Year-End HVAC Maintenance Checklist
As soon as the air starts to get cold, you know it’s time to get your home ready for the cooler months ahead. Your heating system is key to maintaining a cozy, warm atmosphere. A well-maintained furnace supplies the comfort you crave while using a reduced amount of energy. Scheduled inspections also make your system less likely to malfunction and help lengthen its service life. These are just a few examples of how seasonal HVAC maintenance can save you time, money and hassle. Here’s what should be on your checklist before the cold temperature arrives.
Plan HVAC Maintenance
To keep your heating system in peak condition, consider reaching out to a professional HVAC technician to conduct furnace maintenance every year. The ideal time to schedule this is in the fall before contractors become flooded with calls during the busy cold months. However, if you miss that window on the calendar, it’s still helpful to get furnace maintenance no matter what the season.
Your technician’s HVAC maintenance checklist should feature the following:
- Examine the thermostat settings: Everybody enjoys an efficient HVAC system, and this includes your thermostat. During a maintenance check, the technician ensures your thermostat is reading the temperature properly and engaging your furnace at the proper times.
- Tighten the electrical connections: Verifying that all electrical connections are in good working order is essential. Loose wires can result in a higher electricity draw, potentially reducing the life of your system’s components and resulting in a safety hazard.
- Measure the motor voltage and current: This step allows the technician to determine if the motor is working within the recommended parameters, helping to protect against motor failure and unnecessary energy consumption.
- Lubricate moving components: Friction reduces energy efficiency. Your technician lubricates all moving parts to lower resistance, reduce wear and tear, and lower your energy bills.
- Examine the condensate drain: Air conditioners, condensing furnaces and whole-house humidifiers send condensate down a drain as they work. This line must be clear of obstructions to prevent water accumulation and potential home damage. Looking over the drain offers peace of mind that your utility closet won’t flood.
- Test the system controls: This involves ensuring the furnace starts, functions and powers off according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring safety and reliability.
- Inspect the ignition burner assembly: This feature is responsible for igniting the burner. A tech inspects the assembly to confirm it’s clean and operating effectively.
- Study the heat exchanger: The heat exchanger transfers heating from the fuel to your indoor air. A crack could introduce carbon monoxide into your residence, so careful examination is an essential step on the HVAC maintenance checklist.
- Clean the burners: In time, burners can get covered in dust and debris that reduces performance. A thorough cleaning ensures they function efficiently and safely.
- Inspect for gas leaks: Checking for leaks is fundamental with gas heating systems. A leak can be deadly and should be addressed immediately.
- Assess the gas pressure: Proper gas pressure is essential for optimal furnace function. Pressure that’s too low or too high can impact system efficiency and the temperature inside your residence.
Routine Furnace Maintenance to Do at Home
Here’s how to keep your heating system running efficiently between professional HVAC maintenance visits:
- Change your air filter: A clogged filter can make your heating system work harder. Examine the filter every 30 days and change it when it appears dirty to promote efficiency and extend your system’s life span.
- Check your thermostat settings: The Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees when you’re inside the home and awake in the winter. Then, set the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away all day or after you go to bed at night to save up to 10% on your heating expenses.
- Clean the air registers: Dust covering your registers can hinder airflow, so vacuum the grilles on a regular basis to maintain good air quality. Next, make sure furniture, rugs and curtains don’t block your return or supply vents to ensure correct system balance.
- Reverse the ceiling fan: Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise during the chillier months to push warm air down from the ceiling to where you will enjoy it.
- Seal drafts: Look for leaky windows and doors. If you sense drafts, seal them with caulk and weatherstripping to keep the cold from getting in your home and reduce your furnace’s workload.
- Analyze your attic insulation level: An insufficient insulation level in your home’s attic leads to heat loss. Add insulation if it’s needed to keep heat indoors and lower your energy bills.
Work with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for HVAC Maintenance in the U.S.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is happy to solve your home HVAC needs. We give you peace of mind with our comprehensive HVAC inspections, quick solutions and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our ACE-certified technicians are known for the way they go above and beyond. You can rely on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to make a significant difference in your comfort and residential relaxation this winter with furnace maintenance in Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Call 866-397-3787 today for help {fortifying your home against|getting your home ready for|preparing your residen