Heating system tune-ups should be on your mind with the cooler weather on its way. You should have your heating system routinely checked and tuned up, preferably before this time comes. It may be hard to remember to do so when summer is winding down, but thinking ahead can prevent a system failure and an HVAC emergency in the future.
Can you imagine losing your heat in the middle of winter, when it’s more necessary than ever? Heating system failure in the colder months can result in frozen pipes among other damages, as well as leaving you and your family in the cold. Even if you call for professional maintenance right away, the heat will still be off until it’s fixed. This happens to anyone, but routine maintenance can certainly help to prevent it.
Benefits of Routine Maintenance
If your heating system is compromised, your safety and wellbeing can be at risk. Along with the temperature drop, poor air quality and carbon monoxide are a potentially hazardous possibility. A regular tune-up will improve your energy efficiency and reduce your monthly bills. Average maintenance once or twice a year is certainly cheaper than having to unexpectedly replace your entire system.
More importantly, you will be protected from harmful or toxic emissions and contaminates. Your system will have a longer lifetime, and there will be a uniform heat flow throughout your entire home. Imagine the peace of mind you’ll have after hearing that your heating system is working perfectly!
Now that you know what a tune-up can do to benefit you and your home, it’s time to become familiar with the steps included in a routine inspection. Here are 21 steps that professional heating system tune-ups will include.
Inspections
1. Burner: The burner on your system should be void of contaminants and structured to code to work as it is intended to.
2. Inspect the combustion chamber: Just like the burner, any contaminants or structural faults in the combustion chamber will prevent it from working properly.
3. Inspect heat exchangers: Consistent heating can only be accomplished if the heat exchangers are working properly. The heat is created by a medium that can be distributed throughout the entire house, so this is necessary for efficient heating.
4. Inspect the flue: The flue is essential for proper ventilation. If there is a blockage, a buildup can occur.
5. Inspect belts for cracks: Average wear and tear will eventually cause cracks in the belts. However, they may not be immediately noticeable. A professional will be able to determine if they need to be replaced.
6. Inspect belts for tension and alignment: Belts loosen and can shift over time, and if they aren’t fixed as soon as possible, their lifetime will diminish.
7. Check gas line for leaks: In the event of a leak, a professional will be able to detect and fix it immediately. This is a serious issue and should be treated as such.
8. Check safety controls: Safety is of the utmost importance, so regular maintenance is necessary.
Adjustments
9. Fan control: Adjusting the fan will set your system up for better airflow. Efficiency will increase, as will the quality of your heating.
10. Calibrate thermostats: Your thermostats will need to be adjusted frequently in order to reach the exact right temperature. Your desired temperature is set through the thermostat, so it’s important that it functions properly.
11. Adjust the pilot light: To properly turn off the system, the pilot light is essential.
12. Tighten electrical connections: Connections can loosen due to age or wear and tear, and it can happen often in any large electromechanical system. Tightening them regularly prevents problems that would otherwise occur.
Heating System Tune-Ups Maintenance and Testing
13. Lubrication: Lubrication of all moving parts is essential for efficiency.
14. Replace thermocouple: this measures the temperature within the system. It’s a common way to identify early failure and should be replaced and checked as needed.
15. Air Filters: These should be replaced routinely to keep air quality at its best.
16. Clean blower components: This system moves the air, so it’s imperative that they stay clean.
17. Test combustion air openings: Airflow that is stifled will affect the performance of your system. Air flows to the combustion area through these openings, so functioning openings are essential.
18. Manifold gas pressures: In this area, gas travels to the main burners. Any pressure abnormalities can indicate an issue.
19. Check noise and vibration levels: More noise or vibration than usual is a sign that something isn’t working right and should be addressed immediately.
20. Interior of the vestibule: This creates an air lock between the inside of the furnace and the outer door. Cleanliness of the area is necessary.
Operational test
21. At the end of your tune-up, the HVAC professional should perform an operational test. This will ensure that steps 1 through 20 were serviced properly. If anything is still off, they should be able to tell during the test. They want to be sure, as your safety and well-being are at stake.
Call the HVAC specialists at Rebmann Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about heating system tune-ups!
