Annual HVAC Maintenance List

Once the air starts to get cold, you know it’s time to get your home ready for the cooler months ahead. Your heating system is key to maintaining a cozy, warm setting. A well-maintained furnace delivers the comfort you desire while using a reduced amount of energy. Regular inspections also make your system less likely to break down and help it last years longer. These are just some of the examples of how annual HVAC maintenance can save you time, money and inconvenience. Here’s what needs to be on your checklist before winter appears.

Plan HVAC Maintenance

To keep your home heating system in top condition, consider reaching out to a professional HVAC technician to conduct furnace maintenance every year. The best time to schedule this is in the fall before contractors become flooded with calls during the busy cold months. But, if you miss that window on the calendar, it’s still helpful to get furnace maintenance no matter what the season.

Your technician’s HVAC maintenance list should include the following:

• Examine the thermostat settings: Everyone wants an efficient HVAC system, and this starts with your thermostat. During a maintenance check, 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 working correctly is essential. Loose wires can create a higher electricity draw, potentially decreasing the life of your system’s components and resulting in a safety threat.
• Measure the motor voltage and current: This step allows the technician to find out if the motor is performing within the recommended parameters, helping to prevent motor failure and unnecessary energy consumption.
• Lubricate moving parts: Friction reduces energy efficiency. Your repair person lubricates all moving parts to lower resistance, reduce wear and tear, and lower your energy bills.
• Examine the condensate drain: AC units, condensing furnaces and whole-house humidifiers send condensate down a drain as they operate. This line must be clear of obstructions to avoid water accumulation and potential water damage. Looking over the drain gives peace of mind that your utility closet won’t flood.
• Test the system controls: This involves making sure the furnace starts, functions and turns off according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring safety and dependability.
• Look over the ignition burner assembly: This feature is responsible for igniting the burner. A tech examines the assembly to confirm it’s clean and operating properly.
• Check the heat exchanger: The heat exchanger transfers warmth from the fuel to your residence’s air. A crack could introduce carbon monoxide into your dwelling, so thorough examination is an important step on the HVAC maintenance visit.
• Clean the burners: In the long run, burners can collect dust and debris that impedes performance. A complete cleaning makes sure they operate efficiently and safely.
• Inspect for gas leaks: Searching for leaks is fundamental with gas heating systems. A leak can be hazardous and should be addressed straight away.
• Assess the gas pressure: Proper gas pressure is essential for optimal furnace operation. Pressure that’s too low or too high can upset system efficiency and the temperature inside your residence.

Maintenance Steps You Can Do Yourself

Here’s how to keep your heating system working efficiently between professional HVAC maintenance appointments:

• Install a clean air filter: A dirty filter can make your heating system work harder. Check the filter each month and exchange it when it appears dirty to increase 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 away all day or going to be asleep at night to save up to 10% on your heating expenses.
• Clean the air registers: Dust covering your registers can hinder airflow, so vacuum the grilles regularly to promote good air quality. Next, make sure furniture, rugs and curtains don’t block your return or supply vents to ensure appropriate system balance.
• Reverse the ceiling fan: Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise during the cooler months to push warm air down from the ceiling to where you will enjoy it.
• Seal drafts: Check for leaky windows and doors. If you find drafts, seal them with caulk and weatherstripping to keep the cold at bay and minimize your furnace’s workload.
• Analyze your attic insulation level: An under-insulated attic leads to heat loss. Add insulation wherever it is needed to keep heat indoors and reduce your energy expenses.

Call McKinley Heating Service Experts for HVAC Maintenance in Edmonton

McKinley Heating Service Experts is happy to meet all your home comfort needs. We make sure you have peace of mind with our extensive HVAC inspections, speedy solutions and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our certified technicians make sure they go above and beyond. You can count on McKinley Heating Service Experts to make a real difference in your comfort and well-being this winter with furnace maintenance in McKinley Heating Service Experts. Phone 780-800-7092 today for help fortifying your home against the cold in Edmonton.