DIY Heating Maintenance Habits

If you want to make your heater last as long as possible and serve your home with reliable heat every winter, you have to give it a little TLC! Even machines like your HVAC system need some attention every now and then, and some simple preventative maintenance tasks could make a big difference.

Ball Heating & Air Conditioning loves promoting the healthiest community we can — and that includes the health of your HVAC system! Reap the benefits of a healthy and efficient heater with a few manageable maintenance tasks throughout the year. If you’re interested in some DIY heater maintenance, keep reading.

One: Access The Combustion Chamber

*Before you start any maintenance on your furnace, make sure it is powered down.*

A furnace will have a door, usually secured by a few small screws. Open up this panel to access the main combustion area that houses all the intricate parts used to warm your home. Once you have opened up the chamber, you’ll want to test the burner flames. Turn the power switch back on and assess the flames that are ignited (keep a safe distance and don’t breathe on the flames). They should be even and blue. If they are yellow, call a professional to have the burners adjusted. Turn the system off when you are done looking at the flames.

Two: Vacuum 

Using the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner, clean out anywhere you see dust. The burner and blower cavities are particularly prone to collecting dust. If you can’t reach all the way into the cavity, you can tape a thin tube or drain line to your vacuum nozzle for extra reach.

Three: Air Filter

The air filter in your furnace is really important for promoting good indoor air quality in your home. If your furnace air filter is clogged, you might notice more dust or allergens in your air. For homes with people who have respiratory problems, this can be very serious. Take out the air filter and either clean it or replace it according to the kind of filter it is. If you’re interested in upgrading your filter to a higher-efficiency filter, it’s the perfect time to research and make the switch.

Four: Cleaning Sensors

There are several delicate sensors that control the ignition and flames when combustion is occurring. If you can, locate the pilot, igniter and flame sensor (may differ between gas and electric furnaces). Use a regular drinking straw to direct air across the area and clear dust away.

Five: Seal Ducts

A huge source of air loss in your home could be your air ducts. If there are unidentified cracks, holes or leaks, your furnace is working a lot harder than it needs to. You can make some easy adjustments by patching or sealing holes in the air ducts with store-bought products. 

Invest In A Professional Heater Tune-Up

While DIY heater maintenance is great for the system, not all homeowners may feel comfortable completing these tasks themselves. If you would rather trust an expert to cover all the details of furnace maintenance, Ball Heating & Air Conditioning is your team! Contact us to schedule your tune-up appointment today!