Pro Tips – Our Top 8 Home Heating Maintenance Tasks

The change of seasons is in full swing, and it’s time to make sure your house will be cozy and warm for the holidays. Don’t wait until the cold weather hits for good to make sure your furnace is working properly. Here are eight tips to keep your home warm and cozy, while also giving you peace of mind.

8 heating maintenance tips for winter:

  1. Change the air filters. Replacing the air filters might not seem like a top priority, but clean filters keep particles out of your HVAC system and can prolong the life of your furnace. Change the air filters every few months (or wash and reuse the filters if you have an electrostatic filter). 
  2. Turn on the thermostat. Switch from cooling to heating and set the thermostat to a few degrees warmer than the current temperature in your home. You should hear the heat kick on within a minute or so. If not, check that the thermostat wires are connected properly and check your power source. If both the wires and HVAC power source are connected and your furnace still isn’t working, it might be time to give us a call. 
  3. Test the igniter switch. If it’s been a while since your furnace has been in use, it might be necessary to re-light the pilot. Newer furnaces have electronic ignitors, which might need to be reset as well. Check the breaker if the pilot isn’t lighting, and if that still doesn’t work, bring in an HVAC professional
  4. Inspect the chimney. Chimneys should be professionally inspected and cleaned periodically to prevent carbon buildup and remove even small animals that create blockages. If you can’t remember the last time your chimney was cleaned, it’s probably time to schedule a cleaning.
  5. Check your carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is a “silent killer” caused by fuel that does not burn fully. Household appliances such as boilers, furnaces, and water heaters are often the source of carbon monoxide. Check your carbon monoxide detectors to prevent a potentially deadly situation. 
  6. Clean the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a common source of cracks in your furnace. As such, the heat exchanger should be checked and cleaned regularly by a professional. Our team at Robert B. Payne, Inc. can brush and vacuum your heat exchanger while the unit is disabled to prevent any potential dangers such as carbon monoxide and leaks. 
  7. Clean the blower motor. If your furnace motor requires lubricating, turn the power source off and open the cover to clean the caps covering the bearings. Once the cover is removed, remove the caps and lubricate the bearings before re-installing. 
  8. Cover the A/C condenser. Your air conditioning condenser should be covered when not in use during the winter (unless you have a heat pump, which runs year-round). This prevents any damage from occurring due to fallen icicles or built-up snow.

Heating installation and service in Fredricksburg

Whether you’re ready or not for colder weather, your furnace will be ready to run effectively by following these eight simple tips. If you are experiencing issues with your furnace or heating system, don’t wait until it’s too late – call Robert B. Payne, Inc. at (540) 373-5876 today.