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 desire while using less energy. Regular inspections also make your system less likely to break down and help extend its life span. These are just a few examples of how annual HVAC maintenance can save you time, money and inconvenience. Here’s what needs to be on your checklist before winter arrives.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

To keep your home heating system in optimum condition, consider scheduling furnace maintenance once a year. The best time to do this is in the fall before contractors become flooded with calls during the busy winter season. However, if you miss that window on the calendar, it’s still helpful to get furnace maintenance no matter what the season.

Your technician’s HVAC maintenance to-do list should include the following:

• Look at the thermostat settings: Everyone wants an efficient HVAC system, and this begins with your thermostat. During a maintenance appointment, the professional ensures your thermostat is reading the temperature correctly and engaging your furnace at the proper times.
• Tighten the electrical connections: Verifying that all electrical connections are in good working order is crucial. Loose wires can lead to a higher electricity draw, potentially decreasing the life of your system’s components and causing a safety threat.
• Measure the motor voltage and current: This step allows the technician to find out if the motor is performing within the desired parameters, helping to prevent motor failure and unnecessary energy consumption.
• Lubricate moving elements: Friction has a negative effect on energy efficiency. Your technician lubricates all moving parts to minimize 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 operate. This line should be clear of obstructions to avoid water accumulation and potential property damage. Inspecting the drain offers peace of mind that your utility closet won’t flood.
• Test the system controls: This involves ensuring the furnace starts, operates and shuts 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 examines the assembly to ensure it’s clean and operating effectively.
• Study the heat exchanger: The heat exchanger transfers heating from the fuel to your indoor air. A crack could release carbon monoxide into your dwelling, so careful examination is an essential step on the HVAC maintenance appointment.
• Clean the burners: In time, burners can get covered in dust and debris that reduces performance. A comprehensive cleaning assures they work efficiently and safely.
• Look for gas leaks: Searching for leaks is vital with gas heating systems. A leak can be deadly and should be addressed straight away.
• Analyze the gas pressure: Correct gas pressure is essential for optimal furnace function. Pressure that’s too low or too high can impact system efficiency and home comfort.

Routine Furnace Maintenance to Do at Home

Here’s how to keep your heating system operating efficiently between professional HVAC maintenance appointments:

• Replace the air filter: A clogged filter can make your heating system work harder. Check the filter each month and replace it when it appears dirty to promote efficiency and extend your system’s life span.
• Check your thermostat settings: The Department of Energy (DOE) advocates setting your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees when you’re at home and awake in the winter. Then, set the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees while you’re gone or sleeping at night to save up to 10% on your heating expenses.
• Clean the air registers: Dust buildup can restrict airflow, so vacuum the grilles on a regular basis to maintain good air quality. Next, make sure furniture, rugs and curtains don’t obstruct 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 push warm air down from the ceiling to where you need it most.
• Seal drafts: Check for leaky windows and doors. If you sense drafts, seal them with caulk and weatherstripping to keep the cold at bay and minimize your furnace’s workload.
• Analyze your attic insulation level: An under-insulated attic results in heat loss. Add insulation wherever it is needed to keep heat inside and lower your energy costs.

Work with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for HVAC Maintenance in Fort Lauderdale

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to take care of your home heating and cooling needs. We ensure peace of mind with our extensive HVAC inspections, fast solutions and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our ACE-certified technicians strive to go above and beyond. You can trust Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to make a real difference in your comfort and home enjoyment this winter with furnace maintenance in Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Reach out to us at 954-736-4314 today for help {fortifying your home against|getting your home ready for|preparing your residen