Debbie If you are planning to perform furnace maintenance on your HVAC system, there are some essential tips and guidelines that you should consider. Before you begin, ensure you have a professional look at your system to ensure it is running correctly. Also, check the air filter and gas line for leaks. This will help you to prevent problems from arising before they become too severe.
Prevent Problems Before they Start
To save money, time, and trouble, ensure you maintain proper upkeep of your system. While not all problems can be avoided, you can prevent an expensive furnace repair cost by following a good maintenance plan. A service technician can inspect and repair any issues you may have.
One of the best ways to keep your furnace in top-notch condition is to schedule an annual tune-up. This includes changing the filter every month or two and cleaning the ductwork regularly. The most common causes of failure are a dirty filter and clogged air ducts. If your furnace is making strange noises, such as a peculiar humming, rattling, or squealing squeal, it’s best to get help from a professional.
Check for Leaks
Check for leaks if your furnace hasn’t been working correctly. Leaking heat exchangers and other parts can damage your furnace and cause carbon monoxide to accumulate in the air. Also, mold and dust can build up in the air, affecting your furnace’s performance.
Some of the most common leaks are at the evaporator coils, but they can occur anywhere in the system. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, place a small amount of dish soap or water on the suspected area and watch how the solution bubbles up. It should bubble up at the leak and provide a good source indicator.
The leaking furnace should be shut off. You can turn off the gas line’s power switch or depressurize the home by turning on the exhaust fans.
Change the Air Filter.
You must regularly change the air filter if you have a furnace or air conditioning unit. Filters help to remove dirt and other contaminants from the air. This helps keep your system working correctly and save on energy bills. Changing filters also reduce the amount of work your fan motor has to do.
The type of filter you use will depend on your system. Most air filters are located near the blower unit or in the metal ductwork before it.
These filters can be pleated or flat. Pleated filters have deeper pleats with more surface area to capture dust and other particles. They also have a higher MERV rating, which means they are better at capturing smaller particles.
Check for Mercaptan in the Gas.
When performing furnace maintenance, checking for mercaptan in the gas is essential. This is a sulfur-based chemical that helps the gas system detect leaks.
If the odor persists, it may be a sign of a leak. Turning off the furnace and the gas valve will help stop the leak. But if it continues, call a furnace repair service.
Furnace problems can have several adverse effects on your health and safety. Some issues that can occur include producing carbon monoxide and releasing strange odors.
The first warning sign of a possible gas leak is a sulfurous odor. The smell is similar to that of rotten eggs. However, knowing that the terrible egg odor is not always a warning sign is essential.
Find a local HVAC professional.
If your furnace isn’t functioning correctly or is in need of repair, finding a local HVAC professional can be the best solution. A qualified technician can fix the problem and help you choose a suitable unit for your home.
The best way to find a local HVAC professional is through word-of-mouth recommendations. You can ask your neighbors, friends, or family for advice or check online review sites.
When searching for an HVAC service provider, inquire about their reputation for honesty, reliability, and efficiency. Good service companies provide solutions to problems promptly.
An HVAC contractor’s website should be able to show you testimonials from happy customers. This is one of the most obvious signs of quality.
Ask your potential contractor about any discounts, incentives, or payment plans they offer. Many HVAC contractors will give you a discount for signing a maintenance agreement. Often, these contracts are annual maintenance agreements that include reduced fees for repairs.
