Many homeowners do not think about their furnaces until they start running into problems. By then, it may be too late to properly solve the issues without spending an inordinate amount of money. To make sure that you do not fall into this category, it is always best to hire a professional HVAC company to perform the proper maintenance so that your heating system does not fall into disrepair. Here are some tasks that might be necessary.

Replace the Filters

This is one of the main things that homeowners forget about and is also why you always need an experienced company on hand to do the maintenance for you. They can put you on a regular schedule so that when it is time to replace the filters, they will come over and do it for you. This gives you the peace of mind of knowing that they are installed correctly and everything is functioning as it should be. As a frame of reference, all furnace filters should be changed every three months or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Vent and Duct Cleaning

You also need to have the ducts and vents cleaned out on a regular basis. Over time, they will become dirty and clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris that can cause those with allergies to suffer. In addition, not having these regularly cleaned can also degrade the efficiency of your furnace. Therefore, it makes sense to call professionals to get rid of all of the built-up gunk for you. Most companies recommend this be done once a year for maximum cleanliness.

Furnace Blower Lubrication

Every furnace has a blower motor that circulates the heat throughout your home. This needs to be kept lubricated, or it will cause enough friction to break down the entire unit. This is similar to how automobile engine parts work.

Pilot Light

If your furnace is not heating at all, it could mean that your pilot light is out. This can be easy to spot by looking in the appropriate spot. However, as a matter of safety, relighting it should be left to professionals. There is also the possibility of a mechanical problem with the furnace, such as a faulty valve or a thermocoupler that has gone bad. Give us a call, and we can be there as soon as possible to get your furnace back up and running again.

Follow a Schedule

Most new furnaces come with a warranty. However, there are certain rules and procedures that you must follow to keep that warranty in effect. One of the biggest ones is to adhere to a maintenance schedule. Failure to do so will result in the warranty being voided, and you will end up paying for any repairs or other services out of your pocket. It is definitely in your best interest to have an experienced HVAC company maintain your furnace according to the schedule set forth by the manufacturer.

Check the Wiring

Of course, the wiring should be checked regularly. This is because no matter how well-kept the furnace might be, eventually the wires will become old and begin to fray. This is something that you want to avoid because frayed wires present a significant fire hazard. If you smell something that resembles a burnt wire, or if one is spotted during your furnace inspection, you need to have it repaired on the spot. Of course, it should also go without saying that this type of work needs to be done by a licensed HVAC technician. Electrical work can be very complicated and dangerous, and if any aspect of it is done incorrectly, the potential for disaster increases.

Gas Leaks

Another thing that you need to consider is the chance of gas leaks. These can be extraordinarily dangerous because even a small spark can cause a tremendous explosion when a gas leak is present. By calling a licensed professional to come over and perform a thorough inspection of your furnace and various hookups, you can rest assured that your appliance is in perfect working order and safe to use.

Test the Thermostat

Having a thermostat go bad is a common occurrence. Before you get ready for the winter season to begin, many experts recommend turning on the thermostat just to check if the furnace kicks on. If it does not, this is a sign that the thermostat needs to be replaced. By calling Cozy Home Services, you can generally have it replaced the same day. You will then have your furnace back up to spec and ready for the winter months.

High Energy Bills

During the months when your furnace is operating, keep an eye on your monthly energy bill. If you see an unexplained increase, then you can take that as a sign that you need to contact an HVAC company and have a licensed technician come over to check things out. Doing this will save you money in the long run. Having any necessary repairs made will likely lengthen the life of your furnace, so you won’t have to replace it before its anticipated lifespan comes to an end.

Clear the Surrounding Area

Many homeowners forget that there needs to be space around the furnace for it to function properly, Avoid stacking boxes immediately next to the furnace so that there is enough room for the air to circulate properly. Blocking the exhaust can cause dangerous fumes to build up inside the home, and this situation can even turn deadly if left unaddressed.

Listen for Strange Noises

It will come as no surprise that a furnace should not make weird noises when it is functioning correctly. If you start to hear strange sounds emanating from your furnace, turn it off and call a repair technician as soon as possible so that they can check to see what the problem is. They will run a few different tests to ensure that the proper repairs can be made and that there will be no lingering issues that might affect future performance.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

As a homeowner, it is definitely in your best interests to keep your furnace well-maintained and to make sure that you are relying on the most experienced and trustworthy company around to do so. That’s why calling us is the first thing that you should do whenever you are having problems with your furnace, or if it is that time of year when an inspection is due. We make sure every job is done in the most professional manner possible, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards.

Contact Us Today

At Cozy Home Services, in addition to all manner of HVAC work, we perform plumbing repairs and install solar panels.
If you live in Vacaville, CA or the surrounding area and are having issues with your furnace, contact Cozy Home Services immediately so that we can schedule a service appointment with you!