Yearly HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Now that the air starts to get cold, you know it’s time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Your heating system is key to maintaining a cozy, warm setting. A well-maintained furnace supplies the comfort you want while using a smaller amount of energy. Regular inspections also make your system less likely to fail and help it last years longer. These are just some of the examples of how annual HVAC maintenance can save you time, money and inconvenience. Here’s what needs to be on your checklist before the cold temperature happens.
Plan HVAC Maintenance
To keep your furnace in peak condition, consider arranging furnace maintenance once a year. The preferred time to do this is in the fall before contractors become flooded with calls during the busy winter months. However, if you miss that window on the calendar, it’s still advantageous to schedule furnace maintenance no matter what the season.
Your technician’s HVAC maintenance list should feature the following:
- Check the thermostat settings: We all desire an efficient HVAC system, and this includes your thermostat. During a maintenance appointment, the technician ensures your thermostat is reading the temperature properly and engaging your furnace at the proper times.
- Tighten the electrical connections: Making sure that all electrical connections are secure is vital. Loose wires can result in a higher electricity draw, potentially shortening the life of your system’s components and creating a safety risk.
- Measure the motor voltage and current: This step allows a contractor to decide if the motor is working within the designated parameters, helping to avoid motor failure and unnecessary energy consumption.
- Lubricate moving elements: Friction reduces energy efficiency. Your technician lubricates all moving parts to lower resistance, reduce wear and tear, and cut down on your energy bills.
- Check the condensate drain: air conditioning units, condensing furnaces and whole-house humidifiers send condensate down a drain as they run. This line should be clear of obstructions to protect against water accumulation and potential home damage. Examining the drain offers peace of mind that your utility closet won’t flood.
- Test the system controls: This involves making sure the furnace starts, operates and shuts off according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring safety and dependability.
- Inspect the ignition burner assembly: This part is responsible for igniting the burner. A tech examines the assembly to confirm it’s clean and operating effectively.
- Examine the heat exchanger: The heat exchanger transfers heating from the fuel to your residence’s air. A crack could introduce carbon monoxide into your residence, so detailed examination is an essential step on the HVAC maintenance visit.
- Clean the burners: In the long run, burners can collect dust and debris that impedes performance. A thorough cleaning makes sure they function efficiently and safely.
- Check for gas leaks: Checking for leaks is crucial with gas heating systems. A leak can be deadly and should be addressed straight away.
- Evaluate the gas pressure: Proper gas pressure is required for optimal furnace performance. Pressure that’s too low or too high can impact system efficiency and the temperature inside your residence.
DIY HVAC Maintenance
Here’s how to keep your home heating working smoothly between professional HVAC maintenance tune-ups:
- Change your air filter: A plugged filter can strain your furnace. Examine the filter each month and exchange it when it appears dirty to increase 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 not home or after you go to bed at night to save up to 10% on your heating spending.
- Clean the air registers: Dust accumulation can reduce airflow, so vacuum the grilles on a regular basis to preserve good air quality. Then, make sure furniture, rugs and curtains don’t block your return or supply vents to ensure appropriate system balance.
- Reverse the ceiling fan: Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise during the cooler months to push warm air down from the ceiling to where you need it most.
- Seal drafts: Look for leaky windows and doors. If you find drafts, seal them with caulk and weatherstripping to keep the cold at bay and minimize your furnace’s workload.
- Assess your attic insulation level: An under-insulated attic causes heat loss. Add insulation where needed to keep heat inside and reduce your energy costs.
Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for HVAC Maintenance in Fort Lauderdale
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to meet all your home comfort needs. We ensure peace of mind with our comprehensive HVAC inspections, fast 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 to make a significant difference in your comfort and residential relaxation this winter with furnace maintenance in Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Phone 954-736-4314 today for help {fortifying your home against|getting your home ready for|preparing your residen