In this blog entry, the expert Chicago air duct cleaning service and Chicago dryer vent cleaning service here at EmDuct will provide a guide to essential HVAC and air duct maintenance tasks to help you get ready for Winter.
What does HVAC maintenance entail?
- Inspection and tightening of all electrical connections
- Inspection of HVAC thermostat and control system diagnostics
- Blower component inspection
- Lubrication of all moving parts
- Fuel connection leak inspection
- Furnace burner inspection and cleaning
- Ignition switch inspection
- Inspection of heat exchanger for cracks
Essential HVAC Winter Maintenance
- Removing Your Air Conditioner– Prepare your AC to rest during the winter. Do not cover outdoor AC units with tarps, as this traps condensation against the metal which can cause rust, or even provide shelter for animals to nest. Just place a plywood piece on top of the AC unit weighed down with a brick that’s secured in a stable fashion to protect against potential falling debris like icicles.
- Winter Thermostat Programming – Switch your programmable thermostat from cooling mode to heating mode. This might involve adjusting the programmed schedule according to your winter living habits
- Removing Clutter from Around Furnaces – Many people store items in mechanical rooms near furnaces, but this isn’t a good idea. Furnaces need air space and room, and flammable items can easily catch fire when stored. Remove boxes or any other objects from around furnace before winter starts
- Changing Air Filters – Check your air filter once a month, changing it as needed when it looks clogged, and definitely changing it after every 3 months.ask our professional HVAC technicians for advice if you use a different type of air filter than a typical single-inch or pleated air filter. Some expensive air filters like HEPA filters can last up to a year, ad nother air filters can be removed, washed, and reused
- Opening Air Registers– Closing air vents in rooms that aren’t used never actually saves you money and energy. It actually ends up disrupting the balance of your airflow, which strain your HVAC system and causes wear. Keep at least 80% of your property’s air supply registers open always. Make sure all return registers are clear from blockage yb curtains, rugs, or furniture
- Keep Aware of Ductwork Issues – Before You turn your furnace on for winter, inspect for signs of dirt, rust, or moisture around vent pipes and heating equipment. When you power on the heating cycle, listen for strange sounds like squealing or rattling. Put your hand on air supply registers around your property to esure air feels consistent and warm. If you notice any issues during this process, turn off the furnace and contact our team as soon as possible
What are the benefits of pre-Winter furnace tune-ups?
- Reduces the risk of your furnace breaking down in the middle of Winter when you need a warm property the most
- Helps to lower your energy bills, as ductwork systems work the best when they are clean, properly tuned up, and oiled
- Extends the lifespan of your furnace system, allowing it to maximize its lifespan and helping you avoid the expense associated with replacing components of your system that degrade without care
- Helps your home remain warm and comfortable without being stuffy or too hot
- Helps improve interior air quality, and protects against the deadly danger of carbon monoxide or gas leaks