We all want to keep our homes warm and comfortable during the winter months. But without proper maintenance, your HVAC Midlothian TX system will wear out quicker, costing you money on repairs and replacements.
Homeowners frequently fail to maintain their furnace and boiler systems, resulting in costly repairs and decreased comfort. If you’re sick of having cold toes or shivering under piles of blankets during the winter, it’s time to take the first step toward heating system maintenance.
This guide will teach homeowners everything they need to know about heating systems, as well as tips for keeping them running smoothly all year long, such as a home furnace checklist and how often to service it.
Heating Systems Overview
Heating systems are broadly divided into two types: furnaces and boilers. The heat-carrying medium in furnaces is air, whereas water is used in boilers. However, because there are so many different types of heating systems, it’s critical to work with a professional to find the best unit for your home.
Furnaces and boilers generate heat by burning fuel. These systems require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly, which will save you money on future repairs.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to avoid costly repairs is to perform regular preventative maintenance on your HVAC Midlothian TX system. This includes changing the air filter, cleaning the blower assembly and coils, and checking the flue pipe for obstructions. You can also have a professional come out and inspect your unit once a year to look for any potential problems.
Most furnace and boiler manufacturers recommend annual preventative maintenance to keep the warranty valid. It’s also a good idea to have your system serviced before the start of every winter, especially if you live in an area with cold winters.
Home Furnace Checklist
Now that you know how heating systems work and how to keep them running smoothly, it’s time to get to work on your home furnace checklist. This will help you make sure that all of the components of your heating system are in good working order and ready for winter.
Here’s a list of things to check:
- Indoor unit grilles: make sure they’re not blocked or clogged with dust
- Outdoor unit: make sure that the power is on, and all of the controls are set to “off.”
- Indoor air filters: replace as needed, according to manufacturer specs
- Thermostat batteries: check that the batteries are still working and replace them as needed.
- Condensate pan: make sure it’s not leaking or clogged
- Circuit breakers & fuses: check for tripped circuits, blown fuses, or faulty circuit breakers. Replace if necessary.
- Dampers and access panels: check that the dampers are open and access panels are closed
- Electrical wires: check for damage or lose connections. If you find any, have them repaired by a professional before using them again.
- Heating system components for signs of damage or leaks
- Furnace fan belt & pulleys: check for wear and tear
- Burners: check for soot or other debris. If you find any, have them cleaned by a professional.
- Heat exchanger: check for corrosion or cracking.
- Gas supply line connections to the furnace: check for leaks
- Chimney: Have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional every year.
If you discover any issues while conducting your home furnace checklist, do not attempt to repair them yourself. For immediate assistance, contact a licensed HVAC technician.
One of the best ways to keep your heating system running smoothly all year is to perform preventative maintenance on your furnace and boiler. However, there are other options available to you.
After you’ve completed your home furnace checklist, it’s time to schedule your unit’s annual inspection. Most furnace and boiler manufacturers recommend calling in the early fall to ensure that you have enough time to complete all necessary repairs before winter arrives.
How Often to Service Furnace?
Now that you’ve cleaned your furnace, the next question is how often should you service it?
The best answer to this depends on a few factors. For example, if you live in an area with high humidity or have pets at home, then your air filter will need to change more frequently because of increased dust and particles that collect. If you don’t have pets or live in a dry climate, it’s probably fine to change your air filter every three months.
A professional will be able to tell you how often your furnace needs servicing based on the age and model of your heating system and where you live. It’s always a good idea to consult with your heating contractor to get the best advice for keeping your furnace running smoothly.
Types of Heating Systems
There are many different heating systems, and they all work by burning fuel to create heat. Most people use natural gas or propane for their furnaces and boilers because it’s cost-effective and easy to find. However, many other fuel types can be used, such as electricity, oil, coal, and wood.
There are also a few different types of heating systems: furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and radiant floor systems. Let’s take a closer look at each type:
- Furnaces: Furnaces are the most common type of heating system, and they work by blowing heated air through ducts in your home. The furnace heats the air, which then circulates throughout your home.
There are three types of furnaces: gas-fired, oil-fired, and electric. Gas-fired furnaces are the most popular because they are cost-effective and efficient. Oil-fired furnaces are becoming less popular because of the high price of oil, but they can be more reliable in cold weather. Electric furnaces are not as common as gas or oil furnaces, but they are becoming more popular because of the increasing cost of natural gas.
- Boilers: Boilers are typically used in areas with no access to natural gas pipelines. They work by heating water so it can be circulated through your home’s pipes and radiators for heat distribution.
The most common type of boiler, the steam boiler, heats water with a gas or oil-fired burner. Once the water is heated, it exits into a tank and then goes through pipes in your home. Other types of boilers heat water directly with gas or oil burners and circulate the hot water through your home’s piping system.
- Heat Pumps: Heat pumps use electricity to distribute heat throughout your home, making them more efficient than furnaces and boilers. Heat pumps work by taking heat from one source (the outside air, the ground, or water) and circulating it through your home’s ductwork to keep you warm in the winter months.
- Radiant Floor Systems: Radiant floor systems are based on hot-water heating systems that use tubing installed under floors as the heat-distribution network. The tubing is filled with hot water, circulating through the floor to provide warmth.
HVAC in Midlothian, TX
If you need help maintaining your home heating system, be sure to contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling, and Heating. We will be able to help you with regular maintenance and annual preventative services to keep your furnace running smoothly all winter long. For more information on types of heating systems and how they work, please call us at 972-291-0740.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.