Wintertime in Clearwater, FL can get a bit chilly, especially at night. You need your furnace to keep your home warm and cozy when the outdoor temperature dips. With routine maintenance, you can enjoy optimal comfort from your heating system through reliable, efficient, and safe operation. Let’s talk about the steps involved in annual maintenance and how they benefit you.
Visual Inspection
Our technicians at Poulin Cooling visually inspect your heating system, carefully looking over each component. When we do this, we are looking for damaged parts that may not work as they should and excess wear and tear that can cause problems and lower the efficiency of the system. This inspection helps us find problems that require repairs so that we can schedule additional services before the winter chill sets in.
Cleaning the System
As we work our way through your heating system, we wipe away dust and other contaminants that build up over time. Dust accumulation can take a toll on your system and lower efficiency. The dust may make it harder for the system to operate, causing added stress that can lead to faster damage and breakdowns.
Lubricating the Moving Parts
Gears and other parts inside your furnace move to create heat and make your furnace run. These parts require lubrication to protect them from friction. Without proper lubrication, these components may wear out faster and cause your system to fail.
Clearing the Condensate Drain Line
Moisture from the furnace drips away in the form of water. A designated condensate drain line carries this water away from the furnace. Our technicians inspect the line for signs of leaks or other damage. We make sure the line is securely attached and clear of blockages so that water can travel where it needs to. If this water stays inside the furnace, it could damage sensitive electrical components.
Checking the Pilot Light and Gas Components
For gas furnaces, you have a pilot light that burns gas to create heat. The light should be blue and always on. We check that the gas valve is open, and we test the gas pressure to ensure it is within a safe range. Keeping the gas flowing and not leaking lowers the risk of health hazards and explosions.
Evaluating the Airflow
We power on the furnace once we’ve cleaned and inspected the inside of the system. While the furnace is running, we check the vents to ensure adequate and even airflow. You should get sufficient heat from each vent so that your home heats to an ideal temperature without causing the furnace to struggle.
Listening for Strange Sounds
Loud banging and clanging noises from the furnace are cause for concern. If we hear unusual sounds from the appliance, we’ll investigate further to find the cause.
Checking for Unusual Smells
We all know that slightly burnt smell that comes from the vents when we flip the furnace on at the start of winter. This is common as the dust and debris inside the system heat up and burn off. However, after the initial cycle, you should never smell anything coming from the vents. If strange or foul smells are noted, our technicians will look for a cause. Some odors may be caused by contaminants in the ductwork, while others may come from the furnace.
Checking and Calibrating the Thermostat
Your thermostat should be installed in an open area away from vents and heat-producing appliances. Any excess heat or cold air that blows near the thermostat can cause erroneous readings. If your device isn’t in an ideal location, our technicians can relocate it. We also check the accuracy of the thermostat, ensuring the temperature on the display matches the temperature of the room. If not, our technicians will calibrate the device so that it is accurate.
Local Clearwater Heating Experts
Our expert technicians perform comprehensive maintenance, so you can enjoy your home even when the temperature outside plummets. We also offer a skilled AC repair service when your system fails and installations when the time comes for a new furnace or air conditioner. Let us take control over your home comfort system, so you can relax with peace of mind knowing you’ll be comfortable throughout the year.
Schedule your essential heating maintenance today by calling the top technicians in Clearwater at Poulin Cooling.
