Your heating system is critical to your comfort and your well-being. To keep it running this winter, you’ve got to have maintenance done. This will cut down dramatically (by 85%!) on the repairs your heating system would otherwise need, plus cut your utility bills by improving efficiency. It will even help you keep that same system running for many more years, so you can put off replacing it. A well maintained furnace provides improved energy efficiency, cost savings, and better indoor air quality. Furnace tune-ups improve indoor air quality by cleaning components and filters, reducing allergens in the air.
As great as all this sounds, there is one other reason for you to have this critical service done as soon as possible, and it is truly the most important reason. Without regular service, a heating system can become a safety risk. Routine maintenance and regular tune ups help save money on heating bills and prevent increased energy bills during the cold winter months. Furnace maintenance will keep you and your loved ones safe. Scheduling a furnace tune-up annually can help maintain your manufacturer’s warranty. Here’s how.
Cleaning
Your heating system is full of all the dust of the past year. (It might even be more than that, if you skipped last year’s maintenance!) This clogs the places that should have good airflow, blankets and insulates the components that create heat and don’t allow it to dissipate, and works its way between moving parts to cause wear and tear and friction. Inspect and clean supply vents and return ducts to prevent airflow restrictions.
An HVAC technician’s first step in heating maintenance is to get everything sparkling clean. As part of this process, it’s important to inspect, clean, or replace air filters and the furnace filter to ensure optimal airflow and improve indoor air quality. That dust has got to go! Without it, there will be much less risk of overheating, which is a hazardous problem. It will be possible, when the system is clean, to apply friction-reducing lubricant to moving parts and further reduce the risk of overheating. A professional should clean internal components like burners and flame sensors during a furnace maintenance. And your technician can get a good look at all those components now.
Inspecting
If a component is worn or failing, you might not find out until something goes seriously wrong. You might end up without heat in the middle of the night, or worse, have something catch fire. A thorough furnace inspection is crucial for diagnosing problems, maintaining performance, and preventing costly repairs. This includes checking the flame sensor, electrical connections, and gas pressure, especially if you have an older furnace. Regular furnace inspections are essential for identifying issues early and ensuring safe operation. The thermostat is checked for calibration, assuring accurate temperature control of the heating system. But your technician can spot these problems during maintenance, before they develop into real safety hazards, and replace, repair, or adjust those components that are in need of help.
Furnaces have safety mechanisms, too, which are designed to prevent problems from causing any real risk to you or your home. Different types of heating systems have different components, so yours may or may not have a heat exchanger, which would need to be inspected for cracks. But all furnaces do have limit switches, which shut the system down if overheating occurs, to prevent a fire. Inspect the flue pipe for rust, corrosion, or blockages to ensure safe venting of combustion gases.
Testing
All furnaces, regardless of energy source, do have some electrical components. This means there’s electrical testing required to make sure these components are properly calibrated and drawing the right amperage of power, and that all wire connections are secure. It’s important to test all components to ensure proper operation and peak performance, keeping your furnace operating efficiently and reliably. Gas furnaces also need to have their gas lines and ignition systems tested to make sure you won’t be at risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. Cleaning the heat exchanger during maintenance helps reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
An annual tune up and heating system tune are essential steps to maintain your system’s efficiency and safety. Be sure to schedule a furnace tune up before the heating season begins to prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure optimal comfort. It is best to book your annual furnace maintenance at the beginning of the fall season.
Once you’ve gotten this heating service in Lavallette, NJ, you’ll be able to relax in the comfortable knowledge that you won’t just be warm all winter. You and the people you love will be safe, too.
Safety Considerations
When it comes to keeping your family safe during the heating season, safety considerations should always be at the forefront of your furnace maintenance routine. Scheduling a professional furnace tune up is not just about keeping your furnace running smoothly, it’s about protecting your home from serious risks like carbon monoxide leaks, gas leaks, and fire hazards.
One of the most critical safety concerns with any heating system is the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. A cracked or damaged heat exchanger can allow this dangerous, odorless gas to seep into your home. That’s why regular furnace tune ups include a thorough inspection of the heat exchanger and venting system. An experienced HVAC technician will check for any signs of wear or damage, ensuring your furnace is operating safely and efficiently. Installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home adds an extra layer of protection, providing early warning in the event of a leak.
Gas leaks are another serious risk that can arise from neglected or improperly maintained furnaces. During an annual furnace tune up, your technician will inspect all gas lines and connections, making sure there are no potential gas leaks that could put your family in danger. This preventative maintenance not only keeps your heating system running at peak efficiency but also helps you avoid costly repairs and emergency situations.
It’s also important to keep the area around your furnace cabinet clear of combustible materials such as boxes, clothing, or furniture. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure proper airflow for your furnace’s blower motor and other components.
To ensure optimal performance and safety, always schedule your annual furnace tune up with a certified HVAC professional. Regular furnace tune ups help prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduce energy bills, and extend the life of your heating system. By following the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and repairs, and by keeping up with routine furnace maintenance, you can enjoy peace of mind all winter long.
You’re More Comfortable With Atlantic Air Systems. Schedule your appointment with us today.