As the temperature drops and the weather gets colder, there’s no better way to keep yourself warm than with a trusty heat pump or furnace installation. But sometimes during the season, you might notice that your heating system isn’t working as effectively as it should. It may even break down suddenly at times. When this happens, what’s the first thing you should do?
Addressing emergency repairs. Nobody wants their heating system to fail in the middle of winter, but this can happen unexpectedly due to natural causes such as ice/snow buildup or severe weather. You might be tempted to try to take care of such issues yourself, but keep in mind that any type of heating equipment is composed of complex parts and components that only certified professionals can handle. A DIY repair won’t guarantee success even if you have some experience. DIY repairs are also not recommended by most manufacturers, as they’ll likely make the problem worse. This means that attempting to repair the heating system yourself can void your warranty.
Avoiding winter repairs. Naturally, the best way to get through such situations is to call in a professional heat pump and furnace installation technician to address the issue as soon as possible. This can often be expensive, but it’s necessary if you want to keep yourself warm and cozy throughout the winter season. However, if you don’t want emergency repairs to be required this season, there are different ways to prevent this.
Monitor your thermostat settings. The thermostat controls the temperature in your home and keeps it within comfortable levels. During the winter, you can adjust the thermostat to get just the right amount of heat in different areas of your home. Don’t change the settings frequently, as this can put undue stress on your heating system and cause it to shut down unexpectedly. When this happens, you’ll be forced to call in a technician for emergency repairs or a replacement.
If you want to avoid sudden breakdowns during the winter months, make sure to set your thermostat at a steady temperature. Keeping the temperature inside your home close to the outdoor temperature can help your system, as it won’t have to work as hard to maintain comfort. Professional heating service technicians also recommend keeping the temperature in your home close to 68 degrees to lighten your heating system’s load.
Form better HVAC habits. While you may already be scheduling yearly maintenance checks, this isn’t enough to ensure your heating system stays in good working order. It’s important to clean your heat pump or furnace every once in a while to prevent dust and dirt buildup which can otherwise affect its performance. Using your heater with a dirty filter can affect your indoor air quality as well as cause unexpected breakdowns, so make it a habit to clean or replace your filter in the fall or shortly before winter begins. You should repeat this every few months so that your heating system won’t have to work as hard.
Consider a preventive maintenance plan. One of the most effective ways to reduce the likelihood of emergency repairs is to follow a preventive maintenance plan. Professional air conditioning and heating service contractors can work out a maintenance program for your system to keep it in good condition. During each maintenance check, they’ll also identify and address any issues they may find to prevent them from becoming worse and more costly to repair. By following a preventive maintenance program, you’ll allow the professionals to keep your system from deteriorating and breaking down, especially during the winter months.
Usually, the problems that end up damaging your heating system begin as relatively minor issues. It can be almost anything, such as a rattling sound coming from a loose component or a whistling noise coming from a worn belt. These problems can also be small enough that you wouldn’t notice them, which is why you’ll need a thorough inspection performed by experienced professionals.
Why a Preventive Maintenance Plan is Important
Preventative maintenance plans consist mostly of inspections conducted by your heating and air conditioning repair technician. They’ll see to it that it runs at peak efficiency and follows a checklist when they inspect your system to ensure each part and component won’t be missed. If they find any problems in your system, they can make the necessary repairs and prevent unexpected breakdowns and emergencies.
Routine maintenance checks will not only reduce the likelihood of emergency repairs–they’ll also keep your monthly heating bills lower. After all, a well-maintained heat pump or furnace usually runs more efficiently, so there’s fewer energy expenditures. You’ll also keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact, as most require a professional maintenance check at least once a year. By following a preventative maintenance plan, you’ll even extend your heating system’s lifespan!
What to Expect From a Routine Maintenance Check
Typical maintenance inspections include a visual inspection of the main system first, followed by additional checks for corrosion and ventilation problems. They’ll also check the air filter (and replace it if it’s dirty), as well as your heating system’s controls–including your system’s start-up and shutdown controls– to ensure they work normally. Your certified technician may also lubricate moving parts and check your heat exchanger for any sign of damage such as cracks, as well as the condition of your electrical motors and wiring. They’ll even check your gas or oil connections for any sign of leaks or damage.
Your hired technician may also check the thermostat’s condition and determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. Your technician may suggest upgrading to a programmable thermostat so that you can set different temperatures at different times of the day. Smart thermostats are even better because you can easily adjust the temperature with a smartphone or other device.
If you’re looking for a reputable heating and air conditioning repair contractor to inspect your system, there’s one name in the area you can trust above all others–Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning. Call us today at (440) 946-7863 or fill out our convenient online form.
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