Tired of over-the-top winter fuel bills? Putting a little effort into fall hvac maintenance could help you reap big rewards – and prevent the need for unexpected repair calls after winter weather sets in.
Never neglect annual pre-season furnace maintenance
Annual service is inexpensive – and always cheaper than waiting until your system breaks down to call for repair. You can attempt to do it yourself, but the difficulty level is high, and for those unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the territory, calling in a professional hvac expert is highly recommended.
What’s involved with annual fall furnace maintenance?
Basic fall furnace maintenance involves:
- Cutting the power supply.
Turning off power to the system, including electrical and fuel supply, is essential to furnace maintenance safety. The power switch is usually identifiable by a bright red switch plate near your heating unit, the fuel shutoff valve located near the oil tank or incoming gas pipe. - Cleaning the combustion chamber.
The place where fuel and air mix and are ignited, buildup in the combustion chamber can cause your furnace walls to corrode. Loose buildup must be scraped out with a small wire brush, small bits with a shop vacuum, and chamber holes inspected for corrosion before replacing the cover. - Flue pipe inspection.
Holes in the exhaust flue could result in carbon monoxide leaks, and damper adjustments effect efficiency. Patch small holes with foil tape – but if your pipe is corroded, it must be replaced for the safety of your family. Barometric damper adjustments are where a pro’s tools come in handy, as measurements can be taken and adjustments made to those dampers compromising efficiency due to excess draw. - Changing the air filter.
The air your family breathes in the winter comes through your furnace filter. It is easily changed and should be – often. - Oil filter replacement.
Oil filters remove small impurities that could result in misfires and system shut downs. Always remember to close the oil valve before removing and replacing the old filter, disposing of it according to local hazardous waste regulations. - Component inspection and adjustments.
Belt wear and tension can affect the blower – and efficiency. Belts deflating more than 3/4inch when pressed firmly should be adjusted by sliding the blower motor slightly backward. - Burner adjustment.
Burner tubes (in gas systems) must be vacuumed cleaned and air gates adjusted for the proper air to fuel ratio. A combustion analyzer, used by professional technicians, can measure this. Also, to properly burn fuel before it goes up the chimney, the oil nozzle, which atomizes fuel, should be checked and replaced if necessary. Flame color and shape at the igniter is a key indicator of proper combustion. - Vent cleaning.
Pet hair, small toys, dirt and debris in floor vents ruin air quality and efficiency.
Feeling overwhelmed?
A clean, well-maintained heating system can save you money on fuel – and prolong furnace life. If you’re in over your head when it comes to meeting these fall furnace maintenance tasks, contact the furnace contractors at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.
