Yearly HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Once the air gets colder, you know it’s time to get your home ready for the cooler months ahead. Your heating system is crucial to maintaining a cozy, warm setting. A well-maintained furnace supplies the comfort you desire while using a smaller amount of energy. Scheduled inspections also make your system less likely to break down and help extend its life span. These are just a few examples of how annual 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 furnace in peak condition, consider arranging furnace maintenance once a year. The best time to schedule this is in the fall before contractors become bombarded with calls during the busy winter season. However, if you miss that window on the calendar, it’s still advantageous to get furnace maintenance no matter what the season.

Your heating specialist’s HVAC maintenance list should contain the following:

• Check the thermostat settings: Everyone wants an efficient HVAC system, and this includes your thermostat. During a maintenance tune-up, the technician ensures your thermostat is reading the temperature accurately and engaging your furnace at the proper times.
• Tighten the electrical connections: Making sure that all electrical connections are in good working order is essential. Loose wires can result in a higher electricity draw, potentially shortening the life of your system’s components and causing a safety hazard.
• Measure the motor voltage and current: This step allows the technician to decide if the motor is operating within the recommended 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 lower your energy bills.
• Check the condensate drain: Air conditioners, condensing furnaces and whole-house humidifiers send condensate down a drain as they run. This line must be clear of obstructions to avoid water accumulation and potential home damage. Inspecting the drain gives peace of mind that your utility closet won’t flood.
• Check the system controls: This involves making sure the furnace starts, functions 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 professional evaluates the assembly to confirm it’s clean and operating properly.
• Check the heat exchanger: The heat exchanger transfers heat from the fuel to your indoor air. A crack could release carbon monoxide into your dwelling, so thorough examination is an important step on the HVAC maintenance appointment.
• Clean the burners: Over time, burners can collect dust and debris that reduces performance. A thorough cleaning assures they work efficiently and safely.
• Inspect for gas leaks: Monitoring for leaks is crucial with gas heating systems. A leak can be hazardous and should be addressed straight away.
• Assess the gas pressure: Correct gas pressure is essential for optimal furnace function. Pressure that’s too low or too high can upset system efficiency and the warmth in your home.

Maintenance Steps You Can Do Yourself

Here’s how to keep your heating system operating smoothly between professional HVAC maintenance appointments:

• Install a clean air filter: A plugged filter can make your heating system work harder. Inspect the filter monthly and change it when it appears dirty to promote efficiency and extend your system’s life span.
• Look at your thermostat settings: The Department of Energy (DOE) suggests 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 not home or after you go to bed at night to save up to 10% on your heating spending.
• Clean the air registers: Dust buildup can reduce airflow, so vacuum the grilles routinely to maintain good air quality. Next, make sure furniture, rugs and curtains don’t obstruct your return or supply vents to ensure correct system balance.
• Reverse the ceiling fan: Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise during the cooler months to blow warm air down from the ceiling closer to the floor.
• Seal drafts: Inspect your home for leaky windows and doors. If you feel drafts, seal them with caulk and weatherstripping to keep the cold air out and reduce your furnace’s workload.
• Analyze your attic insulation level: An attic without enough insulation results in heat loss. Add insulation wherever it is needed to keep heat indoors and lower your energy bills.

Work with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for HVAC Maintenance in Edmonton

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to take care of your home HVAC needs. We give you peace of mind with our extensive HVAC inspections, speedy solutions and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our certified technicians are known for the way they go above and beyond. You can rely on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to make a meaningful difference in your comfort and home enjoyment this winter with furnace maintenance in Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Phone 587-404-0790 today for help getting your home ready for the cold in Edmonton.