Furnace Maintenance
Penn Mechanical Company — Furnace Maintenance that Keeps Heat Steady, Safe & Efficient
Heat should just work. But as seasons pass, dust coats burners, filters load up, motors drift out of spec, and safety switches do more of the heavy lifting than they should. That’s when the small stuff turns into big pain points: rooms that won’t warm up, start-stop cycling at 2 a.m., a burnt smell that lingers, utility bills creeping higher, or, most concerning, yellowish flames and nuisance safety trips.
Solution: a thorough, furnace-specific maintenance service that restores clean combustion, correct airflow, and verified safety so your system runs the way the manufacturer intended.
What Our Furnace Maintenance Covers (No Fluff)
Combustion & Safety
- Inspect and clean burners; verify flame shape and color
- Test flame-sensor microamps; clean or replace when needed
- Check ignitor resistance within spec
- Verify temperature rise is within the furnace nameplate range
- Inspect heat-exchanger surfaces where accessible (mirror/borescope when access allows)
- Confirm operation of limit and rollout switches; check wiring integrity
- For non-condensing units: confirm vent draft and clearances
- For condensing (90%+) units: inspect intake/exhaust, trap, and condensate drains; flush and re-prime
Airflow & Blower System
- Measure total external static pressure; adjust blower speed to target airflow
- Inspect and clean blower wheel as needed; check motor amp draw vs. nameplate
- Inspect return/supply restrictions; confirm filter fit and cabinet sealing
- Replace or wash filter (customer preference and system requirements)
Gas & Controls
- Verify manifold gas pressure and adjust if required
- Tighten electrical connections; inspect the control board and relays
- Calibrate/verify thermostat operation and cycle timing
How Often Should You Service a Furnace?
- Once a year, ideally beforethe heating season starts.
- Add an extra visit if you’ve had renovations, drywall dust, or major pet-shedding seasons.
Routine service helps prevent mid-winter breakdowns, keeps efficiency closer to design, and supports manufacturer warranty requirements.
Signs You’re Overdue
- Heat takes longer to reach the setpoint or never quite gets there
- Frequent cycling or a blower that runs constantly
- New noises: boom at ignition, squeal, rattle, or grinding
- Odors that last beyond the first minute of a cold start
- Burner flames that look lazy or yellow instead of crisp blue
- Unexplained increase in gas or electric bills
Safety first: If a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds or you smell gas, leave the home and contact emergency services or your gas utility. When it’s safe, we’ll inspect and correct the system.
Why This Level of Maintenance Matters
- Clean combustion = safer heat.Proper flame and verified safety reduce risk.
- Correct airflow protects the heat exchanger.Running starved overheats components and shortens life.
- Measured commissioning sticks.Documented temp rise, static pressure, and gas settings prevent repeat issues.
- Lower cost of ownership.Catching weak capacitors, failing inducer bearings, or a clogging condensate trap now beats an emergency call later.
What You Can Do Between Visits
- Check/replace filters on the recommended schedule (often every 1–3 months)
- Keep 3 feet of clearance around the furnace for airflow and service access
- Don’t block returns or supplies with furniture or rugs
- After heavy yard work or storms, ensure outdoor terminations (for 90%+ units) are clear
- Test carbon-monoxide alarms and refresh batteries as directed
Add-Ons That Make a Real Difference
- Sealed media filter cabinet for better capture and cleaner blower/coil
- Whole-home humidifier to protect wood finishes and ease winter dryness
- Return-air or duct corrections if static pressure is high or airflow is imbalanced
- Surge protection for sensitive control boards
We recommend upgrades only when data (measurements, visual inspection) says they’ll help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes baseline readings and adjustments keep a new system operating to spec and maintain warranty coverage.
We maintain all major furnace brands and stock common parts to minimize return visits.
We’ll show you the reading or part, give a clear price, and fix it with your approval—no surprise add-ons.
Ready for a Furnace that Starts Clean and Stays Reliable?
Book a maintenance visit that measures, adjusts, and verifies the details that matter. Prefer to speak with a person? Call 484-877-8864 and we’ll schedule a time that fits your day. Clean combustion, correct airflow, and documented safety so winter heat feels easy.