Did You Know? Early Fall is the Best Time for Gas Heating Maintenance

It’s easy for time to get away from you, especially with the heavy workload you are hauling due to COVID. Scheduling maintenance for your gas heating system is no exception. However, winter weather will be here before you know it, and the last thing you want is to end up with a heating system that is down for the count during a winter storm in these uncertain times. Fall is the ideal time for gas heater maintenance, giving you ample opportunity to address any system issues before frigid winter weather arrives.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Regular maintenance offers many benefits, from reliable, efficient performance to quiet operation and safety. Routine preventative care at the start of the cold weather season ensures your system will run as smoothly as possible. An HVAC professional can check your gas furnace for issues you cannot, inspecting for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks, verifying wire conditions and electrical connections, and identifying worn parts and other mechanical issues that could cause your system to break down in winter weather extremes.

Verify The Condition Of Your Gas Heating System

Test your gas heater now, making sure it starts up and shuts down as it should. This is the time of year when you’ll likely be switching between heating and air conditioning. It will also help you verify the conditioner of your system and its capacity to last the upcoming season. While you probably don’t relish the thought of replacing your gas heater, if you must, NOW is the time to address it, before subzero temperatures set in. If you stall and your system gives out in you, you’ll be in line behind everyone else who hoped their system would make it through “just one more” season.

Start Fresh With A Clean Air Filter

Don’t leave in that dirty, dusty filter from last season. Now it’s more important than ever to ensure clean, healthy air within your home. Swap out your old filter for a clean, new one. While you’re at it, talk to your local HVAC pro about things you can do to improve your home’s air quality, from upgrading your air filter to integrating a UV light air purifier or Air Scrubber to your HVAC system.

Reconsider Thermostat Settings

Reset your thermostat with cooler fall temperatures and energy usage in mind. Simplify the task with a programmable thermostat, reducing energy usage while you’re away so you’re not paying to heat an empty home. Change settings to a minimum temperature of 56 degrees F while you’re out, and you can achieve annual savings up to fifteen percent while still enjoying a warm, comfortable home.

Consider An Energy Audit

Consider an energy audit to identify air leaks and insulation issues that can impact system performance and home comfort.

Stay warm and healthy this winter. Make sure your gas heater is in tip-top shape with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule fall maintenance for your system today.

 

 

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/did-you-know-early-fall-is-the-best-time-for-gas-heating-maintenance/

Help your Heater run Efficiently this Season: Fall Heating Maintenance Checklist

Tired of over-the-top winter fuel bills? Putting a little effort into fall hvac maintenance could help you reap big rewards – and prevent the need for unexpected repair calls after winter weather sets in.

Never neglect annual pre-season furnace maintenance
Annual service is inexpensive – and always cheaper than waiting until your system breaks down to call for repair. You can attempt to do it yourself, but the difficulty level is high, and for those unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the territory, calling in a professional hvac expert is highly recommended.

What’s involved with annual fall furnace maintenance?
Basic fall furnace maintenance involves:

1. Cutting the power supply.
   Turning off power to the system, including electrical and fuel supply, is essential to furnace maintenance safety. The power switch is usually identifiable by a bright red switch plate near your heating unit, the fuel shutoff valve located near the oil tank or incoming gas pipe.
2. Cleaning the combustion chamber.
   The place where fuel and air mix and are ignited, buildup in the combustion chamber can cause your furnace walls to corrode. Loose buildup must be scraped out with a small wire brush, small bits with a shop vacuum, and chamber holes inspected for corrosion before replacing the cover.
3. Flue pipe inspection.
   Holes in the exhaust flue could result in carbon monoxide leaks, and damper adjustments effect efficiency. Patch small holes with foil tape – but if your pipe is corroded, it must be replaced for the safety of your family. Barometric damper adjustments are where a pro’s tools come in handy, as measurements can be taken and adjustments made to those dampers compromising efficiency due to excess draw.
4. Changing the air filter.
   The air your family breathes in the winter comes through your furnace filter. It is easily changed and should be – often.
5. Oil filter replacement.
   Oil filters remove small impurities that could result in misfires and system shut downs. Always remember to close the oil valve before removing and replacing the old filter, disposing of it according to local hazardous waste regulations.
6. Component inspection and adjustments.
   Belt wear and tension can affect the blower – and efficiency. Belts deflating more than 3/4inch when pressed firmly should be adjusted by sliding the blower motor slightly backward.
7. Burner adjustment.
   Burner tubes (in gas systems) must be vacuumed cleaned and air gates adjusted for the proper air to fuel ratio. A combustion analyzer, used by professional technicians, can measure this. Also, to properly burn fuel before it goes up the chimney, the oil nozzle, which atomizes fuel, should be checked and replaced if necessary. Flame color and shape at the igniter is a key indicator of proper combustion.
8. Vent cleaning.
   Pet hair, small toys, dirt and debris in floor vents ruin air quality and efficiency.

Feeling overwhelmed?
A clean, well-maintained heating system can save you money on fuel – and prolong furnace life. If you’re in over your head when it comes to meeting these fall furnace maintenance tasks, contact the furnace contractors at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.