No one wants to celebrate the winter holidays with a broken heating system. Get your heating system serviced before the days get colder and shorter. You do not want to find out about a necessary repair when you are trying to keep your home warm. Moreover, a malfunctioning furnace is more than an inconvenience. It is a safety hazard when the temperature is below freezing. Besides not heating your house, a faulty HVAC system can leak toxic fumes. You need an expert for a thorough inspection.
The Interior of Your Home
Before you check the intricate parts of the system, make sure that your home is ready for winter. The first thing you should do is make sure that your home is properly insulated. Good insulation will help you keep out those cold winter drafts. Seal any cracked windows and doors. Very cold air can seep into your home through tiny cracks. It is a good idea to replace very old windows. Newer model windows can better withstand freezing cold temperatures. New windows will help your home stay warmer longer. Energy-efficient windows can lower your energy bill.
Clean Your Furnace
The heating system cannot work properly if it is not clean. Use a broom to remove any debris that is near your furnace. Clean small components with a soft brush. Do not apply too much pressure when you are cleaning the inner components. Vacuum particles that are too small for the broom.
Check Your Thermostat
You need to make sure that your thermostat is still working when you have not used it in several months. It may need repairs. Switch the thermostat to the heat setting. Slowly raise the temperature. If your house does not get warmer, check the wires. Let a professional handle anything that you are unsure about.
Cycling Too Often
Cycling too often can indicate a few common problems. Dirt and allergens can clog the filter. It might be operating at a temperature that is too low or high for your home. Your energy bills will be higher if it cycles too often.
Check Your Filters
Your filters need a good inspection every month. Trapped particles can damage your HVAC system. Clean filters will reduce the number of allergens and dirt that are circulating in the air. You should get new filters every three months. Also, your house will be colder if the warm air cannot get through the ductwork.
Check the Heat Exchanger
Keeping the heat exchanger in good condition will increase your furnace’s longevity. This component needs an inspection every year. A technician can ensure that there are not any cracks that can let toxic fumes seep into your home.
Protect Your AC condenser
If your home does not have a heat pump, you need to protect your AC condenser. A garbage can lid along with bungee cords will protect your unit from ice and tree debris. Do not cover the condenser fan with plastic. You need a wooden board to prevent a buildup of moisture.
Vents
Many people overlook their vents when they are winterizing their home. Heat will circulate through your home, but closed vents will trap the heat. Some of the rooms in your home might be too cold or too hot. Closed vents can also make your home more humid. Mold grows in homes that are too humid.
Inspect the Drainage Tube
If you have a high-efficiency furnace, it most likely has a second drain line. The secondary line drains residual moisture. It ensures that condensation does not seep into your heating system. Many people choose to have the drains inspected by a professional.
Inspect the Igniter Switch
The furnace should be room temperature when the igniter switch is being inspected. Turn it off along with the circuit breaker. Look for visible damage. A professional can test the igniter with a multimeter.
Inspect the Thermostat Wire
Be careful with wires. Always turn off the electricity before you check the wiring. If you are missing a wire, a professional will have to install new wiring.
Check the Flame Sensor
The system may need a new flame sensor. You can clean the sensor with sandpaper. An expert can identify issues that can become a problem later.
Check the Blower Motor
The blower motor controls the fan. It pushes the outgoing air into your home. It heats your home to the temperature that is set on the thermostat. When it makes a clicking sound, it is a sign that it needs maintenance.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
The carbon monoxide sensor should be next to the furnace. You need to check it regularly. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas. The sensor will alert you if it detects an usually high amount of carbon monoxide in the air. Always keep good batteries in the carbon monoxide sensor.
Clean the Ductwork
You will breathe cleaner air when the ductwork is clean. The system will perform better, and it will have a longer lifespan. This critical maintenance task will also help you get rid of indoor allergens. A clogged system will have more wear and tear. Dirty ductwork has a bad odor, and the foul odor can affect your mood.
Blower Bearing Maintenance
A scraping noise coming from your furnace can indicate a problem. The blower bearings may need attention. The bearings will have wear and tear after many years of use. The problem will get worse if you continue to use your HVAC system. An HVAC technician needs to replace the bearings.
Inspect the Blower Belt
A squealing noise when the HVAC system is running is a common sign that you need a new blower belt. Readjusting the belt might fix the issue. You may need a replacement if the belt has excessive wear and tear. Your energy bills might be higher until you fix the issue.
Tighten and Adjust Panels
The panels need an inspection. Loose panels can reduce the unit’s efficiency. They can also expose you to carbon monoxide.
Inspect the Blower Capacitor
The blower motor cannot function properly with a damaged capacitor. The motor will not be able to get any energy from the capacitor, and it will need to use the circuit board. There will be a power surge, and the problem can trip the breaker. This might be a problem if the furnace stops working before your house is warm. A professional can tell you if you need a replacement.
Check the Flue Pipe
You need a good flue pipe. The flue pipe removes fuel waste from your home. It should have a proper connection and flow.
Check the Circuit Breaker
You may need a new circuit breaker if it is always tripping. You need an experienced technician to diagnose the issue. The problem may be too many things that need the circuit breaker.
Listen to the Sounds
Your HVAC system has several mechanical components. The components make distinct noises when there is a problem with your heating system. The sounds can be a sign of a small problem, or they can be a sign of a serious safety risk. An expert can listen to the noises, and the technician will give you solutions.
You Can Depend on Experienced Technicians
Most people can handle small HVAC maintenance tasks. However, fixing the problem is not always an easy task. An experienced technician should always handle electrical and mechanical repair services. Professional technicians know how to handle common and uncommon heating system problems. Use this information to narrow down the problem, and you can have a good rapport with the technician. We will be able to tell you more specific information about the problem.
Getting Regular Maintenance
Some people are okay with getting their HVAC system serviced once a year. The heating system may need servicing more often if you have a health condition. Some systems need an inspection before the beginning of every season. Additionally, some warranties require regular maintenance on the components. The components have many controls and safety systems. An expert can test the controls to make sure that they are working properly. Our technicians can interpret the error messages. We can manually reset the system. We can handle many tasks with a basic inspection.
When you schedule an appointment, you can expect these services:
- Vent inspection
- Heat exchanger inspection
- Blower inspection
- Inspecting electrical connections
- Thermostat inspection
- Lubricate mechanical components
- Check safety issues
Our work is tasking and grungy, but our office space is classy. You can depend on us when you need an expert. We are knowledgeable and experienced. Our team can give you detailed information about your system. You can ask us about our other services that are good for your home. We want our customers to be safe and warm every winter. Our team is always friendly and professional. We are ready to schedule your maintenance service appointment. Our team can work around your busy schedule when you need repair services. We do our job with a smile. Call us today to discuss heating system maintenance, repairs and installation services.
