If you want your furnace to continue running smoothly and efficiently throughout the chilly months in Modesto, CA, performing regular maintenance checks is important. The key areas to look at include the following.
1. The Filters
Air filters are an incredibly important part of your home’s HVAC system. They work to safeguard your health as well as your furnace. Their primary role is to trap and hold airborne particulate matter such as dust, volatile organic compounds, smoke, pollen, mold spores, and other pollutants. The types of contaminants that are trapped by your filter will depend on the type of filter that you have.
Filters can eventually become clogged, which can restrict airflow to your furnace. Your system will first react by working harder to move air. You’ll notice higher energy bills and excessive wear and tear on your furnace when this wear and tear occurs.
The more particles that are trapped, the less air that passes through the heat exchanger (the part responsible for heating the air). This can result in overheating, which could cause various types of damage. A cracked heat exchanger can also release deadly carbon monoxide gas into your home.
You should clean or replace your filter once every 30 to 90 days. If you have pets in the home, are susceptible to allergy symptoms, or have a chronic respiratory condition, you may want to consider more frequent filter changes. Make sure that you pay attention to the size and direction of airflow indicated by arrows on the filter’s frame when doing this. Also, consult your furnace manual for the recommended MERV rating for suitable filters.
Some filters are washable, which can be an affordable option. Make sure you’re cleaning the filter as directed. Allow it to dry completely before you place it back into your system. A damp filter can lead to mold growth.
2. The Burner, Heat Exchanger, and Other Components
Gas furnaces have a burner. This is the part where natural gas and air mix to create a flame that produces heat used to warm indoor air. The burners don’t directly transfer heat to the indoor air. Instead, they utilize the heat exchanger.
These two components often accumulate dirt, especially when you go months without using the furnace. They may also develop rust, which is a common occurrence in homes with high humidity and poor air circulation. Moreover, mold and bacteria may grow around the burner and heat exchanger.
These accumulations and contaminants can deter the mixture of air and gas from igniting and cause dangerous gas leaks. The heat exchanger may also struggle to transfer heat to the indoor air, leading to overheating and potential equipment damage.
Cleaning interior components requires professional furnace expertise and experience. It involves opening the furnace access panels to locate the burner box, heat exchanger, flame sensors, etc. Your role as homeowner is to help with any information they may need during this process.
3. The Thermostat
The thermostat is a device that controls the functioning of your furnace. It tells your heating and cooling equipment when to turn on and off. Without it, your system would be completely useless. It is crucial to ensure your thermostat is always in perfect condition.
First, check to see if your thermostat is receiving power. The screen should be lit up. If not, ensure the circuit breaker or fuse box connected to it hasn’t been tripped. If it has, flip it back and see if the thermostat responds.
If your thermostat relies on replaceable batteries for power, they should be changed once per year for optimal performance. If your thermostat still doesn’t work, consult a professional for assistance with troubleshooting.
Next, run a system test. If you have a standard thermostat, change the temperature setting so the furnace will turn on. Take note of how long the furnace takes to switch it on. If it takes longer than a few seconds, there may be a communication issue between your thermostat and the furnace. Look for damaged wires and dust accumulation and verify the settings. If something is amiss, you can consult with one of our qualified HVAC technicians for help.
Finally, compare your thermostat temperature recordings to those of a room thermometer. Place the thermometer directly opposite the thermostat at the same height. Ensure it is recording the room’s temperature and not the wall or the object holding it. Check the reading after approximately 20 minutes and compare it to that on the thermostat. If the difference is more than one or two degrees, your thermostat sensors may need cleaning. Dust accumulation may be interfering with its ability to record the room temperature.
4. Checking Electrical Components
Gas furnaces use electricity for burner ignition, turning the blower fans, control board communications, etc. Electric furnaces, on the other hand, use electricity for everything, including heating the indoor air. Therefore, it is important to ensure your entire electrical grid is functioning well. This is a task that you will want to have performed by a professional because of the safety risks involved.
We will inspect fuses and limit switches for signs of damage and loose connections and, if possible, test your home’s electricity amp draw. We can make minor repairs and adjustments if we notice anything amiss during our inspection.
5. Professional Maintenance
It’s crucial to have a qualified technician assess, service, and fix potential furnace issues at least once a year. A professional tune-up will not only keep your system running smoothly, safely, and efficiently but also help keep your warranty valid. Furnace manufacturers often mandate that homeowners must adhere to specific maintenance schedules and services to qualify for coverage.
What to Look for When Hiring a Professional Furnace Technician
For a smooth and reliable furnace tune-up process, there are certain qualities that you must look for when hiring a technician. They include:
Excellent Customer Service Skills
From the first phone call to the post-inspection survey, your furnace technician should make your experience positive and even educate you about what you need to know about furnace maintenance. Take note of their punctuality, dependability, transparency, and satisfaction guarantee.
Experience and Expertise
Working with an HVAC technician who has ample training and job experience is crucial. They must be licensed and certified by relevant authorities, such as the North American Technician Excellence organization, or NATE. A reputable professional should have a record of successful jobs they have already completed.
Insurance Coverage
Accidents or incidents can sometimes occur during a furnace tuneup or while other work is being done. It is in your best interest to work with an insured HVAC technician so that you don’t have to take on the cost of mishaps yourself.
Get the Help You Need From Loves Air
If you live in Modesto, call Loves Air today for furnace maintenance service. Our certified technicians will provide prompt and exceptional work, guaranteeing the utmost comfort and safety during the cold months. You can also reach out to us for ductless mini-split installation, AC repair, and window replacement.
Contact Loves Air today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
