As the seasons change and homeowners go from using their air conditioner to using their furnace, homeowners may start to wonder how frequently their heating system should be serviced. Most HVAC manufacturers recommend that your furnace is serviced before the heating season and your air conditioner is serviced before the cooling season. This means that you want to have your furnace serviced every fall.
How Do HVAC Technicians Service a Furnace?
Each HVAC technician has their own routine, but there are some basic steps that most technicians will follow as they are working on your furnace.
Check Air Ducts
First, they will examine the ductwork, checking for leaks and blockages. If you have blockages or leaks, your furnace will be unbalanced, you may be losing heat before it reaches the desired location, and you may even have certain rooms that are always cold because a blockage prevents the heated air from flowing.
Check Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is the heart of your furnace. Its job is to take the heat created by combustion and transfer it to the air that is distributed throughout your home. It won’t function if your heat exchanger is clogged because of soot and debris. Worse yet, a cracked heat exchanger could leak carbon monoxide into your home. HVAC technicians will ensure that your heat exchanger is working as it should and make recommendations if repairs or replacements are needed.
Lubrication
One of the central components of your furnace is the blower motor. Cleaning and lubricating the furnace blower motor is key to its proper functioning. If the blower motor is not lubricated, it can cause excessive noise, reduce airflow, prevent the fan from functioning at variable speeds, or lead to your blower fan motor not working. When your technician lubricates the blower fan and other moving parts, they keep your furnace working at peak efficiency.
Check the Thermocouple
The thermocouple is part of your furnace’s electrical safety system. It opens the gas valve that feeds the pilot light. As temperatures rise, the valve opens, and the valve shuts down when there’s no heat. This stops the gas from flowing into the appliance if there’s no flame to light. Although the flame sensor does something that’s similar to the thermocouple, they are not interchangeable. Your HVAC technician may perform an open circuit test to ensure that it is functioning properly. If it’s not functioning properly, your HVAC technician will need to replace it.
The Benefits of Furnace Maintenance
There are many good reasons to make an annual furnace checkup part of your autumn routine.
Up to 30% Reduction in Your Energy Bill
Your furnace can make up close to 50% of your energy bill. Regular furnace maintenance will make your furnace more efficient and use less energy. Couple your annual maintenance with regularly changing your filters, and you will increase your savings. As an added bonus, a well-maintained furnace will last longer, meaning you will get a higher ROI on your purchase.
Prevent Breakdowns and Repairs
Nothing ruins a winter night like an unexpected broken heating system. Routine maintenance means fewer repairs. You can prevent things like furnace water or carbon monoxide leaks or a furnace that’s blowing cold air or producing unusually high energy bills.
Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality
A well-maintained furnace improves your air quality. Dirty furnaces lead to dirt and debris buildup. This can exacerbate respiratory symptoms, especially in individuals who have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions.
Maintain Your Manufacturer’s Warranty
Regular furnace maintenance can help fulfill the requirements of your manufacturer’s warranty. Most furnaces come with a 10-year warranty option. If you ever need to use your warranty, the manufacturer will want proof that their unit has been taken care of according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you’re not doing annual maintenance, you may not get the full benefit of your warranty.
Keeping You Cozy and Cool in Whittier, California
At Spot On Heating, we are your constant companion for maintaining a safe and comfortable indoor living environment. Our skilled and licensed HVAC technicians provide the right heating and cooling solutions for your home. Our plumbers are the top choice for sewer and drainage issues. Our services include HVAC maintenance, installation, and repair. Our plumbing services include the installation of water heaters and water filtration systems. We offer drain cleaning and sewer repair. Contact Spot On Heating and see why we should be your choice for heating, air, and plumbing services.