As soon as the winter season arrives, one of the most important things you need to protect your family is to inspect your furnace. Make sure your heating system is safe, operational, and energy-efficient. Furnace maintenance should begin before that first cold day hits you, so you don’t end up discovering that your furnace is not working.
Here are some helpful furnace tune-up tips if you are looking for the best ways to get your furnace ready for the coming winter.
» Clean the Air Ducts
If you recently finished an extensive remodeling project, cleaning your air ducts is essential for ensuring that your breathing air stays free of debris and germs. You don’t want your furnace to circulate contaminants, odors, and dust that can harm you or your family, especially children and pets, and get you into unwanted furnace repair.
Furthermore, dirt and dust buildup in the ducts can also affect your furnace’s performance. When dirt builds up around the vents, it obstructs the passageway for warm air, putting more pressure on the furnace.
» Turn on the Thermostat
Pay attention to what happens when you switch to heating. In case the heat does not kick in within one minute, pull off the cover and check if the wire connections are secure. Also, ensure the power source to your HVAC system is on. If you still feel that the heating system is not working, check the heat pump or the furnace fan. Since checking all these components may be difficult, calling a professional HVAC contractor for furnace tune-up is a good idea.
Related Article: When Is It Time to Call a Pro for Furnace Tune-Up?
» Protect the AC Condenser
Cover the AC condenser to shield it from falling icicles. You can use a trash can lid and secure it using bungee cords. Choosing a board for covering the fan may also work but avoid wrapping it in a plastic tarp that can trap moisture.
Give us a call at (805) 499-0448 today to schedule your furnace tune-up, clean or heating services or for any of your other furnace maintenance concerns.
» Clean and Lubricate the Blower Motor
Read the owner’s manual to check if your motor needs lubrication. If the manual says that lubricating the blower motor is essential, switch off the power and clean the caps that cover the bearings. The next step is to remove the caps and lubricate the bearings.
» Brush and Vacuum the Heat Exchanger
Remember to clean the heat exchanger by vacuuming and brushing it annually. A trained HVAC cleaning professional can do this job well. Plus, they can also check for cracks that may lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide leakage into your home.
» Check the Carbon Monoxide Detectors and the Chimney
Chimneys in your residential or commercial property can accumulate carbon monoxide. If you want to protect your home from this ‘silent killer,’ make sure you frequently keep your chimney clean. Besides, replace or test the monoxide detectors.
Recommended Reading» The Ultimate Furnace Guide for Brands, Cost, Installation and Maintenance
» Replace the Air Filters
Generally, air filters are behind a vent grill in the ceiling or the wall. Remember to change these filters after every few months. In case of a permanent electrostatic filter, wash and reuse it. Replacing or cleaning the air filters prevent dust and debris particles from entering your HVAC system to add more years to its life. Check how often you really need to change the Furnace Filter. If the HVAC includes a humidifier, you can also replace the humidifier filter and set the humidistat.
» Check the Igniter Switch
If you have an old HVAC system, you may need to check the switch. Recent models come with electronic igniters. Push the reset button or check your breaker if the igniter is not working. If it still doesn’t work, you will have to call in a professional.
» Check for Replacement
Is the age of your furnace is more than 20 years? Age is another critical factor that can affect the efficiency and performance of your furnace. You should also add the number of repairs and their costs to consider whether you need Heating repair or replacement. Even if your furnace is not that old, it can signal some signs to indicate that you need a replacement. Check for unusual or squealing noises or odors that can help you decide if you need a replacement.
Related Article: Signs to Replace the Old Furnace
Benefits of Furnace Maintenance
Saving money: Enjoy monthly savings in energy bills.
Warranty: Your furnace warranty may require regular maintenance. Routine tune-ups can keep your warranty valid.
Reduced Unexpected Breakdowns: Regular furnace maintenance can help identify minor issues before they become serious problems.
Prolong the Life of your Furnace: Add more years to your furnace with routine maintenance.
Final Thoughts
If you find it hard to maintain your furnace’s upkeep, get in touch with a professional HVAC contractor in your area. Conejo Valley Home Services boasts a professional team of trained and highly qualified HVAC professionals who can inspect your furnace and ducts to detect any potential problems in your HVAC system. Whether you need heating repair, maintenance, or installation services, get in touch with us today to schedule your furnace tune-up appointment. We offer 24-hour Emergency Furnace Repair in the greater Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, where you don’t need to wait another business day to schedule repair of your furnace, just call us at (805) 499-0448 today!
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