You need regular maintenance if you want a safe, reliable, and efficient heating system. Otherwise, you could be left in the cold during the winter months. Whether you rely on a furnace, heat pump, or another type of heating system, make sure to schedule an annual maintenance visit with a qualified technician. If you are hesitant about the whole process, here is what you can expect during a heater maintenance visit.
An Inspection of Your Entire System
When a qualified technician arrives at your home, you can expect them to make a full inspection of your entire heating system. With that, they can look for signs of potential problems before they become big bills. Most of the time, they will visually inspect your home’s exterior, vents, and ductwork. If there are signs of rust, wear and tear, or damage, that could be signs of underlying issues.
After that, the technician will observe the operation of your heating system. They will listen for unusual sounds like rattling or banging at this stage. Also, they will check that your system has the proper airflow from the vents. You can expect them to inspect the thermostat as well. Many of those common issues can be attributed to a faulty device. If there are any problems, they will calibrate to ensure it accurately reads the temperature and properly controls the heating system.
A Thorough Cleaning of All the Heater’s Components
Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in your heating system. In turn, that can affect its operation and potentially cause damage. Your technician will thoroughly clean several areas of the system.
One of the most common problems that can occur is with the air filter. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and make your heating system work harder. Your technician will check the condition of the air filters.
The burner assembly can become clogged with dirt and debris for those with gas furnaces. This issue is a safety concern. The technician will clean the burner assembly to ensure it is clean and safe to operate.
Along with that, the blower can accumulate dirt and debris. The blower circulates air throughout your home. A buildup of dirt on these blades can cause potential damage to the system.
You also need a clean heat exchanger. This component transfers heat from the combustion process to the air circulating throughout your home. Over time, soot can build up on the heat exchanger. The technician will take time to wipe down these components.
Lubrication of All Moving Components
Motors, bearings, and fans are all moving parts. They need regular lubrication to operate quietly. Over time, all that oil or grease can break down. In turn, that can cause increased friction, wear, and mechanical failure. The technician will apply the appropriate lubricant to these components during these visits.
While lubricating the components, the technician will also inspect them for signs of wear or damage. If any parts are worn or near the end of their lifespan, the technician may recommend replacing them to prevent future breakdowns.
A Complete Electrical System Inspection
The electrical components are the heart of your system. If they are failing or not working, it could mean the permanent failure of your heater. Your technician will take time to check all electrical wiring and connections for signs of wear, corrosion, or loose connections. Any faulty wiring can lead to electrical failures, reduced system performance, or even fire hazards.
Capacitors and relays regulate the flow of electricity to the motors and other electrical parts of the heating system. Your technician will test them to make sure they are functioning correctly. If there are problems, the tech will replace the ones that show signs of wear.
Your heating system has various safety controls, such as limit switches and pressure switches. Testing will make sure they are working correctly. They can safely shut down the system if you ever have an overheating problem.
Performance Testing of Your System
After cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the components of your heating system, the technician will perform a series of tests. This step is to make sure your system is operating at peak performance.
First, the technician will measure the temperature of the air entering and leaving the heating system. The difference is known as the rise in temperature. It should fall within the manufacturer’s specified range. If the temperature rise is too high or too low, you might have a problem with the system’s efficiency.
Also, the technician will conduct a combustion analysis for those with a gas furnace. This will measure the operation of the combustion process. You want to make sure the furnace is burning fuel cleanly and safely. This will minimize emissions and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
Finally, one of the most important tests focuses on carbon monoxide. This colorless and odorless gas can be deadly if it accumulates in your home. When your home is closed in the winter, your risk of exposure to this gas can increase. Your technician will check the heat exchanger, flue, and other components for leaks to ensure the system is venting properly. If there is an issue, they will make sure to correct it immediately.
Review of Their Findings
Your technician will review their findings once all the tests and maintenance tasks are completed. In most cases, you will get a detailed report outlining the health of your heating system, any issues they identified, and any recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
If the technician identifies any worn, damaged, or malfunctioning components, you will have a recommendation for immediate repairs. When you address these issues right away, you can prevent more serious problems down the road.
Sometimes, the technician may also suggest upgrades or adjustments to improve the efficiency of your heating system. For example, they could recommend installing a programmable thermostat, sealing ductwork, or upgrading to a modern unit.
After that, the technician will often give tips for maintaining your heating system between these visits. You can find out when to change air filters, how to keep vents and registers clear, and when to schedule annual maintenance to keep your system in top shape.
If you have any questions, now is the time to ask. Before the technician leaves, you will want to make sure that all your concerns or questions are addressed.
Contact Us Today
When is the best time to schedule a maintenance call? Make sure to have this completed before winter. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late. When you need a maintenance call for your heater, air conditioning, heat pumps, and electric furnaces, contact A/C & Plumbing Doctors in Gilbert for assistance. Along with maintenance, we can assist with heating repairs and installations as well.
Also, we offer plumbing services, including garbage disposal repairs, water treatment services, drain cleaning, and leak detection. We are a family-owned and -operated business with over two decades of experience in the field. We want to make your home a safer, more comfortable place. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
