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Now that the air turns chilly, you know it’s time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Your heating system is key to maintaining a cozy, warm atmosphere. A well-maintained furnace delivers the comfort you crave while using less energy. Regular inspections also make your system less likely to break down and help it last years longer. These are just a few examples of how year-end HVAC maintenance can save you time, money and hassle. Here’s what should be on your checklist before winter arrives.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

To keep your heating system in peak condition, consider scheduling furnace maintenance once a year. The ideal time for this is in the fall before contractors become swamped with calls during the busy winter season. However, if you miss that window on the calendar, it’s still beneficial to schedule furnace maintenance no matter what the season.

Your technician’s HVAC maintenance checklist should include the following:

• Check the thermostat settings: Everyone wants an efficient HVAC system, and this starts with your thermostat. During a maintenance check, the technician ensures your thermostat is reading the temperature accurately and engaging your furnace at the proper times.
• Tighten the electrical connections: Ensuring that all electrical connections are secure is essential. Loose wires can lead to a higher electricity draw, potentially shortening the life of your system’s components and creating a safety hazard.
• Measure the motor voltage and current: This step allows the technician to determine if the motor is operating within the intended parameters, helping to prevent motor failure and unnecessary energy consumption.
• Lubricate moving parts: Friction is the enemy of energy efficiency. Your technician lubricates all moving parts to minimize resistance, reduce wear and tear, and cut down on your energy bills.
• Inspect the condensate drain: Air conditioners, condensing furnaces and whole-house humidifiers send condensate down a drain as they operate. This line must be clear of obstructions to prevent water accumulation and potential property damage. Inspecting the drain provides peace of mind that your utility closet won’t flood.
• Check the system controls: This involves verifying the furnace starts, operates and shuts off according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring safety and reliability.
• Inspect the ignition burner assembly: This component is responsible for igniting the burner. A technician inspects the assembly to ensure it’s clean and operating correctly.
• Examine the heat exchanger: The heat exchanger transfers heat from the fuel to your indoor air. A crack could introduce carbon monoxide into your home, so careful examination is an important step on the HVAC maintenance checklist.
• Clean the burners: Over time, burners can accumulate dust and debris that impedes performance. A thorough cleaning ensures they operate efficiently and safely.
• Inspect for gas leaks: Checking for leaks is crucial with gas heating systems. A leak can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
• Assess the gas pressure: Proper gas pressure is crucial for optimal furnace performance. Pressure that’s too low or too high can affect system efficiency and home comfort.

Maintenance Steps You Can Do Yourself

Here’s how to keep your heating system running smoothly between professional HVAC maintenance visits:

• Replace the air filter: A clogged filter can strain your furnace. Check the filter monthly and replace it when it appears dirty to promote efficiency and extend your system’s life span.
• Check your thermostat settings: The recommends setting your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees when you’re at home and awake in the winter. Then, set the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away all day or sleeping at night to save up to 10% on your heating costs.
• Clean the air registers: Dust buildup can restrict airflow, so vacuum the grilles regularly to maintain good air quality. Then, make sure furniture, rugs and curtains don’t block your return or supply vents to ensure proper system balance.
• Reverse the ceiling fan: Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise during the cooler months to push warm air down from the ceiling to where you need it most.
• Seal drafts: Check for leaky windows and doors. If you feel drafts, seal them with caulk and weatherstripping to keep the cold at bay and reduce your furnace’s workload.
• Assess your attic insulation level: An under-insulated attic leads to heat loss. Add insulation where needed to keep heat inside and reduce your energy costs.

Choose 91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for HVAC Maintenance in the U.S.

91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is happy to meet all your home comfort needs. We ensure peace of mind with our thorough HVAC inspections, fast solutions and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our ACE-certified technicians strive to go above and beyond. You can trust 91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to make a meaningful difference in your comfort and well-being this winter with furnace maintenance in 91ÊÓƵ Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Call 866-397-3787 today for help {fortifying your home against|getting your home ready for|preparing your residen