Heating and cooling systems account for about 47% of the energy consumption in typical U.S. homes, making it the largest energy concern for most home owners. Extended periods of cold and winter would naturally imply that, the heating systems in houses are required to work even harder during these chilling times to maintain an optimal temperature, keeping homes warm and comfortable.
Therefore, it is imperative that comprehensive service checks be made periodically by an experienced technician to ensure that the performance of the furnace is operating at top notch. Many homeowners might require the help of qualified heating contractors to prepare their furnaces for the winter months, whilst others might opt to doing it themselves.
Should the latter be the case, the following maintenance checklist has been designed to help home owners successfully get their heating furnaces in perfect working order, preparing them for rough weather conditions that come with the winter season.
Electrical Supply
Always ensure to turn off all electrical supply outlets before commencing work on the furnace.
Burners
The burners should be thoroughly cleaned as required. Messy burners can result in poor combustion, soot build-up, and will shorten the life span of the furnace, and can prevent heat from going into the house.
Heat Exchanger
Heat exchangers can create splits with age, hence should be inspected for cracks and leakages. On the off chance that they exist, there is a danger of serious illness resulting from the poisonous fumes being produced.
Thermostat
The thermostat should be calibrated to the right temperature. The wiring should be taken a proper look at to make sure it’s connected to the system. The thermostat can even be tweaked and reprogrammed if need be, for better optimization.
Pilot and Pilot Assembly
Cleaning and adjustments should be carried on the pilot and pilot assembly out as the need arises. Dirty pilots can cause the furnace to extinguish and shut down abruptly.
Fan Switch
The fan switch should be properly checked and adjusted to avoid wasted energy.
Fluids
All fluid levels are to be checked and specific parts such as motors & bearings should be lubricated to ensure that they don’t wear out with time. Improperly lubricated rotating equipment will eventually always fail.
Registers and Vents
Registers and vents are to be checked to see if there are any blocked on the wall or the floor. In the event of any blockages, a thorough cleaning and de-congestion is carried out on the vents to make sure air is coming through with no obstructions.
Fan
The fan should kick on when the thermostat tells it to. The fan should also be balanced and working at an optimum level.
Belts And Pulleys
Belts and pulleys are to be properly checked and adjustment on loose ends. Worn out pulleys and loose belts result in the slowing down of air flow. Operational costs also accrue while the life span of the compressor is shortened.
Voltage and Amp
The draw of the compressor, the blower and condenser fan motors are to be thoroughly checked and findings are to be recorded. Operational costs accrue from improper voltage and amp draw which can have a negative effect on the overall life span of any motor.
Temperatures and Performance
The overall temperature and performance of the furnace is to be studied and findings record. This comprehensive record will aid to indicate potential problems in the future which can then be easily prevented
Adjust Settings
If the same vents are used for both heating and air conditioning, it is often required that settings should be adjustment on the dampers to accommodate the change in seasons.
Safety Controls
The safety controls are to be operationally inspected to prevent hazards.
Electrical Connections
The electrical connections and systems should always be inspected for any damages that might result in electrical hazards such as sparks and fire outbreaks.
