RV Maintenance and Your Furnace: Tips to Consider

While the temps are starting to cool down and fall is right around the corner, you may be looking forward to some crisp scenic drives. Is your RV ready for the season? A little RV maintenance now can go a long way toward ensuring your autumn adventures are smooth, safe and comfortable.

Unlike tent camping, most RVs offer a comfortable, climate-controlled retreat—especially when cooler weather sets in. A common heat source in an RV is a propane-powered furnace that uses forced air to distribute heat throughout the interior. With proper maintenance, this system will keep you and your family warm and cozy during fall getaways. To ensure your furnace is functioning reliably, there are a few simple tests and checks you can perform ahead of your next trip:

• Assuming it’s not a scorching hot day, get in your RV and adjust the thermostat to a setting warmer than room temperature. The pilot light should come on within 30 seconds of your adjustment. The fan should also kick on and you should feel warm air coming out of the vents.
• Do you smell propane fumes or do you hear any weird noises? Quickly shut down your furnace, open your window and ventilate the unit. Call in a professional who can get to the bottom of the odor and the noise.
• If the unit is firing up just fine, don’t be alarmed if you detect a hint of burning dust that has accumulated in the furnace over the summer.

Other items to check include your LP gas regulator, carbon monoxide detector and propane leak detector. Look into your regulator and make sure the flame is blue (normal). If it’s yellow, that means you’re having airflow issues or your regulator could be due for replacement. Make sure the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector are functioning properly and test your propane leak detector, which likely includes a test button for manual inspection.

Cleaning Time

Nearly every RV maintenance task includes some level of cleaning, and furnace care is no exception. While inspecting your furnace, take a moment to clean the exterior vent to help improve airflow and system efficiency. Start by removing the vent cover and checking for any accumulated debris such as dust, dirt or signs of nesting animals. Carefully clear out any obstructions, then wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth. Once everything is clean, securely replace the vent cover.

Stay Safe

Improper handling can make your furnace a health risk, but you can proceed with confidence if you adhere to the following guidelines:

• Don’t modify the furnace vents
• Never block the vents
• Make sure your fire extinguisher is not expired and that it is close to your furnace
• Set a calendar event to remind you to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector

Even if you do much of your RV maintenance routine work yourself, there will be times when you need to call in a professional. At Gray Diesel & Equipment Services, we can take your RV maintenance to the next level, including servicing your furnace system. Contact us and schedule an appointment.