Carrier Furnace Maintenance
Carrier furnaces keep your home safe and warm, so it’s essential that you make sure all parts of your unit are in good working order before cold weather arrives. If you want to be proactive, this guide to Carrier furnace maintenance will help you care for your unit so it works properly and efficiently when you need it the most.
This information is for Infinity® Series gas furnaces like the 59TN6, and the 58VMR Multipoise Oil Furnace. Any testing or repairs outlined in this guide will need to be completed by an authorized technician.
Carrier Gas Furnace Maintenance
Keep Safety in Mind
Since safety should always be a priority, turn and cut power to the unit before you or a licensed technician accesses the unit for any reason: this will minimize electrical hazards. It’s also a good idea to wear protective eyewear and safety gloves in order to avoid cuts from sharp objects.
Clean the Immediate Area
Your home furnace will operate better if it gets proper airflow, so make sure there’s a few feet of clearance around your unit so it can draw in air as easily as possible. Keeping the immediate area clear is also a good way to minimize fire hazards, so it’s especially important to avoid storing flammable materials and laundry chemicals in close proximity to your unit.
Change or Wash the Filter
Maintaining the filter is one of the most important things you can do to make sure your unit works properly and efficiently. So, be sure to check the filter once every four weeks during the winter season to see if it’s dirty. If your furnace uses a disposable filter, replace it; if your unit has a washable filter, clean it with cold water and mild detergent. Refer to your unit’s manual for information on how to access the filter, as well as what type of filter to use.
Plan for an Inspection
Although changing or cleaning the filter is essential, the most important thing you can do to maintain a gas furnace is scheduling an annual inspection with an authorized technician to make sure your furnace is ready for cold weather. The maintenance visit should include:
- Sealing leaks in the gas piping
- Checking the burners, heat exchangers and flame sensor
- Testing the combustion system
- Inspecting vent piping
- Clearing obstructions in the ductwork
- Tightening loose wire connections
- Cleaning the condensate tap and drain lines
- Examining the base for cracks and sags
- Performing an operational efficiency check
- Looking for obvious signs of damage or rust
Be Mindful of the Combustion System
The combustion system is the part of your furnace that produces heat: that’s why you should always be aware of possible issues. If your furnace makes a loud noise when the burners are ignited, call a licensed technician for help. Also, if you notice that the burner flames aren’t clear blue but rather yellow or orange, schedule a service appointment to remedy the issue.
Call for Service When Necessary
In addition to keeping an eye on the combustion system, it’s also a good idea to be aware of other possible issues and schedule a service call with an authorized technician if you notice that something isn’t working like it should. For a list of possible issues to look out for, see our Carrier gas furnace troubleshooting guide.
Winterize if Not in Use
If any condensation accumulates in your furnace, leaving the unit turned off for long periods of time in below-freezing weather can cause serious damage. If you plan on being away from home for an extended period of time during the winter, have an authorized technician add antifreeze to your heating system in order to keep water inside the unit from freezing.
Carrier Oil Furnace Maintenance
General Maintenance
Your Carrier oil furnace should be serviced on an annual basis. This will help ensure it works efficiently and safely. Have an authorized HVAC service technician inspect and perform necessary maintenance tasks like:
- Changing the nozzle
- Inspecting the burner
- Checking the flue outlet and cleanout ports
- Visual inspection of the combustion chamber
- Possible cleaning of heat exchanger tubes and drum section
Additionally, make sure the main oil valve is turned off if the burner is shut down for an extended period of time.
Cleaning the Filters
The filters in your oil furnace should be checked at least every 3-4 weeks when the unit is running constantly. Be sure to clean or replace your filter at the start of spring and fall. For washable filters, clean it with soap and water, then allow it to dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
For more information on caring for your unit, refer to the large collection of Carrier furnace manuals and diagrams on our site.