Yearly Appliance Maintenance

Just like you would have a yearly checkup with your doctor, or get your car serviced on a regular basis, it’s always smart to check your propane powered appliances at least once a year and perform necessary maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly. This is especially important when seasons are changing and you are switching from using outdoor appliances to utilizing your indoor cooking and heating appliances more. The best time to do this is before winter hits, so you are prepared for that first wave of cold weather.

Whether it’s an appliance you use year-round, or something you’re going to be turning on for the first time in a year, checking up on this once a year will ensure safety, keep appliances working longer, and prevent any future issues. Below are a few things you can be doing yourself to keep up on the health of your appliances each year. Remember, if you suspect an urgent safety concern, find larger issues, or have not had a safety check in over five years, you should get a professional involved.

Furnace

This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the changing of seasons and what appliances you will be turning on for the first time in a few months. Since you probably haven’t needed to heat your home the past few months, your furnace has sat untouched. Before turning it on, checking up on the health of your furnace will help prevent issues down the road, and give you time if you do need to get anything fixed. Trust us, it’s better to address any potential issues now than when we’re getting the first snow of the year and you’re unable to heat your home.

Below is where we recommend starting when getting ready to utilize your furnace. Remember, before doing any of the following, you should turn your furnace off.

• Check/replace your furnace air filter.
• Clean any dust, dirt, or lint away from the furnace, especially near the area of combustion.
• Check the system for any noticeable damage.
• Inspect the gas line.

Fireplace

Similar to the home’s furnace, it’s probably safe to say your fireplace hasn’t been used in a few months. Even if it has, regular maintenance should be performed to ensure proper functioning and safety. Before performing any of the following, make sure the fireplace is turned off.

• Inspect the exterior and glass for any cracks, gaps, or damages.
• Check the logs for any deterioration.
• Clean out the interior of the fireplace and clear it of old debris.
• Inspect the chimney.

Generator

Generators come in very handy when bad weather hits, and are not something you want to wait until the last minute check on. Generators will help you stay prepared and give you peace of mind knowing they are always there for backup when power goes out. This appliance may not be something that is used often, but it’s one of the most important appliances to maintain so it’s ready when you need it. Here are some things you can do regularly to ensure proper functioning.

• Clean the generator and the surrounding area.
• Change oil, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter.
• Inspect the wiring/electrical system.
• Check coolant levels.
• Run the generator.

Range/Oven

This is definitely a year-round device, but you don’t want to get behind on maintenance of this appliance or it may have a much shorter lifespan, causing you to have to replace it sooner. If you haven’t done so in a while, follow these steps to keep the appliance functioning at its full capacity.

• Clean the inside of the oven.
• Clean/soak the range grates, burners, and burner caps.
• Pull the appliance out and clean around/under it.
• Check propane connection and hose.

Grill

Whether you put your grill away for the winter, or plan to brave the cold weather to get that perfectly grilled steak, regular maintenance is necessary. Of course, cleaning it with each use will help extend the lifespan of the grill, but there are some steps you should take annually to keep your appliance working great.

• Deep clean the entire exterior and interior of the grill (remove grill grates, barriers, etc.)
• Check valves, hoses, and the rest of the grill for any damage, and repair/replace as necessary.
• Turn the grill on when everything is removed to check the health of the flames coming from the burners. If flames are uneven, burners may need to be cleaned out.
• Clean or replace the grease drip pan.
• If you are putting it away for the season, make sure gas is disconnected and all valves are closed, and store in a well ventilated area.

Have you replaced appliances recently?

Just as it is important to perform yearly maintenance on existing appliances, you should always check in on new appliances to ensure they have been installed properly. When you install a new propane powered appliance, schedule a safety inspection with your Premier team so you can be confident in knowing that your appliances were installed correctly, and working properly with your propane system. Further, if you suspect a gas leak with any new or existing appliances, turn off the gas at the tank and contact your Premier team immediately to have it inspected and fixed.