Year-End HVAC Maintenance Guidelines

Now that the air turns chilly, you know it’s time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Your heating system is critical to maintaining a cozy, warm environment. A well-maintained furnace supplies the comfort you crave while using a smaller amount of energy. Regular inspections also make your system less likely to malfunction and help lengthen its service life. These are just some of the examples of how annual HVAC maintenance can save you time, money and hassle. Here’s what ought to be on your checklist before the cold temperature arrives.

Plan HVAC Maintenance

To keep your heating system in peak condition, consider reaching out to a professional HVAC technician to conduct furnace maintenance every year. The preferred time to do this is in the fall before contractors become swamped with calls during the busy cold months. But, if you miss that window on the calendar, it’s still helpful to get furnace maintenance no matter what the season.

Your heating and cooling professional’s HVAC maintenance to-do list should include the following:

• Examine the thermostat settings: We all desire an efficient HVAC system, and this starts with your thermostat. During a maintenance tune-up, the specialist ensures your thermostat is reading the temperature correctly and engaging your furnace at the proper times.
• Tighten the electrical connections: Making sure that all electrical connections are in good working order is crucial. Loose wires can lead to a higher electricity draw, potentially shortening the life of your system’s components and resulting in a safety threat.
• Measure the motor voltage and current: This step allows an expert to determine if the motor is working within the intended parameters, helping to prevent motor failure and unnecessary energy consumption.
• Lubricate moving elements: Friction has a negative effect on energy efficiency. Your expert lubricates all moving parts to decrease resistance, reduce wear and tear, and lower your energy bills.
• Examine the condensate drain: Air conditioners, condensing furnaces and whole-house humidifiers send condensate down a drain as they operate. This line should be clear of obstructions to avoid water accumulation and potential home damage. Examining the drain provides peace of mind that your utility closet won’t flood.
• Test the system controls: This involves making sure the furnace starts, functions and turns off according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring safety and dependability.
• Scrutinize the ignition burner assembly: This component is responsible for igniting the burner. A professional evaluates the assembly to make sure it’s clean and operating effectively.
• Study the heat exchanger: The heat exchanger transfers heat from the fuel to your home’s air. A crack could release carbon monoxide into your dwelling, so thorough examination is a fundamental step on the HVAC maintenance appointment.
• Clean the burners: In time, burners can get covered in dust and debris that hinders performance. A comprehensive cleaning assures they function efficiently and safely.
• Inspect for gas leaks: Monitoring for leaks is fundamental with gas heating systems. A leak can be deadly and should be addressed straight away.
• Analyze the gas pressure: Correct gas pressure is crucial for optimal furnace performance. Pressure that’s too low or too high can affect system efficiency and the warmth in your home.

Maintenance Steps You Can Do Yourself

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

• Replace the air filter: A clogged filter can strain your furnace. Inspect the filter monthly and change 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) recommends setting your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees when you’re in your residence and awake in the winter. Then, set the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees while you’re gone or after you go to bed at night to save up to 10% on your heating spending.
• Clean the air registers: Dust accumulation can hinder airflow, so vacuum the grilles routinely to preserve good air quality. Then, make sure furniture, rugs and curtains don’t obstruct your return or supply vents to ensure correct system balance.
• Reverse the ceiling fan: Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise during the colder months to force warm air down from the ceiling to where you will enjoy it.
• Seal drafts: Check for leaky windows and doors. If you find drafts, seal them with caulk and weatherstripping to keep the cold at bay and decrease your furnace’s workload.
• Evaluate your attic insulation level: An attic without enough insulation causes heat loss. Add insulation if it’s needed to keep heat indoors and reduce your energy bills.

Choose Rob's Albertan Service Experts for HVAC Maintenance in Edmonton

Rob's Albertan Service Experts is happy to meet all your home heating needs. We ensure 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 Rob's Albertan Service Experts to make a real difference in your comfort and residential relaxation this winter with furnace maintenance in Rob's Albertan Service Experts. Phone 780-800-9047 today for help preparing your residence for the cold in Edmonton.