An electric furnace is one of the easiest types of furnaces to maintain. They usually have few moving parts and a relatively simple design. There are no pilot lights or fuel lines to worry about. However if you are the least bit unsure of your skills a professional yearly inspection is recommended. If you decide to go ahead and perform you own maintenance there are some rules to keep in mind.
The first and most important thing to do is to shut off the power supply to the furnace before you begin to perform any work. This is very important and recommended before servicing any electrical appliance. You should also have your owners manual to guide you through any steps you do not understand and give you a pictorial view of what you are working on.
Furnace filters:
Regular replacement of your furnace filter is one of the best steps to take in electric furnace maintenance. Dirt, dust and other debris can block a furnace filter quickly. A blocked filter will cause your furnace to work harder causing wear more quickly. Dirt can get into the moving parts which may cause them to eventually fail. The type of filter you use should have information on the replacement schedule. In homes with a large numbers or pets, or homes located in a sandy desert environment, filters should be replaced more frequently than recommended.
Duct work and vents:
A vacuum or compressed air can also be used to clean your duct work and vents. Dirt in these areas can block the heated air entering each area of your home. Dirt in the return air ducts will only serve to block your furnace filter more quickly. If you are using compressed air do not force the dirt back into your furnace. With the use of compressed air a dust mask and safety goggles are recommended.
Blower motor:
Maintenance on the blower motor itself will depend on the type of motor in your furnace. Many newer motor have sealed oil ports and do not need additional oil installed. If you have a motor that requires oiling, refer to your owners manual for the location of the oil ports and type of oil recommended. Do not overfill. You should also check the belt on your motor for wear or fraying and replace this if needed. It is better to replace a slightly worn belt now than wait until it breaks at midnight when it is 10 degrees F. outside. Again you can use a vacuum or compressed air to clean the blower motor and inside of the furnace in general.
If you have a humidifier attached to your furnace this should be checked and cleaned as part of your routine service. If you have a condensate drain, check and clean this as well. Older thermostats can also benefit from routine cleanings. Mercury contact switches can become dusty leading to less accurate readings. It is also a good idea to check this style of thermostat to be sure it is level. An out of level mercury thermostat will not operate properly.
Always remember that an electric furnace is a high voltage device and your personal safety is the most important part of the job you are performing. With simple maintenance your furnace should provide you with clean heat and last for a long time.
References:
http://www.hometips.com/how-it-works/electric-resistance-furnaces.html
http://www.blackhillspower.com/furnace.html
http://www.guide2furnaces.com/why-furnaces/maintenance.aspx?ovraw=residential+electric+furnaces+maintenance&ovkey;=electric+furnace+maintenance&ovmtc;=advanced&ovadid;=62298012511&ovkwid;=393302249511
