You rely on your furnace to keep you warm in the wintertime. Keeping your heating system running smoothly helps ensure that you can always be comfortable. Preventative furnace maintenance uncovers potential problems and resolves them before they become an emergency. Preventative maintenance also provides other key benefits.
When your HVAC system is working at its best it minimizes your energy use which translates to lower heating bills. Keeping your HVAC working at its best reduces the need for repair and extends the life of your furnace.
Let’s talk about the best ways you can help keep your system functioning at its best.
No. 1: Check the filter
Yes, you hear this a lot, but we can’t emphasize enough how important it is to:
- Use the correct furnace filter
- Change/clean it as often as necessary
Different types of heating systems require different types of filters. You can review our helpful information on how to choose the correct size and efficiency of furnace filters. Or, to be certain you are using the correct size and type, you can ask us when we come to perform your annual furnace maintenance service.
As for how often you should change your filter, that depends on your environment. If you have animals, like to open the windows (which can allow pollen and mold spores inside), cook frequently, burn candles, or have leaks in your ductwork, you might have to change your filter more often. Dirty filters overtake your heating system. This wastes energy costs more money to run, and can potentially shorten the life of the equipment.
No. 2: Don’t forget your ductwork
If you have leaks, breaks, or gaps in your home’s ductwork precious heat is escaping into the attic or out into the open air. When only a portion of the heated air makes it back into the home your furnace will labor unnecessarily to keep you warm.
You might be able to seal your ductwork on your own, depending on how it’s situated. However, in most cases, you will want a professional HVAC contractor to handle this type of work. It can be difficult or impossible to access all ductwork without going into the attic, basement, or crawlspace. This is a good time to ask your furnace installation and repair contractor whether your ducts require cleaning.
It’s also possible that your HVAC dampers require adjustment between the Spring/Summer season and the Fall/Winter season. Not every home, however, has dampers that require seasonal adjustment. Ask your heating repair contractor to explain how your ductwork and dampers work, if applicable, so you can adjust them accordingly.
No. 3: Check your vents
Before you turn the furnace on for the first time in the fall, make sure to check all of your vents and registers. All vents should be free of dirt and debris and easily operational. None should be closed completely.
Closing off a vent or blocking it with furniture or other objects can place extra strain on the equipment. This can also lead to uneven heating and cooling, extra energy use, and higher heating costs.
No. 4: Check the area around your heating equipment
To keep your system running optimally and help prevent a fire hazard, take a look around the area where your furnace is installed. Nothing should be blocking the equipment or stored too close. This can affect furnace operation and pose a significant safety hazard.
All flammable materials should be moved 3’ away from the equipment (more if possible). You will get the best possible results if the equipment is fully accessible. If something goes wrong, the last thing you will want to do is “unpack” the furnace so the repair technician can get access.
No. 5: Schedule furnace maintenance & tune-up service
It’s optimal to schedule your Gaithersburg furnace maintenance appointment as early in the Fall season as possible. Ideally, you want your inspection and tune-up completed well before it’s time to turn on the furnace. This way if a problem is detected, all necessary repairs can be completed without disruption to your comfort.
If you have missed your pre…or early…season inspection, don’t fret. You can still schedule this critical service. It’s always best to have it done rather than not.
No. 6: Consider a maintenance plan
Sometimes, homeowners don’t call for seasonal maintenance or service calls because they’re busy, they forget, or they fear the cost might be outside of their current budgetary constraints.
Purchasing a maintenance plan from Gaithersburg’s leading HVAC contractor, Presidential Heating and Air Conditioning can remove all of these obstacles.
Our Presidential Advantage Maintenance Plan includes a comprehensive, annual maintenance service and furnace tune-up. We provide you with priority service, substantial service discounts, and flexible payment options. We price your plan based on your specific equipment, so you never pay for something you don’t need.
A maintenance plan keeps your equipment running at peak efficiency. In fact, the plan can even pay for itself in reduced energy bills and extended equipment life.
Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is a locally owned and operated expert in Montgomery County. For nearly four decades, we have provided exceptional service and value for our customers. Our priorities are to keep your heating and AC systems running safely and efficiently while providing responsive, affordable services.
To learn more about our comprehensive Gaithersburg furnace repair and maintenance plans, contact us today.