How do I maintain my heating system?

• Check the thermostat and adjust as needed.
• Verify the condenser coil is clean.
• Check all connections and wiring.
• Check blower motor belt wear and tension, then adjust as needed.
• Check motor voltage and amp draw.
• Check compressor contact.
• Perform a visual inspection of compressor and check the amp draw.
• Check start capacitor and potential relay.
• Check pressure switch setting.
• Replace or clean air filter.

How often should I clean my heating system?

As the homeowner, remember the heater portion of your HVAC system is also responsible for the overall indoor air quality for your home, it isn’t just for heat. When the heater isn’t working as it should, you will have an increase in your energy bills. HVAC maintenance tasks you can do every month to three months without much heater maintenance how-to knowledge are:

• • Change or Clean the Filter: This is the most basic and common thing a homeowner should know how to do, and it should be done every 30 days. A dirty air filter will negatively impact air quality and your energy bills. A lack of HVAC maintenance with the filter will cause your HVAC system to work harder, shortening its lifespan. If you aren’t sure how to do this, have the HVAC maintenance tech show you during their next visit.
  • Clean Debris from the Burners: Keeping the burners clean of any debris and dust as part of the HVAC maintenance plan will keep it working efficiently which will save you money each month. Even during the warmer weather, the heater will gather dirt and dust, so a fall HVAC maintenance appointment is recommended. While a homeowner shouldn’t attempt cleaning the burners, you can vacuum around the area of the filter and inside the open areas of the furnace, after you have turned the systems off.
  • Unblock the Vents: It can be easy for anyone to not realize they have placed a chair or a laundry basket in front of a heating vent. Each day as you walk through your home picking up clothes or dishes, if there is any vent blocked, move the item(s) and remind everyone the importance of keeping the vents clear. Make sure that there aren’t curtains or rugs in the way of the vents either, the simplest of all HVAC maintenance steps.
  • Check the Thermostat: If your home isn’t keeping warm, make sure the heat is selected on the thermostat. This is a common HVAC service call result, and checking it yourself could save you that service call charge.
  • Oil the Blower Motor: This is one steps that a professional HVAC maintenance technician will do as part of their service.
  • Keep the Professional HVAC Maintenance and Inspection Schedule: Never let your professional HVAC maintenance check overlap. This annual professional HVAC maintenance allows the technician the opportunity to find small issues and repair them before they become a major problem.

How do I clean my furnace in the winter?

Furnaces and heaters will spontaneously stop working on the coldest night of the year. You can prevent that from happening by being proactive with furnace and HVAC maintenance on your part:

• • Clear the Drain Tube: Small amounts of water accumulate with natural gas and propane furnaces, with some of it blowing into the exhaust stream. The remaining water drains into a drip pan, usually the same one the air conditioner drains into. Once a month or every two months, check the drain pipe and empty it, then check the tubing and make sure it is clear of any blockages or clogs.
  • Dust and Vacuum: Debris, dirt, and dust collect inside a furnace all year long. When left to accumulate, the furnace will become inefficient or even quit working. You can prevent this by using a small soft paintbrush to gently clean the inner components, removing any debris and dust. Then, gently vacuum over the area to collect the loosened debris and dirt.
  • Clean the Flame Sensor: If you have a gas furnace, keeping the flame sensor clean is important to prevent the furnace from stopping working. This only needs to be done once a year, and you can wait for your annual professional HVAC maintenance appointment or do it yourself.
  • The Filter: We can’t stress this enough: For furnace or HVAC maintenance, you should change or clean your air filter every 30 days.