Fall is the perfect time to ensure your heating system is working properly, and Midway Heating Company is here to help. By following the tips listed below, you can have peace of mind heading into the winter season. Plus, you can avoid having to call for heating repairs when HVAC companies are in major demand.
There are multiple things that you can do to keep your heating system running right. However, if you’re not handy or don’t have time, be sure to reach out to us for assistance. Also, be prepared to schedule seasonal preventative maintenance with our team.
1. Change Your Filters
Your HVAC system requires regular air filter changes to keep it properly operational. In most cases, this means you should replace or clean your filter once a month. Failure to do so will put extra strain on your furnace and can reduce airflow. In fact, if you go too long without replacing your filter, your furnace may overheat and break down. Please note that one of our experts will change your air filter during preventative maintenance.
2. Check Your Thermostat
Run a test on your thermostat to ensure it works properly. Turn your heat on for a short while to check that your thermostat controls your heating accurately. If it doesn’t work as expected, take the time to verify it has working batteries. You can also use compressed air to carefully clean grime and dust from your thermostat. If it still doesn’t work right, call Midway Heating Company for help. Also, our professionals will test your thermostat during seasonal maintenance.
3. Check Your Vents and Registers
Look at each vent and register individually to make sure they’re fully open and aren’t blocked. Something as simple as a piece of furniture or even curtains can impede airflow. This is also the ideal time to schedule a duct cleaning or make the switch to a ductless system.
4. Verify Windows and Doors Are Sealed
Part of home insulation is verifying that your doors and windows have a good seal around them. If you find any leaks or drafts, it’s vital to seal them up before winter comes. Otherwise, your heating system will work harder, resulting in added strain, increased utility bills, and decreased home comfort. It’s especially important to block the bottom of your exterior doors. Install a door sweep or use a door draft blocker.
5. Test and Replace Batteries
Despite the fact that this isn’t really part of your HVAC system, it’s wise to check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors anyway. After all, they provide an important first line of defense for furnace issues. Your carbon monoxide detector will alert you if your gas furnace develops a carbon monoxide leak. Furthermore, your smoke detector may warn you if flames escape your furnace’s combustion chamber.
6. Check Your Outdoor Unit
If you rely on a heat pump for year-round comfort, it’s important to check the outdoor unit before temperatures drop. During summer, grass clippings and other debris can accumulate on the system, resulting in added strain. Your best bet is to check your outdoor unit monthly. Doing so will provide you with better indoor air quality, too.
Things to Leave to Us
Completing the list above is a fantastic start, but it’s not enough. For the rest of our tips, you’ll need to call our expert team and schedule an appointment.
Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
The best way to keep your furnace running as it should is with seasonal preventative maintenance. We recommend scheduling your preventative maintenance during the fall. One of our professionals will show up on time and begin making their way through the maintenance checklist. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Changing your air filter
- Clearing the condensate drain
- Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
- Testing your thermostat
- Inspecting your ductwork
- Tightening electrical connections
- Lubricating moving parts
- Inspecting the ignition burner assembly
- Verifying your flue is correctly attached
- Examining the heat exchanger
- Inspecting for gas leaks
The purpose of seasonal preventative maintenance is to expand your furnace’s lifespan, ensure reliability, and keep your heater running at peak efficiency. You may have noticed that some of the tasks we take on are also included in the previous section. By getting seasonal maintenance, you can skip those steps for a month. There are numerous perks involved with preventative maintenance, including:
- Fewer repairs
- Enhanced efficiency
- Improved comfort
- Extended unit lifespan
- Ensuring safety
- Better indoor air quality
The Importance of Clean Air Filters
One of the easiest ways to maintain your furnace is through regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters. This one task alone can eliminate many problems, including those that impact your system’s energy efficiency. Other problems caused by clogged air filters include:
- Frozen coils
- Overheating
- Increased wear and tear
- Poor indoor air quality
- Health issues and allergies
- Complete system breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the health issues that can be caused by a dirty air filter. First, though, it’s wise to learn how a dirty air filter causes health issues in the first place. Three things happen when your air filter becomes dirty: Circulation of allergens, promotion of microbial growth, and increased pollutant exposure. These factors combine to produce:
- Infections
- Respiratory issues
- General discomfort
- Increased allergy and asthma symptoms
Protect Your Furnace Warranty
As previously noted, completing the things listed above is the best way to keep your furnace in proper condition. Although some homeowners like to think they can take care of everything themselves, this is actually a fast way to void your manufacturer’s warranty. It’s okay to take care of little things, such as replacing your air filter. Keep in mind, though, that only an HVAC professional has the experience and training necessary to perform seasonal preventative maintenance.
Get Your Comfort Club Membership
It’s easy not to think about your HVAC system until something goes wrong. In fact, this is why so many homeowners forget to schedule routine maintenance on their HVAC system. That’s why it’s such a good idea to join our Comfort Club.
In addition to seasonal checkups, members of our Comfort Club can also enjoy priority services, allowing you to protect your system. In addition to professional maintenance, members of the Comfort Club also get a 10% discount on parts and labor. Our Comfort Club includes routine maintenance on a variety of HVAC systems, including:
- Heat pumps
- Gas or electric furnaces
- Ductless heat pumps
- Air conditioners
Turn to Midway Heating Company in Clackamas, OR
Our company has provided furnace maintenance, repairs, replacements, and more since 1959. We’ve earned a 5-star Google average from more than 230 reviews. Plus, we always offer fair pricing and dependable service. We’re recognized by the Energy Trust of Oregon and have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, we’re a Lennox premier dealer and also work on every major furnace brand. Be sure to ask us about our HVAC maintenance plans!
Contact Midway Heating Company today to schedule your seasonal furnace maintenance!
