We hope you’re having a lovely autumn, enjoying the beautiful weather and fall festivities. But we also hope you don’t forget to prepare for winter. After all, it won’t be long before the cold winds start blowing. What’s at the top of your fall to-do list? It should be furnace maintenance! It will make all the difference. Here’s how.
How does fall furnace maintenance help prevent furnace repairs?
- Cleans out dust and debris that can cause overheating
- Identifies small issues before they turn into major repairs
- Tests electrical and safety components for proper function
- Checks gas lines and pilot light for safe operation
- Lubricates moving parts to reduce wear and tear
- Keeps your furnace running efficiently all winter
Clean Your Furnace’s Internal Components Thoroughly
To begin with, your maintenance technician needs to get the heating system spotlessly clean. It’s gathered a lot of dust over the course of the past year! This job must be done by a professional because in order to get all the nooks and crannies clean, some parts of the system must be completely disassembled.
Removing dust and grime has a few benefits. First, without blankets of dust acting like insulation, components like the motor won’t be at such a high risk of overheating. Second, wear and tear will be reduced, because grit won’t be scratching away at the parts of the system. Finally, with everything clean, it will be easy for your technician to closely inspect all the components.
Inspect for Damage, Wear, and Safety Risks
When a small problem develops in a heating system, like a loose screw or wobbling fan blade, it’s very easy to fix it if it gets caught right away. If it’s left to continue loosening, it can lead to much bigger problems. That’s when you might end up hearing furnace noises you shouldn’t ignore, needing furnace repairs, or having a total heating system breakdown!
With the system sparkling clean, your technician can check over each and every component. Anything that is loose or out of place will be secured properly into position. Anything that is wearing out can be replaced. This is a big part of the reason why routine furnace maintenance can reduce the need for furnace fixes you might face over the course of the coming winter by up to 85%!
Test Furnace Functionality and Performance
Your heating system, regardless of whether the main energy source is electricity or gas, will definitely have some electrical components. These need to be tested. Major problems can occur if electrical connections come undone, if the motor isn’t drawing the right amount of power, or if the thermostat is miscalibrated. Problems with electrical components can even be a fire hazard.
It’s also critical to test the gas lines and pilot light if you have a gas-burning furnace. This will prevent serious risks like gas leaks and carbon monoxide contamination, so you and your family will be safe and warm all winter. If you’re unsure about your system, learn how furnaces differ from boilers to better understand your heating needs.
Lubricate Moving Furnace Parts for Efficiency
When a system has moving parts, such as fans and motors, they rub against one another. This creates friction, straining the system, using excess energy, and contributing to overheating. To keep the friction to a minimum, lubrication is necessary. It must be reapplied each year during maintenance so the system stays in good condition and doesn’t waste energy.
Now that you know a bit more about the process, you can see exactly why routine maintenance is so useful in preventing furnace repair in Joliet, IL. Schedule your maintenance now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why shouldn’t I skip fall furnace maintenance?
Answer: Fall furnace maintenance cleans, inspects, tests, and lubricates your system before winter. This prevents dust buildup, reduces wear and tear, catches small issues early, and ensures safer, more reliable performance throughout cold weather.
Question: What happens during a fall furnace maintenance check?
Answer: A technician thoroughly cleans the system, inspects all components, tests electrical and gas parts, and lubricates moving parts. These steps help prevent overheating, component failure, and safety risks like gas leaks.
Question: How does fall maintenance reduce the need for winter repairs?
Answer: By identifying loose screws, worn parts, and minor issues before they get worse, fall maintenance can significantly lower the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs once winter begins.
Question: Can fall furnace maintenance improve energy efficiency?
Answer: Yes, cleaning and adjusting the system reduces strain and friction on components, helping the furnace run smoother and more efficiently, which can lower energy use over the heating season.
Question: Is professional maintenance necessary or can I do it myself?
Answer: Basic tasks like changing filters can be done yourself, but professional maintenance ensures deep cleaning, safety testing, and expert checks that homeowners would likely miss, improving performance and safety.
Call J&A today, Sleep-tight tonight!