Furnaces Maintenance Guide

(See video below)
Sylvain and Vincent go over a checklist to go through before firing your furnace this fall

These tips apply to almost all hot air wood furnace models, and more specifically to our AirBilo standard and AirBilo plus, in dual or tri-energy wood-electricity-pellets.


Step 1: Introduction
00:00 - 00:15
Today, we chose a beautiful day to show you our magnificent landscape. Check that out, autumn is incredible! - You brought the energy, Vincent! - With a good furnace, we've got all the energy we need! ;) So today, we’ll do a quick summary of the important things to do before starting your heating season, which applies to almost any wood heating appliance.

Step 2: Chimney Maintenance
00:15 - 00:57
We'll start here with the chimney. In the spring, it is important at the end of the season to thoroughly clean your appliance. The chimney must also be swept often, if necessary several times a year, to prevent any buildup inside.
*Tip* A little trick if you don't want to climb on the roof: use a small mirror (borrowed from someone at home) to inspect the chimney from the inside and make sure it's clear.


Step 3: Duct Integrity
00:15 - 00:57
Be sure to check all the ducts, as they tend to accumulate debris over time. Also, examine the steel elbows to ensure they remain rigid and strong. Don’t forget to replace the screws if reassembling the chimney after maintenance, as they help keep the pipes in place in case of a chimney fire, which can provide valuable time to prevent the spread of a fire.

Step 4: Heat Exchanger Cleaning
00:57 - 01:50
Now, let’s move on to the furnace, which is easy to clean on this AirBilo model. This one features three heat recovery pipes, with the middle one being made of stainless steel to extend the furnace's lifespan. To clean it, use the appropriate scraper to pull combustion dust forward from each side. It’s a good idea to have a vacuum dedicated only to the furnace. Be careful not to use it inside the house afterward, on the white carpet or white couch, or you might end up sleeping on the couch... and even maybe, on the couch outsite! Jokes aside, it is also recommended to use here the vacuum once a year to clean the pipes all the way down.

Step 5: Shutter Modulation System
01:50 - 03:12
The AirBilo Plus furnace has two shutters, while the AirBilo standard has one. When the heating season is done, we recomment to cut the power to furnace to avoid damage from storms and lightning, and also to prolongs the life of the furnace's shutter. To check if the shutter works correctly, team up with someone in the house and ask them to raise the thermostat to the maximum while you watch the shutter. It should open slightly, of about one inch. Then lowering the thermostat should close it back, and confirm that your modulation system is working properly.

Step 6: Gas Burning Tubes in the Combustion Chamber
03:12 - 04:03
Take note of the small pipes on the ceiling of the combustion chamber, which provide oxygen for combustion. Clean these pipes with a small brush to improve combustion efficiency. Ensure that all refractory bricks are in place; a crack is not critical, but a missing piece should be replaced to prevent damage to your wood furnace.

Step 7: Ash Drawer
04:03 - 05:00
It’s essential to regularly empty the ash drawer, ideally checking it several times a week. Moving the ash around helps avoid ash build-up, which can damage the cast iron grid. Remember that neglecting to empty the drawer often enough could damage the cast iron grate.

Step 8: Moonwalk
05:00 - 05:10

Step 8: Air Filter and Fan
05:10 - 06:05
The furnace is equipped with a filter that should be checked once a month, depending on the dust levels in your home. Clean or replace the filter if necessary. Also, check that your fan is working by setting it to manual speed.

Step 9: First Ignition
05:10 - 06:05
When you fire up the furnace for the first time in the fall, start with a half-load to ensure everything is running smoothly. If it's your first time firing a brand new AirBilo furnace, please note it is normal for it to release a little smoke - please open the windows to ventilate.

Step 10: Pellet Systems
06:05 - 07:20
For pellet systems, make sure any leftover pellets from the previous season haven't absorbed moisture and are still dry. Ensure the hopper is full and the lid is securely closed, as the furnace won’t start if the lid is left open. Clean the combustion chamber’s grill and vacuum any dust buildup to ensure proper ventilation and faster ignition. Clean the inside of your appliance at least once a month and restart it by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

Step 11: Final Tips
07:20 - End
Remember, a clean appliance is more efficient and uses less combustible, saving you money in the long run. Spread the word! LS Bilodeau has everything you need to enjoy a warm and cozy winter.