Annual HVAC Maintenance Guidelines

Once the air gets colder, you know it’s time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Your heating system is key to maintaining a cozy, warm setting. A well-maintained furnace provides the comfort you desire while using a reduced amount of energy. Scheduled inspections also make your system less likely to fail and help extend its life span. These are just some of the examples of how seasonal HVAC maintenance can save you time, money and inconvenience. Here’s what needs to be on your checklist before winter appears.

Set Up HVAC Maintenance

To keep your heating system in top condition, consider scheduling furnace maintenance every year. The preferred time to do this is in the fall before contractors become bombarded with calls during the busy winter months. Having said that, if you miss that window on the calendar, it’s still advantageous to schedule furnace maintenance no matter what the season.

Your heating specialist’s HVAC maintenance checklist should include the following:

• Look at the thermostat settings: Everybody enjoys an efficient HVAC system, and this includes your thermostat. During a maintenance appointment, the specialist ensures your thermostat is reading the temperature properly and engaging your furnace at the proper times.
• Tighten the electrical connections: Ensuring that all electrical connections are secure is essential. Loose wires can lead to a higher electricity draw, potentially shortening the life of your system’s components and resulting in a safety hazard.
• Measure the motor voltage and current: This step allows a contractor to decide if the motor is operating within the designated parameters, helping to prevent motor failure and unnecessary energy consumption.
• Lubricate moving elements: Friction is the enemy of energy efficiency. Your expert lubricates all moving parts to lower resistance, reduce wear and tear, and cut down on your energy bills.
• Examine the condensate drain: air conditioning units, condensing furnaces and whole-house humidifiers send condensate down a drain as they work. This line should be clear of obstructions to prevent water accumulation and potential property damage. Examining the drain gives peace of mind that your utility closet won’t flood.
• Check the system controls: This involves ensuring the furnace starts, runs and turns off according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring safety and security.
• Look over the ignition burner assembly: This part is responsible for igniting the burner. A professional inspects the assembly to make sure it’s clean and operating effectively.
• Study the heat exchanger: The heat exchanger transfers heating from the fuel to your residence’s air. A crack could release carbon monoxide into your home, so careful examination is a fundamental step on the HVAC maintenance appointment.
• Clean the burners: In time, burners can collect dust and debris that impedes performance. A complete cleaning ensures they function efficiently and safely.
• Check for gas leaks: Checking for leaks is crucial with gas heating systems. A leak can be deadly and should be addressed immediately.
• Evaluate the gas pressure: Ideal gas pressure is required for optimal furnace performance. Pressure that’s too low or too high can upset system efficiency and the temperature inside your residence.

DIY HVAC Maintenance

Here’s how to keep your furnace running properly between professional HVAC maintenance appointments:

• Replace the air filter: A plugged filter can put stress on your home’s HVAC equipment. Inspect the filter monthly and exchange it when it appears dirty to increase efficiency and extend your system’s life span.
• Look at your thermostat settings: The Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees when you’re inside the home and awake in the winter. Then, set the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away all day or sleeping at night to save up to 10% on your heating expenses.
• Clean the air registers: Dust covering your registers can hinder airflow, so vacuum the grilles regularly to promote good air quality. Then, make sure furniture, rugs and curtains don’t cover your return or supply vents to ensure appropriate system balance.
• Reverse the ceiling fan: Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise during the chillier months to blow warm air down from the ceiling to where you will enjoy it.
• Seal drafts: Inspect your home for leaky windows and doors. If you find drafts, seal them with caulk and weatherstripping to keep the cold air out and minimize your furnace’s workload.
• Assess your attic insulation level: An attic without enough insulation results in heat loss. Add insulation if it’s needed to keep heat inside and lower your energy costs.

Choose Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for HVAC Maintenance in Windsor

Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts is happy to take care of your home heating and cooling needs. We give you peace of mind with our thorough HVAC inspections, quick solutions and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our certified technicians strive to go above and beyond. You can rely on Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts to make a real difference in your comfort and residential relaxation this winter with furnace maintenance in Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. Reach out to us at 226-773-3357 today for help getting your home ready for the cold in Windsor.