Protect Your Hanover Heating System With DIY Maintenance Steps
Owning a home is expensive. If you’re looking for ways to save money on home maintenance projects, DIY tasks may pique your interest. In order to succeed on home projects, you need an accurate guide to teach you what to do.
At Mission Air, we have a team of experts who you can trust to perform reliable Hanover heater maintenance services. Even if you don’t schedule professional maintenance, we’re eager to help you maintain your heater to increase the comfort of your home. Here are our tips for successful DIY heater maintenance.
What Is A Heater Tune-Up?
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or you’re used to professional tune-ups, you may be unfamiliar with what a heater tune-up actually accomplishes.
A tune-up is like a check-up for your furnace — it refreshes the unit and catches small problems before they become more serious and intimidating to deal with. This process is a form of preventative maintenance because it prevents future problems.
Typically, tune-ups happen in the fall, before the winter months. This gives homeowners adequate time to schedule repairs before they require the heater for warmth. Although we recommend hiring a professional HVAC technician for repairs, there are some maintenance tasks you can perform at home.
DIY Heater Maintenance Guide
When fall rolls around, there are a few tasks that you should perform for a seasonal furnace tune-up. Here in Hanover, a tune-up should take place in October or November. We recommend hiring a professional HVAC technician, but homeowners can perform the following tasks to prepare their heater for winter.
1. Change The Air Filter
Maintaining a clean air filter is important for many reasons. It keeps your furnace from working too hard, improves your indoor air quality and improves airflow. Many heater issues stem from a dirty air filter, so it’s essential to stay on top of maintenance.
To change your air filter, locate the hatch near the blower and remove the old filter. Install the new one, ensuring the arrows on the hatch match the arrow direction on the filter. Check the air filter every month, and replace it as needed.
2. Check The Flame Color
If you have a gas heater, it should have a pilot light that ensures your heater is producing warm air and working properly. This flame should be blue in color, so if you notice that the flame is yellow, your system may be dirty or there may be carbon monoxide leaking from your heater.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is invisible and odorless. It can be deadly, so it’s important to leave your home if you suspect a gas leak. If you are exposed to carbon monoxide, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
If you or your family is exposed to carbon monoxide, seek medical attention immediately and contact poison control to take care of the issue. Don’t try to repair the leak yourself. Instead, contact a professional for emergency gas leak services.
3. Vacuum The Blower And Burners
Over time, dust accumulates in the blower compartment and around the burners. Before you vacuum these components, turn off the gas and electrical power to prevent physical danger. Open the blower compartment and vacuum out all the dust build-up.
Locate the burners and vacuum any debris build-up that has accumulated in the unit. This process can be tricky, so you may want to contact a professional for a thorough cleaning.
4. Polish The Flame Sensor
Another important step in the furnace cleaning process is dusting the flame sensor. Use a straw to blow off any dust from the pilot light. Locate the flame sensor and remove it from its bracket. Gently rub away any build-up using sandpaper or steel wool.
Use a paper towel to wipe down the sensor before putting it back in place. If you don’t know where the flame sensor is located or you need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to call a professional HVAC technician.
5. Check The Vents
Believe it or not, inspecting the vents around your home is an integral part of heater maintenance. If the registers are closed or furniture is in the way, your heater may not be able to heat your home effectively. Homeowners often schedule furnace repairs when in reality, all they need to do is unblock their vents.
Pamper Your Hanover Heating System Today!
We get it if you don’t want to deal with the risks of DIY heater maintenance. If you’re looking for a trusted company to get the job done, Mission Air can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
