The importance of getting heating maintenance done every year cannot be overstressed. It’s critical for keeping your efficiency high and your chance of requiring repairs low. It helps ensure that your home will be effectively heated and that your system will last as long as possible, keeping your home cozy for many winters to come.
Even if you already knew all that, you might not know exactly what your technician will be doing when they come to perform heating maintenance. What exactly are the steps that need to be taken to maintain your heating system, and why? Here are the details.
Cleaning
First and foremost, your heating system needs to be cleaned. Each component will have all dust and grime removed. This will help your technician see each part clearly in order to make sure it’s in good condition, and not cracking or rusty or having some other problem.
The other reason that cleaning is so important is that the dust and grime actually cause issues in your heating system. A dust-caked motor can easily overheat, either tripping the limit switch to shut down the system or completely burning itself out so it needs to be replaced. An air filter wearing a heavy sweater of pet hair and fuzz will reduce airflow, compromising heating effectiveness.
The particles also pose a hazard to moving parts. As grit works its way into the internal structures of things like motors and fans, it creates friction. Your heater will try not to let this friction slow it down, which means it will use more energy and accumulate more wear and tear, increasing the risk that components will fail from the stress.
Lubrication
Aside from cleaning, the other thing that helps moving parts glide easily together is lubrication. This wears away over the course of the year and must be replenished to prevent friction, overheating, and system strain.
Inspection
When your technician checks all the components of your heating system, they’ll be looking for anything loose or out of place, as well as anything deteriorating or in poor condition. Loose parts will be tightened back into position, and degraded or damaged parts will be replaced.
The other thing your technician will be trying to ensure with this inspection is your safety. Electrical wiring will be checked for secure connections, and electrical components will be tested to be sure they’re functioning properly and drawing the correct amount of electricity. This is important for avoiding electrical fires.
Gas furnaces have electrical components as well, but there are some additional steps involved when your furnace burns gas. The natural gas line and all fittings, as well as the heat exchanger, will be closely inspected for integrity. The pilot or ignition system will be tested, ensuring that fuel is being combusted completely. This will help keep you safe from carbon monoxide and gas leaks.
Answering Questions
If you have any concerns about your furnace, such as how many more winters you might hope for it to last, or any other questions like how to maximize heating efficiency, your technician is the perfect person to ask. A well-informed customer is a satisfied customer, so we’re happy to give you any information you need.
Don’t forget to schedule your heating maintenance in Boston this fall!
Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. to speak with qualified heating experts.
