Posted in Heat Pumps
Heating maintenance can avoid many types of repairs. Whether it’s electric furnace maintenance or oil furnace maintenance, we recommend your heating system be inspected, cleaned, and tuned up at least once a year. But what is the connection between professional maintenance and reducing the amount of repairs your heater requires? We’ll answer this question by explaining what maintaining your furnace can achieve.
To avoid repairs, heating maintenance services:
Keep Your System Clean
Cleanliness is one of the most significant factors in preventing furnace repairs. A dirty system can lead to restricted airflow, overheating, and damage to components. Your furnace may stop running altogether. To avoid performance issues or repairs:
- Clean or change the filter as recommended
- Remove any clutter from around the furnace
- Clear dirt and debris from around the outdoor unit
- Vacuum dirt and dust from the vents
When providing heating maintenance services, a technician can use specialized tools and products to clean the inside of your furnace. They can remove dirt and soot from burners, thermocouples, and other components. Cleaning and maintaining these optimizes the inner workings of your heating system.
Help Catch Small Problems Early
Ignoring the signs of a problem is the surest path to dealing with major repairs later. A part may be wearing out or corroding long before there are signs of trouble such as a lack of heating or the furnace short cycling, making noise, or not turning on. Your furnace may be working fine now, but it won’t for long if not checked by a professional.
During maintenance, a heating contractor will perform a detailed inspection. A trained eye can spot the subtlest signs of an issue that can strain vital components and cause your furnace to break down or fail prematurely. When identified, these issues can often be resolved quickly and inexpensively to avoid repairs altogether.
Some common issues that can be found and fixed before your furnace needs repairs include:
- Loose fan belts
- Broken fan blades
- Damaged ignitors
- Loose parts and connections
- Clogged ducts
- Dirty flame sensors
- Faulty limit switch
- Restricted airflow/exhaust
- Improper gas pressure
Ensure You Use the Thermostat Correctly
If you use the thermostat incorrectly, it not only affects comfort and energy efficiency. It can strain your heating system and lead to costly repairs. You shouldn’t have to adjust the thermostat throughout the day. If you find yourself doing so, call a technician to see why the system isn’t maintaining a constant temperature. Or, find a suitable setting that’s comfortable enough yet doesn’t require turning the thermostat up or down much.
Also, don’t set the temperature to the max to heat your home faster. It wastes energy and causes your home to get too warm. Using a programmable thermostat enables you to manage energy usage based on your schedule. It also helps your furnace run more smoothly. A maintenance technician can explain in more detail how to use your thermostat if you struggle to maintain comfort.
Can Avoid Fires
A fire is one of the most devastating events for a furnace and your home. Heating maintenance services can help find fire hazards such as clogged filters, restricted airflow, faulty heating elements, damaged gas valves, or overheating motors. A single component igniting can cause others to catch fire until your furnace is destroyed. Replacing the filter and any faulty components can avoid a fire, major repairs, or needing a new furnace.
Prepare Your Furnace for High Demand
Heating maintenance services in the fall prepare your heating system for winter. If any issues are present that might strain your furnace, their effects will escalate once it’s used more frequently. A furnace that’s working at maximum capacity can be inefficient and unsafe to operate if not properly maintained. Running through a maintenance checklist and fixing any issues minimizes the chances it’ll need repairs during the heating season.
Is There a Difference Between Maintenance and Service?
Maintenance consists of a series of preventative steps to keep your furnace running properly. However, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of problems developing over time. Heating service focuses on repairs, but there’s some overlap. Minor issues can be fixed while an HVAC technician is maintaining your furnace.
Is Heating Maintenance Worth the Cost?
At Sky, we offer heating maintenance service plans at an affordable price. A major repair can cost thousands of dollars. The yearly cost of a maintenance plan is far less and can save you on repair costs and with improved energy efficiency.
Can Maintenance Delay Furnace Replacement?
A well-maintained furnace can last 15+ years. Routine care can also help heat pumps and other heating equipment last longer. If you’re looking to avoid repairs and the cost of replacing your furnace early, make sure to keep up with your heating maintenance service schedule.
Call Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
At Sky, we provide complete HVAC maintenance services in the Portland area. Our highly trained technicians carefully work through a checklist and perform tasks such as inspecting, cleaning, and tuning up equipment. They also lubricate moving parts, test airflow, and make small repairs as well as provide tips to avoid heater repair. A six-month no-breakdown guarantee is included with our maintenance plan.
To schedule oil furnace maintenance, electric furnace maintenance, or heat pump maintenance in your home, call (503) 563-2698 or contact us online.
