Wintertime is fast approaching. Your home needs all the warmth it can get so you and your family would feel comfortable during the cold season. It is time for your furnace to shine and do its job. Just like with any other machines, your furnace should also undergo regular checkup and maintenance before and after using it. Therefore, an ideal time would be during fall and spring. You can call any HVAC company such as First Class HVAC and we will do a comprehensive checkup of your heating system.
FURNACE MAINTENANCE: THINGS TO CHECK AND INSPECT
Maintenance should not be relied solely on HVAC companies. You should also do some regular maintenance measures on your own. Remember that you are the one who is always within reach of your heating system.
Make sure to shut down both the electrical power supply and the fuel supply. The power switch can usually be found near the burner while the fuel valve is located near the oil tank or the adjacent gas pipe.
Clean the combustion as it usually builds up soot, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Too much carbon soot can cause the walls of the chamber to corrode. While you are at it, inspect for holes and corrosions as well.
Next, check the exhaust flue for any holes or corrosions especially near the furnace and pipe junction. A hole can be dangerous as it can leak carbon monoxide to your home. Once you see one, just cover with a foil tape. If it is too big or too many to cover, you need to replace the pipe with a new one.
If you have an oil-powered heating system, you need to check the oil filter too. If it is clogged with too many impurities, you need to replace it with a new one. Close the oil valve first before replacing the oil filter. Make sure to dispose of the old filter properly according to hazardous waste regulations.
Changing the air filter is next. Do not let the air filter stay in for more than a year. Replace it promptly especially if you have pets at home or your place is surrounded by pollution. Also, check the blower belt’s tension. If it is too loose, just slight the motor backwards to produce tension.
Check for flame colors too. Turn the burner on and look at the flames. Although not an accurate indication of furnace efficiency (a combustion analyzer can provide a more accurate result), the flame color can more or less tell you that a blue one with orange tips is normal. If it is more yellow, then it can indicate poor combustion where primary air is probable lacking. If it is more orange, your furnace may need cleaning as dust seem to burn in that color.
IF FURNACE MAINTENANCE IS TOO DIFFICULT FOR YOU…
Dial any of our service branches in Delaware and Maryland – Bethany / Fenwick: (302) 316-0523, Lewes / Rehoboth: (302) 316-0523, Seaford / Bridgeville: (302) 604-5510, Dover /Milford / Milton: (302) 213-8396, Salisbury / Ocean City: (410) 713-4099 or Middletown: (302) 307-4530. You can also contact us by filling up our online form.
First Class HVAC provides the following services – Bethany Beach heating maintenance, Dover heating maintenance, Fenwick Island heating maintenance, Lewes heating maintenance, Middletown heating maintenance, Milford heating maintenance, Milton heating maintenance, and Rehoboth Beach heating maintenance. We also provide Bethany Beach plumbing services, Dover plumbing services, Fenwick Island plumbing services, Lewes plumbing services, Middletown plumbing services, Milford plumbing services, Milton plumbing services, and Rehoboth Beach plumbing services.