There’s nothing worse than finding that your heating system doesn’t work when you need it most. Winters can be miserable without heat, and it can be difficult to schedule servicing during inclement weather.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ensure that your HVAC system is operating properly. Keeping your system well maintained helps keep it in good working order. It also helps you locate potential issues before they are able to become a much bigger problem. The following home heating maintenance tips can help.
Dirty or Clogged Filters
When the filters of your HVAC system are dirty or clogged, your system has to work much harder to heat your home. This causes excessive wear and tear on your system and can significantly affect your energy bills.
Filters should be checked and changed at least once a month. This might need to be done more frequently during periods of extended use. Please contact us if you are unsure how to change your system’s filters or if you do not know which filters are right for your system.
A home heating maintenance service from an HVAC company typically involves a thorough inspection, cleaning, and tuning of your heating system to ensure it operates safely and efficiently. Here’s what these services generally include:
1. Inspection of System Components
- Furnace or Heat Pump: Inspect the burner, heat exchanger, and combustion chamber for wear, damage, or cracks.
- Electrical Connections: Check for loose or frayed wires, and ensure connections are secure.
- Thermostat Function: Test thermostat calibration and settings to confirm proper operation.
2. Cleaning and Replacement
- Air Filter: Inspect and replace or clean the air filter to improve air quality and system efficiency.
- Blower and Motor Assembly: Clean dust and debris from the blower fan and motor components.
- Vents and Ductwork: Remove blockages in registers, vents, or ductwork to ensure even airflow.
- Burners: Clean the burners to prevent soot build-up, ensuring safe combustion.
3. Lubrication and Adjustments
- Lubricate moving parts like blower motors or fan belts to reduce friction and wear.
- Tighten loose parts and calibrate system settings for optimal performance.
4. Safety Checks
- Carbon Monoxide Test: Check for leaks in the heat exchanger or flue to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
- Gas Line Inspection: Ensure no leaks in the gas supply to the furnace.
- Pilot Light or Ignition System: Test and adjust for proper ignition.
5. System Performance Testing
- Measure system efficiency, including airflow and heat output.
- Test the system’s cycling and controls to verify it starts, runs, and stops correctly.
- Evaluate for unusual noises or vibrations that might indicate mechanical issues.
6. Recommendations
- Provide advice on potential repairs or upgrades if any components are nearing failure.
- Suggest tips for improving energy efficiency or prolonging the system’s life.
This routine maintenance not only ensures your system runs efficiently but also helps prevent costly breakdowns during colder months. It’s typically recommended to schedule heating maintenance annually, ideally before the heating season begins.
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Regular Furnace Tune-Ups
It’s important to have your furnace checked at least once a year by a qualified technician. This helps you locate problems and ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency. Furnace tune-ups are typically performed in the fall, before the first time the furnace is turned on after summer.
Checking the Efficiency of Your Furnace
Sometimes, a furnace will not be able to properly heat your home no matter what you do to maintain it. If you’ve checked the air filters and had your system inspected by a technician, it’s important to consider the efficiency of your heating system. Older systems simply do not work as efficiently as newer models. Over time, they are often more expensive to run than to replace with a newer, energy efficient furnace.
You will also need to consider the size of your furnace in relation to your home’s heating demands. A furnace that is too small or too big will not be able to properly heat your home and can end up costing more on your energy bills.