It’s autumn already! While you might just be enjoying the fact that it’s not quite so hot outside, don’t forget that there are things on your to-do list that must be done before winter hits. One of those things—indeed, the top thing on that list—should be having routine maintenance done on your heating system.
We talk a lot about the importance of maintenance. It helps your heating system run more efficiently. It makes sure the heat will be evenly distributed, so you’ll be more comfortable and cozy. It decreases the likelihood that you’ll need repairs this winter, and even extends the lifetime of your heater! But if for no other reason, get heating maintenance done as a safety precaution. Here’s how it will prevent hazardous problems.
Cleaning
The first thing your HVAC technician will do is take a good hard look at all the parts of the system. But how? Everything is covered in dust and grime! So the true first step in the heating maintenance process is cleaning. Each and every component must be thoroughly cleaned, and for some parts of the system, that means disassembling components to clean their inner workings.
Dust and grime can cause a lot of issues with heating systems. If the motor that powers the blower fan, for example, is wearing a thick sweater made of dust, the heat that it creates will be trapped inside. Overheating can be hazardous—you don’t want that dust to catch fire!
Furthermore, the dust and mess was in the way, so your technician couldn’t get a clear view of all the components of your heating system. That means they wouldn’t have been able to see if there was a serious concern. So now that it’s all clean, it’s time for a meticulous inspection!
Inspecting
All the parts of the system must be in good working condition in order to avoid hazards like electrical shock, fire, gas leaks, or carbon monoxide poisoning. In the case of a gas furnace, one of the parts that it’s absolutely critical to inspect closely is the heat exchanger.
When the fuel is combusted, the gasses enter the heat exchanger. It keeps the hot gasses in, and they warm the air that flows around the heat exchanger. If it gets cracked, which can happen from the constant temperature fluctuations causing it to expand and contract, the gasses can escape and contaminate the air you breathe with carbon monoxide!
Testing
Some tests need to be performed on the electrical components of your heating system. Even if you have a gas furnace, some of its parts are electrical! Many gas furnaces have electric ignition systems, for example, and of course, there’s the thermostat as well. To avoid hazards like electrocution and electrical fire, all electrical connections must be secure, and components must draw the correct amperage of electricity.
Lubrication
Of course, moving parts will create friction as they rub or grind against each other. The more friction there is, the hotter things will get, and the more wear and tear the components will endure. Your technician will smooth out that friction with fresh lubricant, to keep everything gliding easily.
Protect yourself, your family, and your home by getting heating maintenance in West Monroe, LA.
Contact Mike Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC. We provide “Professional grade service.”