O’Connor RV
From O’Connor RV
Summer has come to a close and even though the fall can be mild, chances are you will need your RV furnace this season to provide warmth for those chilly mornings or cool nights. Your furnace can feel like one of the most important appliances in your RV if it happens to fail on a brisk night when you forgot to pack extra blankets.
Like any appliance, the furnace needs regular maintenance to make sure it stays running properly and efficiently. A good rule of thumb is to get the furnace, along with the propane system and battery, inspected once a year by an RV expert. All three need to work together to have efficient heat in the RV. If the propane regulator, which works to lower the pressure in the cylinder, gets out of sync, this can lead to furnace problems. Likewise, if your battery should lose its charge, water levels or get corroded, your furnace won't work correctly either.
Before you head out this fall here are some maintenance checks you can do at home to make sure you have a cozy trip:
- Check the outside furnace vent for a build-up of soot: If you do find build up this is a sure sign there is something wrong with either the propane system or the electrical hookup, This is likely a problem you can't fix yourself and you will have to ask you RV expert for help. Don't ignore the problem as the damage can just get worse.
- Listen to the furnace. Run the furnace before you leave your driveway and if it doesn't sound right when starting up or shutting off, this is usually a sign that something is up. The blower motor might have an issue if you are hearing creaks and crunches.
- Smell the system while it runs. If it's stinky, this is no Bueno. Sometimes rodents or bugs can get in through the outside vent and try to make a cozy nest in your combustion chamber. Sometimes these pests can be persistent, but if you cover your vent while in storage, there is less chance they'll set up shop. Make sure you take the cover off before starting the furnace.
- Another thing you should try to keep out of your RV is a lot of dust. Dust build-up in your combustion chamber or your cold air return, can cause the furnace to falter. To avoid build-up it is a good idea to make a regular practice of vacuuming in and around the furnace.
- Give your furnace space. If your furnace is in your storage space don't pile a lot of stuff beside it. It's wise to keep at least 5 to 10 cm of space between your furnace and your storage items to avoid any airflow issues. Be smart and don't store anything flammable nearby.
Lastly, make sure your safety detectors are in working order, including your carbon monoxide, smoke, and propane leak detectors. Even with the best furnace maintenance, you want to be safe and secure that if something did malfunction you will be made aware quickly.
Following these furnace maintenance checks will help you avoid the challenge of getting through a chilly night. Because of the furnace's major importance to your RV comfort, it is wise to get it checked once a year by an RV expert.
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