6 Tips and Tricks for Heater Maintenance

 

The heating system happens to be the highest energy expense in our home. On average, a furnace contributes to almost 45 percent of the energy bills of a regular American family. That's why the heater should run properly and operate at its optimum efficiency. You need to be smart while deciding about the choice of equipment and its proper maintenance each year. Annual maintenance and regular checkups are extremely important so that the heater runs perfectly. 

Most users wait for a problem to occur. Remember, an issue intensifies after damage. If any problem is detected early, your equipment remains completely in a workable condition. 

The following heating maintenance tips will help you in the long run. 

 

1. Clean or Change your Filter 

 
The filter distributes warm air throughout the rooms inside your house. A filter is normally installed where the return duct enters your heater. It eradicates particulates from the air before moving inside the heater and is heated. The filter will get rid of all kinds of particulates. 

Affordable filters offer basic protection. They are developed to capture a lot of particulates that flow through your home. Costlier air filters provide better air quality, to help patients suffering from asthma or allergies. 

 

Once airflow is blocked by a dirty air filter, the heater won’t receive enough airflow and can’t operate efficiently. Lesser-priced air filters must be replaced within 30 to 90 days. A lot depends on the quality of your furnace. Better to check with the recommendations of the manufacturer. 

 

2. Check Whether Blower Motor is Functioning Properly 

 
The blower motor drives the fan providing air movement for the furnace. The heater’s heating element warms up the heat exchanger till reaching the intended temperature. The blower motor pushes the air through the heat exchanger. The air becomes warmer and is distributed throughout the home. Maximum blowers provide air for the air conditioning system too. 

The blower is situated where the air filter is installed. The blower motor features many working parts. If it is not maintained properly, it can malfunction necessitating heater repair in California. A loud blower could be the symptom of an issue either with the blower’s electric motor or with the blower wheel. Any professional technician can help you identify the problem and act accordingly. 

 

3. Minimize the Heating Load Indoors  

 
A loophole of any kind within the structural shell of your home lets cold winter air trickle in and warm air leak out. You may seal your home’s envelope leading to minimization of heat load, which is the heat quantity required to comfortably maintain the warmth of your house. If you can detect the main causes of heating loss inside your home, an HVAC contractor can conduct a home energy audit to ascertain the flaws of your home. Being an expert, he/she can help you to figure out the ideal places to make amendments.  

 

4. Check Whether All Household Vents are Free 

 
For the proper functioning of the heating system, the air inside your house must spread adequately throughout the system. It will signify that your heater is operational suggesting that the vents are clear and properly functioning. Check if all vents inside your home are open and adjusted to let air flow freely without any obstacles. If you close down a vent or blocking it will impose more pressure on the heater, and damage it. 

 

5. Remove all Combustible Objects 

 
The heater is normally positioned in an isolated location of your home. It could be a storage room, a basement, or a crawl space. Remember, the heater isn’t manufactured to function with storage containers designed around it. All ignitable objects such as boxes, paints, clothes, aerosols, gasoline, and other household items should never be kept close to your heater. 

 

6. Clean the Vents and Ductwork of the Heating System  

 
The total heating and cooling system must be cleaned and frequently maintained to ensure its sound operating condition. Check before each season. All vents should be accessible. Floor registers must be devoid of pet fur, dust, debris, and scraps of paper. Anything inside the vents can minimize efficiency. Get rid of floor registers and apply a vacuum for cleaning up any untidiness that occurs close by. Get your ductwork cleaned, particularly if you have recently renovated your home, or it’s been ages since they were cleaned. 

 

Inference 

 

To maintain your heater, it doesn’t require too much time or effort to keep it in absolute working condition. You can seek an HVAC repair in California if you face any issues as such.