in a propane forced hot sit furnace cleaning. Personally I think propane burns so clean yearly cleanings may be overrated. But as I said I know nothing. I do have a gas water heater myself installed in 1992. Years ago I asked a gas man what I should be doing for maintenance. He said if it's working don't touch it. It's been working for 23 years and I haven't touched it beyond restarting the pilot light if I run out of propane Thanks in advance for any info and opinions.
Outside of having someone come in and inspect the heat exchanger there isn't much maintenance for a propane furnace. It's a good idea to have someone with a hazardous gas detector check the clean side of the duct for carbon monoxide. Inspect the vent/flue to ensure it is clear of obstructions(wasp nests etc.) Make sure you have a good functioning CO monitor installed in the house replace the batteries annually along with all your smoke detectors. Your gas hot water heater has a sacrificial anode that should be inspected once a year and replaced if necessary also flush the sediment from the bottom drain annually. after 23yrs you may not have an anode left. And welcome to the forum
Clean any dust off of the blower motor and squirrel cage. To do this best, you will have to pull the blower motor out of the furnace. If you have access to a manometer, be sure to set the gas pressure-BOTH incoming and manifold pressure. If it is a high efficiency (with the pvc type venting) be sure to check the condensate drain line not only for obstruction, but also for any sludge that may have accumulated. If so, bleach is a good cleaner. Wipe off any visible dust dirt inside furnace cabinet and ductwork as far as you can reach. Follow common safety precautions...power off? Gas off before hooking up manometer? Plugs re-installed after pressure checks and verify before turning gas back on and trying to ignite furnace. As basod mentioned above, check both intake and exhaust sides of venting (pvc, again) to be free of any obstructions. If possible, visually inspect heat exchanger. This can be accomplished easily if the is a register installed of the plenum-just remove it and look in with the aid of a flashlight. Look for hot spots, splits cracks. Are there any unusual smells associated with the start-up and running of the unit? That'll keep ya busy for awhile.
