Fedders Comprehensive Maintenance Guide for Your Furnace

MAINTENANCE

WARNING

DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY TO THE FURNACE BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY MAINTENANCE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE ELECTRICAL SHOCK RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE.

AIR FILTER

The filter should be inspected frequently and cleaned as necessary. We recommend a monthly inspection at first, perhaps coinciding with the arrival of the monthly fuel bill as a reminder. The frequency may be increased or decreased depending on experience and conditions.

CAUTION

Do not operate the furnace without an air filter.

LUBRICATION

Both the induced draft blower motor and circulating fan motor are ball bearing type motors. Neither requires routine lubrication.

IMPORTANT: The motor bearings were prelubricated by the motor manufacturer. Do not attempt to lubricate them. Excess lubrication will void the warranty, shorten the service life of the motors, and will attract the buildup of dust and dirt.

The induced blower motor and circulating fan motor must be cleaned on a periodic basis by a qualified service technician. Dust buildup in the ventilation ports of the motor will cause the motor to not dissipate heat properly resulting in reduced service life.

VENT CONNECTOR

The exhaust venting between the furnace vent box and chimney should be inspected periodically for sags, pitting, evidence of leakage etc. If any of these conditions exist, contact your installation contractor, service agency or fuel supplier.

WARNING

HOLES IN THE EXHAUST PIPING OR FURNACE HEAT EXCHANGER CAN ALLOW TOXIC FUMES TO ENTER THE HOME AND CIRCULATE THROUGH THE DUCT SYSTEM RESULTING IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING OR DEATH. IF LEAKS ARE FOUND IN THE FURNACE HEAT EXCHANGER, IT MUST BE REPLACED.

WARM AIR FURNACE

OPERATING TIPS

1.Clean air filters maximize efficiency and reduce heating costs.

2.During the heating season, keep windows and doors closed to reduce the heating load on the system.

3.Avoid excessive use of kitchen exhaust hoods and other exhaust fans to reduce the heating load on the system.

4.Arrange the furniture and drapes so that the supply air registers and return air grilles are unobstructed.

5.If you have a perimeter duct system, ideally, the warm air should bathe the cold exterior walls. Avoid the use of plastic deflectors on the supply air registers that tend to short circuit the warm air straight into the return air grilles. These deflectors are often the cause of cool draughts across the floor.

6.Avoid placing heat producing appliances such as televisions, radios, lamps, etc. in a location to influence the thermostat.

7.Keep combustible articles at least 3 feet away from the furnace. Do not block access for servicing the furnace. Do not use the vent connector as a hanger for clothes or anything else.

8.Never attempt to operate the furnace without the blower door in place.

ANNUAL INSPECTION / SERVICE

A qualified installation contractor, service agency or fuel supplier must inspect the furnace annually.

Your annual inspection will normally cover the following:

HEAT EXCHANGER

The heat exchanger should be inspected for corrosion. The flue passages (heat exchanger tubes) should be free of scale or excessive corrosion. Observe the burner flames. If there appears to be flame distortion, check venting for blockage. Also check for signs of inadequate combustion air supply. If flame distortion continues after eliminating the blockage in the venting as the cause, it may be necessary to replace the tubular heat exchanger. The tubular heat exchanger cannot be field cleaned. If the tubular heat exchanger is blocked by soot or excess scale, replace it. Check NOX baffles (installed in heat exchanger tubes) for any distortion. If distorted, replace NOX baffles.

BURNERS

The burners should be inspected to ensure that they are free of deterioration, dust and debris, and properly aligned with the heat exchanger. In most cases, a simple vacuuming with a brush attachment will adequately clean the burner assembly and burner compartment.

CAUTION

Be careful when working on the burner assembly. The hot surface igniter is fragile and can break easily.

The flame sensor should be inspected and cleaned with fine steel wool or Scotch-Brite™ scrubbing pad. The wiring connection should be checked to ensure that it is tight and corrosion free.

NOTE: This is a critical connection. Small amounts of corrosion can significantly increase the internal resistance of the connection. A relatively small increase in resistance can result in a large decrease in flame signal.

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