8 Air Conditioner and HVAC Tips for Spring

8 Air Conditioner and HVAC Tips for Spring

With the arrival of spring, there are many activities that we can do to prepare for the new season. One of the more practical activities is to get our HVAC systems ready for spring. Since you will need air conditioning when the temperature gets warmer, you want to make sure your HVAC system is in great condition.

It would be wise to schedule a seasonal maintenance appointment with a professional HVAC specialist, especially if your system is getting old. If you can’t remember the last time a contractor performed preventative HVAC maintenance, this is an indication that you need to make a new appointment. Maintenance will not only help you stay cool when the summer heat arrives, but it will also help you save money on energy bills and costly repairs.

In addition to scheduling a maintenance appointment, you should follow these eight helpful air conditioner and HVAC tips for spring:

Tip #1: Clean leaves and debris around the HVAC unit.

Clean leaves and debris around the HVAC unit.

Spring is the perfect time to clean up the debris, dead leaves, and tree branches that have accumulated around the air conditioning unit. During the winter, you probably didn’t check up on the HVAC system when the outdoor temperature was so cold. As a result, your air conditioning system could have a lot of dirt and dust build-up over these past few months.

When your air conditioning unit is dirty and clogged, this could reduce the overall efficiency of the HVAC equipment. In some potential cases, this could even cause critical damages to your air conditioner. You should remember to clean up your AC unit at least a few times throughout the season. Due to the frequency of storms and strong winds during spring, a lot of debris can potentially infiltrate your air conditioning unit.

Tip #2: Be careful about vegetation that grows around the HVAC unit.

Be careful about vegetation that grows around the HVAC unit.

Gardening is a popular activity during the spring. As a gardener, an important HVAC tip is to be mindful of the vegetation that grows around your air conditioning unit. This includes any flowers, crops, bushes and small trees planted near the air conditioner. Make sure these plants do not touch the air conditioning system.

Ideally, the vegetation should not grow within two feet of the air conditioner. The AC unit needs to pull in air to cool down the home properly, so you don’t want the equipment to be obstructed by anything nearby. If this is a problem, it is recommended that you trim a few plants or relocate them elsewhere in your garden.

Tip #3: Replace the dirty air filters

Replace the dirty air filters.

The air filter in your HVAC system is intended to improve the air quality inside your home. The air filter works by trapping dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout your home. If the air filter is dirty, this means your air conditioner will not function as effectively as it should.

You should ideally check the air filter once a month. If you have a disposable filter, you can replace the dirty filter with a new one. If it’s a reusable filter, simply wash the filter and put it back into place.

Tip #4: Test the HVAC system.

Test the HVAC system.

Spring is an ideal season to test your HVAC system after a long period of inactivity. You want to make sure the system runs properly before the scorching summer temperatures arrive. During the testing phase, let the HVAC system run for an hour. Then, check if you notice anything unusual inside and outside of your home. If there are any issues, you still have plenty of time to schedule for an air conditioner repair before the summer season starts.

Tip #5: Install a new HVAC system.

Install a new HVAC system.

When was the last time you bought a new HVAC system? If the purchase happened a long time ago, it may be time to consider upgrading your current HVAC system for this spring season. An old air conditioner could cost you more in maintenance and repair costs than the price of getting a new one installed. A new air conditioning system comes with many benefits, including reliability, energy efficiency, and a better overall performance.

Tip #6: Check the condition of your air ducts.

Check the condition of your air ducts.

Another HVAC tip for spring is to inspect the air ducts around your home. The ducts may be clogged with dust and debris, which can decrease the efficiency of the HVAC system. You may also notice there are cracks or leaky joints in the ductwork. Call a professional HVAC contractor to assess the damage and find out what repairs need to be done.

Tip #7: Install a programmable thermostat.

Install a programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat is a useful device that will make it easier to regulate the temperature inside your home. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat yet, it could be a good idea to have one installed during spring. There are many benefits of a programmable thermostat, including a feature to monitor the temperature when nobody is home.

If you already have a programmable thermostat, spring is the perfect time to review your settings. Based on your preferences, adjust the thermostat to ensure your home stays comfortable as the temperature increases.

Tip #8: Close your windows and doors when the AC is on.

Close your windows and your doors when the AC is on

Even before summer arrives, you may notice the temperature getting a lot warmer outside. If you don’t enjoy the sweltering heat, it may be necessary to turn on the air conditioner a bit earlier during the spring. When the air conditioning system is running, you should keep all the windows and doors closed. This prevents the hot and humid air from entering your home, which could be counterintuitive to the effectiveness of your HVAC system.

7 Ways on How to Reduce Humidity in the House

7 Ways on How to Reduce Humidity in the House

Finding the best humidity level in your house can be a delicate balancing act. When the humidity levels are too high, the air will feel uncomfortably wet and stuffy. You will begin sweating more, but the air is so humid that your sweat does not evaporate quickly. The high humidity environment will force your body to work harder to cool off, which leads to excessive sweating.

There are negative consequences with prolonged periods of high humidity. You may experience allergy flare-ups, respiratory problems, and sleep interruptions. In addition, you may notice the gradual growth of mould and mildew within your surroundings. Once these fungi begin to grow, they will only continue until your humidity problem is properly addressed.

A hygrometer can read the humidity levels and measure the amount of moisture in the air. The ideal indoor humidity level should be around 30% to 50%. If the rating exceeds this range, you need to find effective ways on how to reduce the humidity in your house.

Below are seven ideas on how to lower humidity and bring it down to an acceptable level:

1. Use a dehumidifier to lower humidity in the house.

Use a dehumidifier to lower humidity in the house.

A dehumidifier is an absolute necessity on how to reduce high humidity in the house. The dehumidifier will help to remove excess moisture as the air passes through the device. Once the air reaches you, it will feel cooler and drier as a result.

In addition, the dehumidifier can help to reduce some of the common allergens in the air, such as dust mites, mould spores, and mildew. The powerful device can also make your home smell better by reducing any musty or rotting odours. With the dehumidifier running quietly in the background, you will end up with healthier indoor air quality throughout your house.

2. Fix any leaking pipes around the house.

Fix any leaking pipes around the house.

Leaking pipes lead to excess moisture and condensation, which are common culprits for the high humidity around the house. Check your pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures for any possible leaks. You should also check your gutters, which are one of the likeliest sources of indoor water leaks.

If you identify a leak, wrap the exposed pipe with insulation. Your goal is to minimize moisture and prevent condensation from infiltrating your home through these openings. While the smaller leaks could be difficult to detect at first, some of the possible signs include stained drywall, wet spots, and inconsistent water bills.

3. Use your air conditioner to reduce humidity.

Use your air conditioner to reduce humidity.

Your air conditioning system can be used to lower high humidity levels in the house. An air conditioner works by introducing cool air and removing warm air simultaneously. During the process of absorbing heat, the air conditioner also removes some of the moisture from the air. This makes the air less humid as a result.

In order to maximize its effectiveness, make sure your air conditioner is functioning properly and maintained regularly. The air filter should also be frequently cleaned. Using the air conditioner to regulate your humidity levels is recommended in summer, but you will need alternative solutions during the cold winter months.

4. Open the windows to lower humidity levels.

Open the windows to lower humidity levels.

If you need a quick and temporary way to lower the humidity in your house, an open window could prove to be useful. The act of opening a window isn’t going to eliminate humidity altogether, but it will help to improve the air flow. The increased circulation will be effective in evaporating more moisture, so you should notice less humidity in the air.

5. Limit the amount of plants in your house.

Limit the amount of plants in your house

When you have many indoor plants in your home, high humidity is more likely to occur. As lovely as plants are, they do release a lot of moisture into the air. In order to control the humidity levels, you can either move the plants outside or limit the amount of plants within your indoor spaces. If you keep the plants inside, place them in a room with proper ventilation.

6. Use your ventilation fans in the kitchen and washroom.

Use your ventilation fans in the kitchen and washroom.

Many modern homes are built with ventilation fans in the washrooms and exhaust fans in the kitchens. Use these fans wisely to reduce the excess humidity in your house. These fans are designed to extract damp air from the area. If you leave the fans powered on for a while, this will help to reduce the humidity levels in your home.

7. Dehumidify a room with charcoal briquettes.

Dehumidify a room with charcoal briquettes.

Using charcoal briquettes is an interesting way to lower the humidity levels. Take a few clean charcoal briquettes, put them in a basket, and place these strategically around the high humidity sections of your home. Since charcoal can absorb a lot of moisture, the briquettes will be effective in reducing humidity over time. They can be replaced every few months for maximum impact.

8 Reasons Why Your Thermostat Drops Below Set Temperature

8 Reasons Why Your Thermostat Drops Below Set Temperature

Does your thermostat drop below its set temperature frequently? This can be a frustrating problem when your home’s temperature and your thermostat’s settings do not seem to match. No matter how much you adjust the thermostat, the temperature always falls short of the optimal level, resulting in a colder house than anticipated.

A functioning thermostat will regulate the right amounts of warmth and coolness in our homes. Quite understandably, we expect the thermostat to regulate at a consistent temperature that corresponds with our predetermined settings. If the thermostat drops below the set temperature, this brings into question whether the HVAC system works or not.

There could be numerous reasons why your thermostat drops below the set temperature. Some problems are simple to fix, while others will require more professional HVAC expertise to decipher. Below are eight common explanations about why the thermostat drops below a set temperature:

Reason #1: Your thermostat is improperly calibrated.

Your thermostat drops below set temperature because it is improperly calibrated.

As with any piece of technology, the thermostat may become faulty from time to time. This affects its ability to assess the temperature accurately. Due to these technical glitches, the thermostat could indicate a lower (or higher) number than the actual temperature.

To fix this problem, follow the instruction manual to ensure the thermostat is properly calibrated. The calibration process may vary between different thermostat models, but it should be simple and straightforward to perform. Every thermostat will require calibration, regardless of whether you have a manual model or a digital version.

Reason #2: Your thermostat is broken and needs to be replaced.

Your thermostat drops below set temperature because it is broken.

Sometimes, a thermostat is so completely broken that no amount of calibration will fix it. You will know your thermostat is malfunctioning if it causes your heater to turn on and off at inappropriate times. This is one of the most common warning signs that your thermostat could be broken. Other warning signs may include a non-responsive thermostat that won’t turn on or power off properly.

If you have a broken thermostat, the HVAC professional may be able to fix your device depending on the problem. Otherwise, you will have to replace the broken thermostat with a new version instead.

Reason #3: The outdoor unit is broken and not running properly.

The thermostat drops below set temperature because the outdoor unit is broken.

If the thermostat is working properly, then the problem may lie within your HVAC system. A broken outdoor unit could lead to less efficiency in your heating and cooling systems. Since the unit doesn’t operate at its full potential, you may get weaker power and lower temperatures as a result.

The prospective problems with HVAC units tend to be diverse and complex, ranging from a defective valve to a faulty run capacitor. Unless you have the technical expertise, you will need professional technicians to troubleshoot the HVAC system. Depending on the diagnosis, further repairs or a full system replacement may be necessary.

Reason #4: The temperature is too cold outside.

The thermostat drops below set temperature because it is too cold outside.

Winter can be an intensely cold season with plummeting temperatures. If the outdoor temperatures drop too much, your heat pump may experience a loss of efficiency under these extreme weather conditions.

Most heat pumps are built with a supplemental heating system that kicks in to give it extra power during the cold. However, the outdoor temperature could drop to a point where your heat pump is simply not powerful enough. In other words, the warmth that it generates cannot sustain against the coldness of winter.

Reason #5: The outdoor unit is frozen and covered in ice.

The thermostat drops below set temperature because the HVAC unit is frozen.

Along with the cold temperatures, snow and ice are quite prevalent during the winter season. During a snowstorm, the coil of your heat pump might be covered in a layer of ice. If these coils are completely blocked by ice, the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air cannot occur. As soon as these coils are cleared, you can expect your desired temperature to come roaring in again.

Reason #6: Your furnace isn’t the right size.

The thermostat drops below set temperature because the furnace isn't the right size.

When a furnace is inappropriately sized, this could cause heating issues inside a home. A furnace that is too small may not have the power to reach high temperatures. Conversely, a furnace that is too large may warm the air so quickly that it overheats faster than the thermostat expects.

Reason #7: Your home isn’t adequately insulated.

The thermostat drops below set temperature because the home isn't adequately insulated.

Warm temperature has a way of escaping from poorly insulated homes. The easiest way to check your home insulation is to feel the interior ceilings, walls, and floors. If they are warm and dry during winter, this is a good signal. If they are damp or cold, you haven’t applied enough insulation.

Reason #8: There are leaking ducts in your home.

The thermostat drops below set temperature because there are leaking ducts in the home.

Your HVAC system is significantly impacted by the leaking ducts in your attics, crawlspaces, and basements. When there is a leak, the heated air will escape through these openings and never arrive at their intended destination. The leaky ducts will create cold spots, heat losses, and uneven temperatures throughout your home.

6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Is Overheating

6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Is Overheating

An overheating furnace can be problematic, especially during the winter months. When a furnace overheats, the whole system could just shut down abruptly at any unanticipated moment. Worst of all, you may have a difficult time getting the furnace started again, leaving you hopelessly stranded in the freezing cold.

There are several pre-emptive warning signs of a furnace overheating. The most common signs include a burning smell from the vents and inexplicable noises coming from the furnace unit. If these are recurring symptoms, you should call in the HVAC specialists as soon as possible, since the overheating furnace can be potentially life-threatening.

As a homeowner, you may want to investigate why your furnace is overheating. Once you recognize the root issues, you can take proactive steps to stop your furnace from overheating again. Below are six reasons why your furnace is overheating and how to fix these potential problems:

Reason #1: Your furnace is overheating because of its age.

Your furnace is overheating because of its age.

Most furnaces are built to last for up to twenty years with regular check-ups and maintenance work. If you just purchased your home, you may not know when the last check-up was done or even how old the furnace is. When a furnace has significantly aged, it could start overheating just weeks or months after you take possession of your new house.

You should have your furnace checked by a professional to ascertain its age and general condition. If you know that your furnace is reaching the twenty-year mark, start looking into options for purchasing a new furnace. In most cases, you will be better off buying a new furnace instead of maintaining an old furnace that is likely to overheat.

Reason #2: Your vents are the problem.

Your vents are the problem.

You may have closed several vents in order to control the temperature in various rooms of the house. If you have too many vents closed, this could potentially cause your furnace to overheat. Since the hot air is trapped with no place to go, it will put a lot of undue pressure on your furnace system. To prevent this, open your vents and turn down the thermostat.

In some cases, your vents might be open, but there is something else potentially obstructing the passage. This has the same effect as a closed vent and may cause the furnace to overheat. You will want to contact a furnace repair professional to look more closely into this problem.

Reason #3: The inner workings of your furnace have failed.

The inner workings of your furnace have failed.

A furnace is a large machine with many parts, some of which are delicate. You may have an overheating furnace if the wiring or any mechanical component came loose, became broken, or simply stopped working. Without the technical expertise, it will be difficult for most homeowners to figure out exactly what broke inside the furnace. This is one of the few furnace repairs that you won’t be able to DIY.

Instead, contact a professional HVAC expert for assistance. The knowledgeable technician can inspect the furnace and quickly analyze which elements have failed. The technician can also identify potential weak links, allowing you to replace the parts and components before they break apart.

Reason #4: Your furnace isn’t being properly maintained.

Your furnace isn't being properly maintained.

Your furnace could be overheating due to maintenance issues. Think about the last time you had a furnace maintenance check-up. If these inspections haven’t been occurring on a regular basis, your furnace might have maintenance risks that could lead to the system overheating.

During these furnace inspections, the technicians can identify small problems that are easy to fix in the moment. If left unattended, these issues will escalate over time and cause more dramatic problems in the future. To avoid an overheating furnace, you should schedule regular check-ups about once a year.

Reason #5: Your furnace doesn’t have sufficient airflow.

Your furnace doesn't have sufficient airflow.

Keep a close eye on the condition of your furnace’s air filter. If this component becomes too dirty, your furnace can quickly become coated with lint, dust, and other unpleasant materials. When this happens, your furnace may not be able to cycle the hot air as intended. Since there is limited air flow traveling through the furnace, this will lead to the risk of overheating.

Make sure the airflow remains as clear as possible by cleaning or replacing the air filter. This should be done each month. Be sure to replace any filters if they become damaged or too old to perform the job effectively.

Reason #6: Your furnace is short cycling.

Your furnace is short cycling.

Your furnace may start short cycling when the system shuts off before it can move through all the stages of heating. Short cycling often occurs if there is a issue with the heat exchanger or lack of air flow. Often these issues result in the furnace being controlled by its high limit switch and not the thermostat. When this happens, it stresses out the motors and other components of the furnace, which can lead to a furnace breakdown.

You may not even notice your furnace is short cycling at first, so be more attuned to when the system powers on and when it is suddenly turned off. Short cycling could be the result of a complex furnace problem, so you should contact a professional for a deeper diagnosis.

8 Ideas on How to Keep a Room Warm in Winter

During the cold winter weather, we gladly seek refuge in the reassuring warmth of the indoors. Unfortunately, there are times when the temperatures drop so low that even your room doesn’t feel warm enough. You can try to increase your body temperature by wearing an extra layer of clothing, but this isn’t a long-term solution. There are much better ways to keep a room warm in your house.

If you find yourself shivering inside the house, this probably means your room temperature isn’t adjusted at an optimal level. You will need to come up with intuitive ways to increase the indoor temperature. The following are eight ideas on how to keep a room warm without wasting too much energy or too much money:

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6 Efficient Home Heating Options for This Winter

6 Efficient Home Heating Options for This Winter

In recent years, home heating systems have drastically evolved since the days of the original humble fireplace. Back in the old days, the home heating options were quite basic and limited. It may be shocking to think that people didn’t use to have modern furnaces or smart thermostats in their homes, which are the home heating systems that we now take for granted.

Fortunately, technological advances have made our home heating options more efficient than ever. You are probably familiar with the traditional furnaces, but there are also new technologies designed to heat up specific parts of the house. When you combine these different home heating systems together, you can achieve the perfect temperature in every corner of your house.

The following are six of the most efficient home heating options that you can use during winter:

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7 Water Heater Maintenance & Troubleshooting Tips

As winter binds us in its chilly grip, it’s important to have a water heater that works. Unfortunately, even the sturdiest water heaters are prone to malfunctioning from time to time. If you cannot fix the unit quickly, you will be left stranded in a house with no hot water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. Without this precious hot water supply, winter is going to feel like a cold and miserable season for the next few months.

While it may seem daunting to repair the water heater by yourself, some of the common problems are quite small and fixable, even for novices. With the right knowledge, you should be able to perform the water heater maintenance and troubleshoot the basic issues. For the more perplexing complications, you can always contact the professional HVAC technicians for assistance.

To help you learn more about water heater maintenance, here are seven troubleshooting tips for homeowners:

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7 Reasons Why Your Thermostat Is Not Working

7 Reasons Why Your Thermostat Is Not Working

A thermostat regulates your heating or cooling systems. When it is functioning properly, the thermostat plays a central role in circulating the warm or cold air throughout your building. Click a few buttons, and you can adjust the settings to control the exact temperature of your house.

However, there are times when your thermostat device does not function properly. No matter which thermostat model you use, glitches do happen from time to time. Occasionally, you may need to call an HVAC professional for help. In most cases, you may be able to troubleshoot why your thermostat is not working.

The most common issues with a thermostat can be easily corrected if you know what to check for. Below are seven reasons why your thermostat is not working:

1. The thermostat is not working because of its age.

The thermostat is not working because of its age

Age is one of the most common problems associated with a faulty thermostat. Over time, the thermostat may become less effective through natural wear and tear. Remember, thermostats are not meant to last forever. Besides, an outdated model may cost you money in wasted energy and time tinkering with it.

If the thermostat is not working properly, it should be time to replace your older model with a newer one. For those still using a mechanical thermostat, which is the most basic type of thermostats, replace it with a programmable thermostat that is easy to use and simple to connect to your existing system.

2. The thermostat is not working because it has wonky wiring or parts.

The thermostat is not working because it has wonky wiring or parts

Loose connection, disconnection, and faulty wiring can cause your thermostat to malfunction. Inspect the wiring in your thermostat and fasten any noticeably loose wires. Consider replacing the worn-out cables or consult a knowledgeable HVAC professional to solve your wiring problems.

Inside the mechanical thermostats, there is an electrical resistor device that informs the thermostat when to turn off the system. If not functioning correctly, it may cause your furnace to cycle on and off more frequently than necessary. The electrical resistor devices can be adjusted, ideally using an amp to determine the proper settings. For programmable thermostats, these devices come equipped with a built-in anticipator that sets itself automatically.

3. The thermostat is not working because of programming defects.

The thermostat is not working because of programming defects

If the thermostat system is not working, there could be a system glitch in its programming. This often occurs during an abrupt power failure, which could interfere with the regular functions of the programming chips inside the thermostats. To correct this problem, you will need to reprogram the chip. There are also programmable thermostats with stronger memory systems that stay intact even after a power failure.

4. The thermostat is not working because it ran out of batteries.

The thermostat is not working because it ran out of batteries

During power outages, the batteries help to retain the thermostat settings. These batteries should last at least one year, although many homeowners fail to replace them until it’s too late. If the batteries are near depletion, it will disrupt the thermostat’s ability to manage the heating and cooling processes.

Most programmable thermostats display a warning symbol when the batteries start to run low. When the display goes blank, it means the batteries are completely depleted. At this point, the thermostat can no longer control the HVAC system, leading to extreme temperature levels. To replace them, you will need AA or AAA alkaline or lithium batteries, depending on the thermostat model.

5. The thermostat is not working because of its location in the building.

The thermostat is not working because of its location in the building

A suboptimal location may be the reason why your thermostat is not working. In general, you should avoid installing the thermostat at places where there is direct sunlight or near exterior doorways, since this will compromise its function. In addition, you should mount the thermostat on a wall with a high thermal coefficient.

If you believe your thermostat isn’t suitably located, move it to a better spot. For optimal comfort, place your thermostat in a central location that allows the evenest temperature distribution.

6. The thermostat is not working due to a problem with the circuit breaker.

The thermostat is not working due to a problem with the circuit breaker

The circuit breaker is a switch that protects your home from electrical surges. If a circuit breaker trips repeatedly, this will cause your thermostat to stop working. The key is to reduce the electrical load on the circuit by moving appliances. Get an electrician to perform an extensive upgrade, which may include adding more circuits to your system.

Some circuit breakers trip for no other reason than simple wear and tear. Call a professional immediately if you start experiencing regular circuit outages, detect a burning odour, or notice signs of deterioration around the circuit breaker. Ignoring electrical problems can result in fire and other hazards in your home. Keep the circuit breaker off until the problem is investigated and addressed.

7. The thermostat is not working due to the dirt and debris.

The thermostat is not working due to the dirt and debris

Over time, dust accumulates inside your thermostat. A buildup of debris and dirt could cause an inaccurate temperature reading, which may escalate to a sudden system failure. To clean the thermostat, you need to remove the cover and gently clean its interior components, including the bimetallic switch and the coil contact areas.

First, make sure the thermostat is adjusted to its lowest settings. Then, use a soft brush to clean the bimetallic coil. Next, set the thermostat to its highest level and clean the coil again. Once this is done, readjust the thermostat to your desired settings.

6 Basic Furnace Maintenance Tasks for This Winter

6 Basic Furnace Maintenance Tasks for This Winter

Before the winter season arrives, performing a basic furnace maintenance check-up will put your mind at ease. You want to make sure the furnace is safe, efficient, and well-maintained enough to keep your home warm in the colder months. If any problems are detected, you still have time to repair the furnace before the temperature starts to drop.

Ideally, you should call an HVAC technician for a comprehensive furnace inspection. However, there are several basic furnace maintenance tasks that you should be able to perform on your own. These tasks are simple and straightforward enough for any handy homeowners with basic knowledge. Of course, if you don’t feel comfortable doing these tasks, don’t hesitate to bring in a professional for their expertise instead.

The following are six basic furnace maintenance tasks that you can perform for this upcoming winter:

Task #1: Inspect the burner flames.

For your basic furnace maintenance, start by inspecting the burner flames.

You should take a moment to inspect your furnace at least once a year, or preferably at the beginning and the end of the heating season. Your first basic furnace maintenance task is to inspect the burner flames. Start by turning off the power of your furnace. Then, remove the combustion chamber door. If your furnace has a burner cover, you will need a screwdriver to remove it as well.

Now that you can see the inside of the burner, turn on the power and turn up your thermostat. Put yourself at a reasonably safe distance, and then take a close look at the flames of the burner. Be careful not to breathe on them. The flames should be blue and even. If they are yellow, it could be because the burners are dirty. You will need to turn off the power and clean them thoroughly.

Task #2: Clean inside the furnace.

Clean inside the furnace for your basic furnace maintenance.

Most of the basic furnace maintenance tasks involve a lot of cleaning. Dust and debris may have gathered inside the furnace, so you need to unclog any parts to ensure the system is in working order.

Start by turning off the power and shutting off the gas valve. Then, use your vacuum cleaner to clear all the dust you see on the burners and at the base of the furnace. If you notice some black powder inside the cavities, it might be a sign that something is wrong with your furnace.

Your furnace may have a squirrel-cage blower, which is notorious for getting clogged with dirt and dust. You should remove the screws and bolts, lift out the blower, and clean it thoroughly. Using a small brush, gently clean each blade of the blower. You should then use your vacuum cleaner to remove the loose debris and residue dust.

Task #3: Clean or replace the furnace filter.

Next, clean or replace the furnace filter.

The filter of your furnace should be cleaned once at the beginning of the heating season. When it’s being used continuously, you should also keep cleaning it once a month. If the furnace filter is too dirty or seems damaged, you need to replace it with a new one.

Task #4: Inspect the different components of the furnace.

Inspect the different components of the furnace

Your next item of business is to inspect the other furnace components more closely. This should be a quick inspection, just to make sure all the parts are in working condition before putting them in place. Be sure to check the belts, the wiring, and the switches. If you notice rust or damage on any of the individual parts, they will need to be replaced.

Another component that demands your attention is the motor. If the motor of your furnace is sealed, you don’t need to lubricate it. If your motor has oil ports, it should be lubricated once a year. You will most likely need to lubricate the blower shaft as well. Simply remove the caps, add a few drops of lightweight machine oil in the ports, and replace their caps.

Task #5: Inspect your ducts and ventilation systems.

Inspect your ducts and ventilation systems

Checking the ducts of your vent system is another inspection that you should perform. If the ducts are clogged with debris, they will have to be cleaned by a professional. Occasionally, you may detect leakages in the air ducts. In which case, you can use metal tape to seal them shut carefully. If you are unable to locate or repair the leak, ask a professional to fix it on your behalf.

Task #6: Call an HVAC professional for repairs.

Call an HVAC professional for repairs

While these basic furnace maintenance tasks can be performed on your own, you are still advised to seek professional help for the more demanding problems. If you notice anything wrong during your inspection, call an HVAC professional to repair the furnace as soon as possible.

Preventative maintenance is the key to a fully functional furnace with years of longevity. You should repair any small issues before they have a chance to become worse. Most importantly, this is the best way to make sure your furnace will perform properly during the winter season.

6 Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

6 Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Have you ever considered the quality of the air that we inhale into our bodies? In the outdoors, it can be difficult to control the air quality with so much environmental pollution from cars, factories, and power plants across our cities. When we are safely indoors, it is much easier to manage the quality of the air. With the help of certain indoor air quality products, you can turn your residence into a little oasis that smells and feels rejuvenating.

The indoor air quality is so important because it can greatly affect your mood, your health, and the overall feel of your home. If you have noticed more headaches, dizzy spells, or other inexplicable health problems, this may be due to the poor air quality inside your living quarters. Without realizing it, you may have breathed in harmful airborne toxins that are detrimental to your well-being. In these instances, you should have the air in your residence tested carefully and inspected thoroughly.

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