Regular furnace maintenance is key when it comes to ensuring a trouble-free and effective heating system, and there are several steps that every homeowner should take to keep their heating system functioning as it should. Regardless of the type of furnace you have, troubleshooting is easy and more effective when you follow these tips.
The thermostat, distribution system or source of heat or cold are the three main areas that are most likely to cause your heating or cooling system to malfunction. It may be as simple as a loss of power if your system isn’t working at all. If your system uses oil or gas, it may not be igniting or reaching the unit. The distribution system or blower may be the problem if warm air isn’t getting into your home, even though the system turns on. The unit may not turn on at all or may turn on or off repeatedly if the thermostat or control is causing the problem. Common sense, patience, and looking at the simplest things first can often help you to identify the problem and can save time and frustration.
Take these precautions before working on your cooling or heating system:
Examine the main entrance panel for any tripped circuit breaker or blown a fuse, to ensure power is reaching your unit. Some furnaces may have a separate power entrance, often located somewhere close to the entrance panel.
Press your unit’s RESET button if it has one, after allowing the unit to cool down for at least 30 minutes. Repeat this procedure after another 30 minutes if your system still doesn’t start.
Make sure that any separate power switch is turned on.
Your thermostat should be set properly; raise the temperature 5 degrees if necessary.
Make sure you have plenty of oil if your furnace uses oil; if it operates on gas, the pilot light should be lit, and the supply of gas turned on.
Don’t forget these important safety tips:
The unit’s power should be turned off before you do any work or examine it closely. The fuse that controls the power should be removed, or the circuit breaker should be tripped. To be safe, trip your home’s main circuit breaker or remove the main fuse if you aren’t sure which circuit your system is on. Trip the breaker or remove the fuse on your furnace’s separate power entrance; if it has one, it should be near to the main entrance panel.
The electrical system is probably the problem, and you’ll need a professional technician if you notice that the circuit trips repeatedly or the fuse keeps blowing after your unit is turned on.
Don’t turn lights on or off or turn off the gas if your unit operates on gas and you can smell gas in your home. You and your family should immediately leave the house and then contact the fire department or gas company. Leave the door open when you leave your house.
Regular furnace maintenance, at least once a year, is essential if you want to keep your unit running as it should and to avoid any serious or costly problems. You can often get faster service and take advantage of discounts when you have your furnace serviced in the offseason, just after the heating season. It’s a good idea to get your Allen Park HVAC system serviced at the same time.
The most complex part of any heating and cooling system is the actual heat and cold source, and regularly inspecting this is important; many homeowners tend to neglect it. Having it inspected regularly can help to prevent problems, including those that arise from the distribution system.
Your system won’t run as efficiently, and you can find yourself wasting a lot of fuel if your furnace is too dirty. In fact, with many systems, dirt is one of the biggest factors that affects their overall performance. Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system should include a thorough cleaning, as all the three basic parts of your system can be affected by dirt. Important steps to take when it comes to furnace maintenance are adjusting the belt as and when required, and making sure your system is well lubricated.