Is Your Heater Ready? 5 Tune-Up Tasks You Need From HVAC Services
Are you risking being caught unawares by a heater breakdown? This unfortunate turn of events is entirely avoidable with diligent care for this appliance. This appliance needs regular inspection and servicing of any parts that show signs of emerging problems. This is a great way to guarantee your home is heated properly and efficiently all season long. Here are several tune-ups a heating service can do:
1. Clean the Furnace Filters and Vents
The furnace filters and vents are two of the most important parts of the heater. They need to be kept clean in order for the heater to function properly. If they are not clean, the air will not be able to flow through them properly, which will cause the heater to break down.
2. Lubricate All Moving Parts
Lubrication is essential for any appliance with moving parts. In a heater, different parts need lubrication, including the blower motor, the fan bearings, and the pumps. All these parts need to be lubricated in order to prevent them from breaking down. It will also reduce the uncomfortable noise that comes from parts grinding on each other.
3. Check the Thermostat Settings and Calibrate if Necessary
The thermostat is one of the most important parts of the heater. It needs to be set properly in order for the heater to work correctly. If it is not set properly, the heater will not be able to maintain a consistent temperature.
A heater's thermostat can become faulty for several reasons, including being bumped or having the batteries die. If this happens, it will need to be recalibrated by HVAC services, more so it is a smart thermostat, which has sophisticated inner mechanisms. But it can also be diagnosed for faults and recalibrated.
4. Tighten Any Loose Screws or Bolts
As with any appliance, over time, screws and bolts can become loose. This is especially true for a heater because it vibrates when it is running. Loose moving parts are problematic because they can come apart, causing the heater to break down. They also make uncomfortable noises with their vibrations and rattlings. The heater technician will tighten all nuts and bolts.
5. Clean the Blower Wheel and Housing Unit
The blower wheel is responsible for moving air through the heater. Over time, the blower wheel can become covered in dust and dirt. This can cause the wheel to stop working properly.
The housing unit can also become clogged with dirt and dust. This will prevent the air from flowing through it correctly. Both the blower wheel and the housing unit need to be cleaned regularly in order for the heater to work properly.
Regular maintenance will extend the life of the appliance and prevent costly repairs, so it is important to have a professional service your heater at set intervals. Call HVAC system services to schedule a tune-up, and rest easy knowing you're ready for the cold season.
