Fall Tune Ups for Your Heating System

Even when the days are still warm in the fall, winter is never that far away. Don’t wait for the nights to get cold to get your heating system ready for winter. Every heating system needs annual service to ensure it is ready to take on the role of warming your home. Whether you have a heat pump or a furnace, fall is the time for your tune-up.

Heat Pump Tune Ups

Heat pumps require similar tune ups as air conditioning units. Since they do not use fuel, there is no pilot lights or other heating elements to check. However, they still need to have the moving parts lubricated and other elements inspected. The filter needs to be cleaned or changed, belts adjusted, connections inspected, and the thermostat checked for efficiency.

Furnace Tune Ups

Like a heat pump, a furnace will need the filter cleaned or changed, and the various moving parts lubricated. A full inspection of the system should be completed, from the thermostat and wiring to the duct work and blowers. Furnaces will also need the heat exchanger, vent pipe, pilot light and flues inspected. Any soot or corrosion should be removed and a check for carbon monoxide should be performed.

While some maintenance for heat pumps and furnaces like filter changes can be performed by the homeowner, a full tune up by a professional is recommended. When completed in the fall before the temperatures drop, a tune up can ensure the system is ready to perform at the highest efficiency and catch any repairs that need to be done before winter arrives. Schedule your tune up for your heat pump or furnace with your local HVAC pro this fall and be ready for winter when it arrives.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

Preparing Your HVAC System for Winter

The chilly days of autumn are upon us, reminding everyone that winter isn’t far behind. With the extreme temperatures and weather of winter approaching, now is the time to start preparing your home. That includes your HVAC system, which will require a bit of routine maintenance and inspection before the season for heat arrives. By taking the time to get your system ready for winter’s chill, you may be able to shave money off of your electric bill. You will also be helping to extend the life of your HVAC system by caring for it appropriately.

One of the first repairs you should make to your heating system before winter sets in is to change the filters. Ideally, they’ll be changed every month but should definitely be switched out within three months. Green-minded folks may even want to opt for reusable filters, which can be rinsed and replaced. No more chucking an old filter into a landfill while you search for the perfect replacement, just rinse and go.

It’s also wise to consider upgrading your thermostat before winter arrives in earnest. An old, inaccurate thermostat can be a sinkhole of excess energy usage, costing you more money and increasing your carbon footprint. Digital thermostats, especially programmable models, can make a very real difference in the amount of energy your home uses during the winter months.

Cleaning and inspection is key, especially when it comes to heating ducts. Make sure that you set up an appointment with your local heating and cooling professional for a routine residential HVAC service call to ensure the health and functionality of your system. A professional should inspect your duct work, cleaning it if necessary, and give the system a thorough once-over to ensure that everything is in normal, working order.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Heating System Tune-ups Save Money and Promote Safety

Although you might not be thinking of cranking up your furnace, cooler weather is not far away. Now is the time to schedule a heating season tune-up, including:

  • combustion adjustment
  • professional cleaning
  • safety check

Ensuring that your home’s heating system undergoes an annual “tuneup”, is a great investment.

Failure to schedule regular HVAC service is usually penalized with:

  • Increased fuel bills (up to 15%) resulting from inefficient operation. This is essentially the same as burning money. It’s always better to have a trained HVAC service professional perform the necessary tests to determine your system’s combustion efficiency prior to, and after it is tuned up.
  • Accelerated wear and tear of equipment. You can extend the life of your equipment by as much as 10 years with annual maintenance.
  • Avoidable and preventable HVAC system repairs. Maintenance costs much less than repairs. Furthermore, it’s never convenient to experience a breakdown. Regular maintenance helps you to avoid such breakdowns.
  • Life-threatening carbon monoxide gas. Yearly heating inspections are also important for the safety of you and your family. Occasionally, issues with a heat exchanger or flue system problem can allow deadly gas leaks in your home. Unfortunately, too many people die each year because of such tragic leaks. Trained technicians are able to spot warning signs in HVAC systems.

Today’s HVAC systems are incredibly more sophisticated than those in the past. Wellequipped and trained service professionals use a variety of electronic devices and tools to ensure your system is properly serviced. If you’re ready to have your unit tuned-up, contact a professional to do the job right.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Time to Schedule Your Fall Heating System Check-Up

As the seasons change and our bodies begin to notice the change in temperature, it is a natural reminder to pay attention to our household HVAC systems. When summer and winter actually arrive, contractors seem to be the busiest; so, as the warmth of spring begins, have your cooling system checked and, likewise, as the chill of fall begins, make sure you get the heating system checked. It is always preferable to keep your system maintained, preventing the unnecessary expense of costly repairs. It is also better to not be caught unaware by a potential heating malfunction in the middle of winter’s coldest temperatures. 

As part of your regular residential HVAC system maintenance, have your local HVAC professional check your thermostat settings to make sure that you are comfortable while at home, but also to ensure that you’re saving energy when the home is empty. Your HVAC contractor will tighten all electrical connections and lubricate all moving parts, inspect the drainage of condensate, and check to ensure that your system controls are safe and operating properly. With regards to your heating system, you can expect them to check all connections having to do with gas (or oil) including the burner and its combustion, as well as the heat exchanger; thus, eliminating any potential fire and health hazards while ensuring that your system is safe and efficient. 

Also, if you are currently unaware of the location of the furnace filter, have your HVAC technician show you where it is and how to change it. Once your fall heating check-up is complete, the only thing you’ll have to do is change the furnace filter about once a month to maintain energy efficiency, clean air, and prevent possible system damage.