Heating repair: How to save money through regular maintenance

A home’s air conditioning system is often quite unnoticed. When it's doing its job, running quietly and efficiently, it’s very easy to take it for granted. But when it fails, it can be a huge hassle. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of a failed unit in the middle of the winter season. Regular maintenance can keep a unit running as well as save money long-term by avoiding major heating repair.

In addition to being expensive and inconvenient, an improperly functioning unit can even put a home in danger. Leaking fuel can pose a health risk and faulty connections can pose a fire hazard.

Do it yourself maintenance
Due to the complicated nature of a furnace, a professional maintenance person should perform most repairs and some general maintenance. It’s recommended to have the unit inspected annually by a heating repair professional. They will clean and lube appropriate parts, tighten connections and check the settings and controls to ensure it is functioning properly. This will help prevent the unit from breaking down at an inopportune time. To receive the best service, schedule the inspection at before the start of winter or at the end of the season. Professionals are usually busiest when the weather is the coldest.

Regular maintenance
There are several things that a homeowner can do year round to keep their furnace running efficiently and avoid costly heating repair. First, be sure to turn the unit off before performing any maintenance. Then, clean and replace or clean the filter regularly, which is about once a month. A blocked filter will not only prevent the unit from running well but can also cause damage and shorten its lifespan. Run the filter under lukewarm water to clean and replace it when this doesn't do the job. Also be sure to regularly change filters inside the home. Another useful task is to clean the ductwork using a long hose, a rag and vacuum. Finally, ensure that vents are not blocked by objects like curtains or furniture. These impede the airflow that is vital to an efficiently operating system.

Troubleshooting
Before calling in the heating repair professional, you may want to check the power source. If the unit uses gas or oil, it may not be igniting. If electric, look for a burnt cord plug. Also look for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker and check that the power switch is turned on or pushes the reset button, depending on how the unit operates.

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