Heating Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

How often do you do maintenance tasks to check your equipment at home? Understandably, performing routine maintenance often falls by the wayside. Many homeowners live by the mantra: if it’s not broken, it’s okay. While everyone is busy and has many seemingly more important priorities, it doesn’t hurt to routinely check your HVAC system. Once HVAC system issues creep up, they can consume so much of your time and money. The last thing you should worry about is whether your furnace is up and working during the winter. If you expect to live comfortably, your furnace and heater should be working the moment you need it. You can ensure that it is working efficiently by following these important heating maintenance tips.

Change filters regularly

The easiest and one of the most important items you should include in your maintenance checklist is changing filters. Having clean filters is important as they allow air to circulate through your furnace efficiently and prolong your system’s lifespan. So be sure to check your furnace and filter manufacturers’ recommendations on the frequency of filter changes to help improve your overall indoor air quality.

Clean drainage tube

If you are running a natural gas or propane furnace, you should expect it to create some water as a by-product. Some moisture becomes steam, but you’ll also have some water drain out into a drip pan. You have to make sure that this drainage tube is always clean and clear. Your flame sensor can get damaged if there is backed up water. For clearing the drainage tube, you can use compressed air and white vinegar to reduce any residual.

Seal air leaks

What is one of the most common reasons for heat loss during the fall and winter? You might be surprised to know that the leaks in your attic and crawl spaces are responsible for it. The heat from the furnace naturally rises, so leaks are more commonly found in attics. You should give these areas of your house inspection before the colder months. If you see any leaks, you have to seal them with heat tape.

Follow these important heating maintenance tips. If you are having problems with your heater or furnace at home, call Watson's Mechanical Solutions, LLC at (301) 363-1282. We are HVAC repair specialists based in Upper Marlboro, MD.