Posted in Seasonal
Fall HVAC Maintenance for the Portland Homeowner
You want to be sure your furnace can stand up to yet another of Oregon’s wet winters. But when did you last have someone examine the heating system? Are there any minor troubles in there that could make themselves known once the cold is upon us?
Should such questions give you pause, you are in good company. We at Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical have been putting Portland homeowners’ systems in order for the season since 1979. Give us a ring at (503) 563-2698. There is no better time than fall to put an end to problems before they start; let this guide show you what is important.
A Case for Fall Maintenance in Portland
The winters here may not top the country in cold, but they are long and damp and put a strain on your heating. Once it gets chilly your heat pump or furnace is running for months. All summer it has been idle and in that time a few worn components or clogged filters can go unnoticed until they become major failures on the year’s coldest night.
With maintenance in the fall you have the luxury of addressing those issues before the heat is required. Otherwise you risk an emergency breakdown in the first cold snap when all your neighbours are calling as well and demand is at its peak. Better to put in some effort now and avoid the trouble down the line.
Things You Can Do
Any homeowner can do these without the need for training or tools to see the system is in good shape:
- Put in a new air filter or clean the old one, making it a habit to change it every month or so over winter
- Get rid of any leaves, branches and other debris around the outdoor unit
- See that furniture or rugs are not obstructing your vents and registers
- Put the thermostat on heat and verify you get warm air
- When the system is starting up, listen for anything out of the ordinary, a rattle or squeal
- Freshen the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are in working order
Such measures are worthwhile, though they are no substitute for a professional’s eye and there is only so much one can do safely by oneself.
How we go about a tune-up
There is equipment and expertise needed for certain aspects of a heating system. A pro will get at the things you can not:
- The heat exchanger is checked for cracks and the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak
- Any electrical connections found to be loose are tightened
- Refrigerant in the AC or heat pump is put to the test
- We will clean the blower and other internal parts where dust accumulates
- Airflow and efficiency are measured to spot any decline in performance
- Safety shutoffs and controls are verified
Our people at Sky Heating have 150 years of experience between them. Being licensed and insured means the job is done properly. An active membership or a repair booking also earns you a diagnostic check on the house.
When to call us
Your system will often put up warning signs before it gives out altogether. As the weather turns keep an eye out for:
- Uneven heating in a room or one that will not hit the temperature you set
- The furnace cycling on and off with more frequency
- An unexplained increase in your energy bill
- Odd odors when you first put the heat on
- Vents with little airflow to speak of even on full
Do not put it off if you see any of this. Dial (503) 563-2698 and we will come by.
Put yourself ahead with a plan
Our membership plan is the simple way to ensure seasonal service is taken care of on a regular basis without having to remember to book it. It comes with the free diagnostic we spoke of, and should a sizeable repair be in order we can provide financing.
We are a local company and have been in this community for decades, supporting organisations from Meals on Wheels to Dash for Kids and the Home Builders Foundation. Our A+ rating with the BBB is a testament to that.
Fall is short in Portland, so act on it. For a repair, an opinion or a complete tune-up our team is on hand 24/7. Contact Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical at (503) 563-2698 and face the winter assured.
