Essential Tips To Keep Heating System in Their Best Condition

Keeping your heating system in its best condition is as important as keeping the rest of your home, well, in great shape. That’s because it’s the heating system that keeps you warm in the winter (and cool in summer).

So how do you maintain your heating system?

Simple Yet Important Heating System Maintenance Tips

Here are a few home heating maintenance tasks in Gilmer, TX that you can do to make sure your heating systems stay in their top shape even with everyday wear and tear or weather changes.

Regularly check the filters.

There are several types of filters, but one thing they all have in common is that they need to be cleaned or replaced periodically. When the filter becomes clogged, not only does the airflow slow down but so does energy efficiency as well as protection against contaminants entering your home. That’s why the filters should remain clean.

A clean filter will help improve air quality by trapping dust particles, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other pollutants so they won’t circulate with your indoor air.

The frequency of replacing or cleaning the filters will depend on various factors, including the type of filter you have. Some filters can last for up to 6 months, while other filters should only be used for a few weeks.

The number of pollutants present in your home can also affect the frequency in which you have to change or clean the filters.

Do not overwork the system.

If you work too much, you’re likely to get sick. It’s no different with your heating system. The equipment’s life is shortened when it’s forced to work too hard.

To make the load lighter, make sure to check your house for holes and cracks that allow cold air in. The presence of a draft can make the furnace work harder and your utility bills higher. If you find any hole or crack, immediately seal them. It’s not a home heating maintenance task in Gilmer, TX, but would help your system a lot.

Calibrate your thermostat periodically.

A properly calibrated thermostat is able to detect the slightest changes in temperature, helping to save energy and reduce costs. That’s why it’s important to know if your thermostat needs an adjustment or calibration. To check the calibration of your thermostat, tape an accurate thermometer next to your home’s thermostat. Leave it there for 15 minutes and check the reading on both devices. It’s okay if the readings aren’t the same, as long as the difference doesn’t exceed -/+3 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep the vents clean and unobstructed.

Make sure that vents in your home are not blocked or covered. When there is a blockage, the airflow is obstructed and the equipment has to work harder (and consume more energy) in order to deliver heat.

It’s a simple home heating maintenance task in Gilmer, TX that would do a lot in terms of keeping the heating system in its best condition.

Keep the outdoor unit clean.

Some heating systems come with two separate units, one of which is installed outdoors. Since the unit is outside, it is exposed to all dirt, debris, and even snow. All that dirt may build up in the outdoor unit, hampering airflow. And poor airflow is the enemy of a heating system. Protect your heating system by making sure the outdoor unit stays clean and free of any debris that can obstruct airflow.

Test for carbon monoxide leaks regularly.

A furnace, especially the gas type, releases carbon monoxide to heat your home. This gas is deadly. While furnaces are designed to vent the gas outside safely, there are instances where the heat exchanger which keeps the gas from mixing with your indoor air gets broken. To keep your family safe and know when a problem is brewing, you can install a carbon monoxide detector. When the alarm on the detector sounds, get everyone out of your home at once and call for help immediately.

Do not procrastinate on a repair.

Your heating system isn’t made to last forever. There will come a time when it will develop problems. If you notice something wrong with your unit, don’t wait before it’s too late. Schedule reactive maintenance with your trusted home heating maintenance contractor in Gilmer, TX. Some signs your heating system requires help include odd noise, odd odor, low airflow, etc.

These are just some of the simple tasks you can perform at home to make sure your heating system stays in good condition throughout the winter months.

Should You Still Hire a Professional Technician to Tune Up Your Unit?

While your heating system may be perfectly fine with all those “home” sides of maintenance that you do, we still recommend getting professional home heating maintenance in Gilmer, TX.

A licensed HVAC technician knows your HVAC like the back of their hands. They know exactly what they should look for and do to make sure your unit operates at its best. Of course, they’ll do all the tasks you do plus much more. All of this will be executed in a safe manner, using the top tools and materials.

Here are some examples of what technicians can do to make sure your heating system is operating at its best:

Check and clean filters (if applicable).
Inspect all parts for wear or damage and ensure that no parts are loose, leaking, or broken.
Remove dirt, debris, and dust from the unit’s exterior and the outdoor compartments.
Clean evaporator coils and condensate drain lines – inspect them for corrosion or obstructions.
Ensure ducts are free from holes. If there are holes, they will fix them properly to prevent air loss and vermin infestation.
Make sure the fan belts are in good condition.
Lubricate moving components of the heating system
Reliable HVAC technicians will check every nook and cranny of the heating system to find any problem with the unit. They will make sure all components of the unit are in their best shape.

With professional home heating maintenance in Gilmer, TX, you know your equipment has received the TLC it needs. You can rest easy knowing the equipment will work in its best operating condition during extreme weather conditions without overheating, wasting energy, or shortening its lifespan. You won’t be left in the cold.

But sometimes, some homeowners forget to schedule maintenance. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to enroll in a maintenance program offered by your trusted HVAC contractor.

Every maintenance program is different. Talk to your HVAC contractor and ask them what their maintenance plans include. But usually, these plans include all the basic maintenance tasks like cleaning the system components.

At Napps, we have NAPPS Maintenance Programs. These programs adhere to ASHRAE/ACCA Standard I80-2008 (Standard Practices for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems), a standard practice that establishes minimum maintenance requirements and HVAC inspection.

By joining our program, you can rest assured your unit will be tune-up regularly. You’ll also enjoy other perks like a discount.

To learn more about what is included in our maintenance program, please don’t hesitate to talk to our team via phone or email. We will be delighted to discuss our maintenance programs with you.

How Much Does A Heating Tune-Up Cost?

The home heating maintenance cost in Gilmer, will vary depending on various factors like the size and age of your heating system, its accessibility, and the level of complexity of the job. If there are damaged components or problems that need repair, you also have to pay for them.

It’s always best to get an estimate or talk to the technicians to know exactly how much your home heating system maintenance costs. If you want to save money on maintenance, consider joining maintenance programs.

How Often Should You Schedule A Professional Heating System Maintenance?

Heating system maintenance costs some money. But don’t worry. You don’t have to pay for the service every few months.

Most heating systems, like a central heating unit, need to be tuned up professionally at least once every year. The tune-up is best done before the chilly wind sets in, usually in the fall season. By getting a tune-up in this season, you can be sure your unit is ready to meet your heating demands in the winter.

But other types of heating systems, like the heat pump, will need at least two scheduled maintenance. It is because the unit often runs all year round, providing heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. One is scheduled in the fall and the other one is in the spring season.

If you’re ready to schedule a professional home heating maintenance in Gilmer, TX, please don’t hesitate to contact Napps Cooling, Heating & Plumbing at 903-758-6482.

Our team is always ready and happy to give heating systems the care they need and deserve. We’ve been in this industry for many years, have tune-up hundreds of HVAC systems, but stay committed to delivering the best in every service we offer.

In addition to heating system maintenance, we also offer other HVAC services including HVAC installation and repair. We also handle plumbing projects. Therefore, if you have plumbing problems like a clogged drain in addition to HVAC issues, you can also count on our team for help.