It's about that time of the year when the weather starts getting cooler (depending where you live I guess)and most of us wait when the weather turns ugly and then we try to turn on the thermostat hoping our heating system works perfectly, sometimes they work flawlessly and sometimes they fail us when we need it the most. Below are some basic steps that anyone can do as a preventive maintenance for their their hvac.
Maintenance Checklist
Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. Keep your heating system at peak performance by having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups. Contractors get busy once winter come, so it's best to check the heating system in the fall. To remember, you might plan the check-ups around the time changes in fall.
If you do the maintenance yourself, make sure to take all the safety precautions, there are many electrical hazards involved in completing this maintenance.
A typical maintenance check-up should include the following.
*Check thermostat settings to ensure the heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
*If you have that antiquated thermostat, time to upgrade, they can save you energy cost and trouble down the line.
* Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
* Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.
* Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.
* Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.
Heating Specific
* Check all gas (or oil) connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.
Actions To Do Yourself
* Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.
If maintaining your HVAC is not your cup of tea, call a contractor they can save you a lot of heartache and money come winter time.
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