Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!
Preventative maintenance on your heater is key to keeping your house warm and cozy in the winter. There are a couple of maintenance tasks that you can do yourself (like changing the air filter and checking thermostat batteries), but most of them are best left in a professional’s hands.
When to Schedule Heater Maintenance
It’s essential to schedule heater tune-ups once a year to keep your heating system running smoothly and efficiently. Annual maintenance helps catch problems early on and avoid expensive repairs. Most importantly, it keeps you warm and comfortable when the temperature outside dips dangerously low. These tune-ups not only make your system last longer but also improve its use of energy.
In addition to the routine yearly tune-up, there are a few situations that can necessitate having to schedule additional heater maintenance. Anytime a heating system doesn’t keep your home at your desired temperature, you need to have it inspected.
Any rattling or banging sounds coming from the heater could be an indication of a mechanical problem. If you have to constantly adjust the thermostat to a suitable temperature, the system may need a tune-up. Significant spikes in energy bills could signal inefficiencies in your heating system, which a professional can pinpoint and fix.
Placing and Calibrating the Thermostat
In addition to improving comfort, a properly installed and adjusted thermostat can drastically reduce energy use. This, in turn, lowers utility expenditures. If you put your thermostat close to drafty doors or windows, it might not read the temperature accurately.
This can force you to turn on the heat too high or too low. Ideally, thermostats should be placed in a central, interior location, away from direct sunlight, vents, or appliances that emit heat, for the most accurate readings. A professional will evaluate the space around the thermostat and make any necessary changes during a heater tune-up.
Equally crucial is the expert’s calibration process. This ensures the thermostat gives an accurate reading of your home’s temperature. Calibrating a thermostat normally involves adjusting the temperature settings and verifying its responsiveness to changes.
Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter
Cleaning or replacing the air filter is one of the most basic yet essential maintenance tasks performed during a heater tune-up. Your heater will run more efficiently with a clean air filter because more air can flow through it. Filters that are dirty or clogged reduce airflow. This increases energy consumption and wear and tear on your heater.
Filters require changing several times throughout the year. This doesn’t mean you have to schedule a professional visit every time. Instead, you can inspect the filter yourself at least once a month to determine whether it’s dirty. Most filters are quite simple to inspect and replace.
Checking Electrical Connections
Your heating system won’t function properly or safely without proper electrical connections. As part of a heater tune-up, a professional will check the condition and security of all electrical components, including the wiring and connections. Electricity fires, system faults, and inefficiency can all result from connections that are either loose or rusted.
A professional will also make sure the relays and circuit board are in good working order. By taking care of any electrical problems with your heater during the tune-up, you won’t have to worry about breakdowns. This means you’ll enjoy safe, efficient heating all winter long.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Motors, fans, and bearings are just a few of the moving components in heating systems that need lubrication to keep running properly. A technician will reduce friction and wear and tear by applying the right lubricant to all moving parts during a tune-up. This will translate into your heater running more quietly. It will also result in it running more efficiently, saving you money on heating bills.
Testing Safety Controls
Your heating system has a variety of safety controls that help it function both correctly and safely. They protect your home against possible dangers like gas leaks and overheating through the use of safety shut-offs and limit switches.
For example, a safety shut-off automatically shuts down the gas supply when it detects irregularities in pressure or combustion. This keeps your home safe from potential explosions and fires. A technician will check these safety controls during a heater tune-up to make sure they are working properly.
Inspecting Ductwork
Your heating system’s use of energy is highly dependent on the state of your ductwork. Uneven heating and energy waste can result from duct system leaks or obstructions. A professional will check the ducts for damage or obstructions when they tune up the heater.
If they find any leaks, they may suggest sealing them with specialized materials like mastic or foil-backed tape or cleaning the ducts. Professionals can also perform duct testing, such as blower door tests, to identify any air leaks precisely. With well-maintained ductwork, the hot air will reach every room in your home. This makes your house more comfortable while also decreasing energy bills.
Examining Burners
Checking the burners is an important part of maintaining a gas heater. As time passes, burners might become less efficient due to the buildup of dirt and debris. During a tune-up, a technician will check that the burners are clean and work as they should.
Clean burners reduce harmful emissions and increase efficiency by ensuring complete combustion. Inspecting the burners is also important because they may show problems like corrosion or misalignment that cause heating performance concerns. If any of these issues arise, the technician will know how to address them.
Testing Carbon Monoxide Detectors (for Gas Furnaces)
Carbon monoxide detector testing is an important part of keeping a home safe when it uses a gas furnace for heating. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer because it is colorless and odorless. A technician will check the detectors to make sure they work and change the batteries if needed during a tune-up. It’s also important to note that carbon monoxide detectors typically have a lifespan of 5-7 years, after which they should be replaced, even if they appear to be working.
Calibrating System Pressure
Calibrating system pressure is vital to the performance of a heater, especially those that use gas as a fuel source. The system pressure has a direct effect on the combustion process. As part of a routine maintenance check, a technician will check the system pressure and make any necessary adjustments to bring it up to the standards set by the manufacturer.
Testing the System Again
A thorough final system test is the last stage in a heater tune-up to ensure everything is working perfectly. The technician will turn on the heating system and listen for any strange sounds, smells, or operational issues. If the technician hears a rattling sound, it may indicate loose components that need extra tightening.
A hissing sound is another common issue to address during a final system test. This noise could signal a refrigerant leak or air escaping from the ducts that the technician may have missed. Both of these problems require immediate attention. After the final system test is complete, you can relax knowing that the heater is working at its best.
Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to meet all of your heater maintenance needs. We also specialize in drain cleaning, pipe replacements, AC maintenance, indoor air quality solutions, duct cleaning, and more. Call us now to schedule heater maintenance for your home in Harrisburg, PA.
Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!