HVAC and Furnace Maintenance
Proactively taking care of some things can pay off in a big way. Car maintenance such as oil changes and replacing belts help to avoid damage and major repairs. Daily brushing and flossing can minimize the risk of root canals and periodontal disease.
Your heating system is the same. With routine care, furnaces and heat pumps will last longer, work better, and actually save you money in the long run. It can also save you from an unexpected breakdown and the subsequent cold wait for an HVAC professional, and even a dangerous emergency.
Protecting Your Family and Home
Regular servicing of your heating and cooling system is a safety precaution. Loose electrical wires, damaged gas connections, cracked parts, and blocked flues are some of the many dangers of neglected HVAC systems. Significant safety risks can be mitigated with regular inspections.
Some of the most common issues that are checked for during an inspection by a heating professional, depending on the type of system:
- Heat exchanger free of damage. This set of metal coils in furnaces transfer heat from one place to another. Stress cracks or other damage to a heat exchanger can result in dangerous gas leaks, threatening carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Proper gas pressure. If too high, the heat exchanger will overheat; if too low condensation forms, either causing a fire threat or poor air quality.
- Clean flues. Build-up, blockage, or cracks in a flue can also leak harmful gases into your home’s air. In addition to reducing your heating system’s efficiency and efficacy, it can also pose a major health hazard. Always leave your home and call your gas utility provider if you smell gas.
- Safe electrical wiring. Excessively worn, exposed wires or loose connections can spark and start a fire.
- Flame sensor function. Oxidation and carbon buildup can result in malfunction or worse. This small but important safety feature confirms that whenever the gas is open there is a flame. If it doesn’t sense a flame, it will automatically turn off the furnace to prevent gas leaks and even an explosion. A dirty flame sensor is not safe.
Delaying Can Cost More
Often something small, like a worn part needing to be replaced, can prevent a larger issue needing a more labor-intensive service or even full unit replacement.
Plus, keeping your heating system running efficiently can also keep utility bills lower. When an HVAC system is running rough, it runs up operating costs and the risk of emergency repairs.
Protect the Warranty
Manufacturers’ warranties cover certain repairs and replacement of parts, but most stipulate proper maintenance by a licensed professional is required. Remember to save your receipts for all services, or you could risk a denied warranty claim.
Extend Longevity
The lifespan of an HVAC system is highly variable, ranging from 15 to 25 years. The Department of Energy recommends homeowners replace this appliance every 10 to 15 years because older systems become less energy efficient (and, depending on its age, may use an environmentally unsafe refrigerant.) A system that receives routine care can potentially operate much longer and better than neglected ones.
Optimize Humidity Level
High humidity, such as we experience in the Houston area, can take a toll on A/C units. If your system isn’t handling the humidity well, you will see signs, such as condensation, fog, and a damp sensation or scent.
Excess humidity also affects how we experience temperature. A hot humid day feels worse than the same temperature with lower humidity. To get comfortable in high humidity we adjust our thermostats to a cooler setting, causing the A/C work harder, use more energy, spiking the utility bill.
Ask RAS about humidity-controlling features that can be added to your HVAC to ensure comfort.
Freezing Conditions
Houston, TX has its share of severe weather and the hazards that come with it. Hurricanes, flooding, and extremely cold weather are all excellent reasons for routine furnace maintenance. Snow and ice can affect proper air intake and limit airflow, which will run up your utility bill. While water expanding when frozen can risk cracked pipes. Meanwhile, any moisture year-round can rust parts. Always be prepared for winter weather by making sure your HVAC system is ready.
Air Quality
A maintained HVAC provides cleaner air all year round. After summer, you may detect a musty scent in your home. Changing filters and clean ductwork can greatly affect air quality, plus deter the spread of airborne diseases, alleviate allergies, and diminish symptoms of other respiratory problems.
Make it a Routine to Be Proactive
Proper servicing of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system can prevent unexpected critical malfunction, reduce safety risks, keep your utility bills reasonable, and improve air quality and the general level of comfort in your home. Instead of waiting for signs of a problem, trust RAS to keep your heating and cooling system running reliably, efficiently, and safe, for many years to come.
RAS is honored to provide the residents of Houston and surrounding areas with superior heating and cooling services. For HVAC or furnace repairs or maintenance, call us at 713-266-2665 or fill out a service request form online.
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