A heating system, like your air conditioning system, needs regular maintenance to ensure efficiency in performance, if not to extend its service life. Because the heating system is not used all throughout the year, it needs routine inspections. Not being in use for a certain period can cause the heating system and some of its integral parts to rust or rot. Only a professional can properly inspect the entire heating system and detect issues from minor to major. Regular maintenance of a heating system should take place twice a year—just before and after the heating season. So what are the services every heating system should have to make it last longer? Find out below.
Filter Cleaning or Replacement
The filter is a very important component of a heating system. It ensures high air quality indoors, which has an obvious impact on your health. Indoor air can at times be up to five times more
contaminated than outdoor air. Moreover, the filter ensures that your heating system is clean. It suctions the dust and dirt from the entire heating unit. If dirt or dust can bypass through the filter, it will clog the secondary heat-exchanger, if you use a condensing-type furnace. If you are using another type, the dirt not filtered will accumulate on your evaporator coil. Your heating system’s filter needs replacement at routine intervals.
Lubrication of Movable Components
Lubricating the movable components or parts of your heating system prevents friction, which, aside from causing further damage to the components and the heating system, can also cause an increase in your energy or electricity consumption. Components that must be lubricated sufficiently are the burners and heat exchanger. Aside from lubricating, these parts must also be inspected for cracks, rust, and dirt.
Burner Ignition
If your heating system has the standing-pilot light, you need to verify that it is working correctly, and the burner ignition is in good condition. Its parts, too, must be inspected for possible obstructions or cracks. Carbon monoxide levels must also be checked.
Oil or Gas Connections
The heating system’s gas pressure, heat exchanger and burner combustion need regular inspection. These connections should be tight since they can create fire hazards. The burner should be cleaned, and the heat exchanger must not have cracks of any size to ensure proper burner operation. Any defect or cracks could be dangerous or at least lead to inefficiency.
Tighten and Check Electrical Connection
The parts that also need lubrication are the fan pulley and its blower-fan motor. The latter’s amperage draw must also be measured for accuracy. Any faulty or loose electrical connections can make the premises unsafe for heating system usage. Also, such instances can shorten the life span of your heating system.
A professional technician knows your heating system needs a tune-up and can perform the necessary repair or replacement of components.
