Winter is always a busy time for HVAC companies. This is the season for emergency calls from homeowners whose HVAC systems have failed them at the most inconvenient possible time. HVAC companies such as All Weather Heating & Cooling offer 24/7 emergency services because they know just how unpleasant, and even dangerous, it can be to be unexpectedly without heat during the freezing Ohio winters.
What if homeowners could partially or even entirely prevent these emergencies, though? Often, investing in routine repairs and maintenance can catch smaller issues early or even prevent problems altogether. Performing an internet search for “furnace maintenance near me” in the springtime can often save you from having to perform the dreaded “emergency furnace repair” search during the winter.
Neglecting regular furnace care can lead to serious (and expensive) repairs later on, but following a few tips for maintenance throughout the year can help your home remain cozy and comfortable during the winter.
Know How Your HVAC System Works
Most HVAC systems these days still rely on forced air to heat a home. This means that the furnace generates heat by burning a fuel source, such as gas or oil. This heat is then transferred to the air using a heat exchanger. Finally, the now-heated air is transported through the ductwork in the home by a powerful blower motor.
You don’t need to be an expert in HVAC technology to have a furnace that is well-maintained and in good working condition, but you should still familiarize yourself with some of the basics regarding your own home heating system. What fuel source does it use? How old is the system?
It’s also a good idea to keep a record of maintenance, just as you might do with your car. The more information you have, the easier it will be for your HVAC professional to make repairs when the need arises.
Inspect the Gas Line or Other Fuel Source
One of the most costly, and potentially dangerous, problems that can occur with a furnace is a gas leak. Even leaks that don’t create fire hazards or other health risks can still cause major problems, as they drive up your energy costs and reduce the efficiency of your heating system. That’s why HVAC pros always check pipes and valves for any vulnerabilities that may cause a leak to occur. This should be done at least annually to ensure that no issues develop that may lead to costly repairs later on.
Change the Filters Regularly
A forced-air system is constantly circulating air throughout the home. This air can carry a great deal of dust and dirt with it, most of which should be caught within the HVAC system’s air filters. Over time, however, filters become saturated with particulate matter and need to be changed out and replaced with new, clean ones.
Failure to do so regularly will have several consequences: First, dirty air filters can no longer capture dust and other irritants as effectively, leading the forced-air system to begin blowing them back into the home. This can exacerbate allergies and other respiratory conditions, as well as encourage colds and other illnesses. Dirty air filters can also reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, forcing it to work much harder to keep your home warm.
While a lot of furnace maintenance can only be performed by a licensed professional who is trained to work with HVAC technology, you can usually change furnace filters yourself with minimal difficulty. so do so at least once every three months to ensure a comfortable (and healthy) winter.
Inspect the Blower Motor
The blower motor is a critical element in your furnace since without it, your heating system has no way to effectively circulate heated air. Disrepair can dramatically increase your energy bills and even entirely prevent your furnace from being able to heat your home during especially cold weather. One of the most important parts of regular furnace maintenance is to inspect the blower motor and all its complex moving parts.
A malfunctioning blower motor will require the services of an HVAC professional. However, you may still be able to detect when there is a problem with the blower motor since it tends to cause your furnace to become unusually noisy. If you hear unusual sounds, or if the airflow from your vents is weak, this may indicate a faulty blower motor is to blame.
Check Electrical Connections
Sometimes, HVAC professionals receive calls from panicked homeowners whose heating systems aren’t working and discover there is absolutely nothing wrong with the furnaces themselves. Rather, the issue lies with the electrical connections that keep the units functioning properly.
Even if you have a gas furnace, it relies on electricity. For example, the thermostat uses electricity to communicate with the rest of the system. If there is a faulty electrical connection somewhere, it may hamper the thermostat’s ability to interface with the HVAC system and even prevent it from turning on at all. That’s why one of the first things we check during a routine maintenance visit is the electrical connections in the system.
How To Find the Best Maintenance in Your Area
Investing in upkeep for your HVAC system is more than just searching for furnace maintenance near you and choosing an option without any further research. The best HVAC companies work hard to communicate with their clients so that they can have peace of mind even during stressful emergencies like when an HVAC system fails during a winter storm.
That’s why we work so hard to communicate effectively at All Weather Heating & Cooling: we understand how important it is to our customers. With the slogan “We Call Back,” we’ll consistently keep you updated as to the location of your HVAC professional during an emergency. When you choose us to perform your annual maintenance, we also work hard to communicate with you about any repairs you may need. In doing so, we’ll help you prepare for those cold Ohio winters so that your furnace can keep your home cozy for many years to come.