With temperatures dropping and brightly-colored leaves falling across Albuquerque, it’s time to check on one of your most important home appliances – your heater. I recommend getting a yearly inspection to help ensure that your heating system is winter-ready, safe and efficient.
Though the cost of a furnace inspection may seem a bit steep, think of it as winter insurance; the cost of emergency repairs, and worse – safety hazards- could be much higher.
Blocked furnace exhausts can cause dangerous buildups of gases. Clogged water pump drains can cause water damage or mold. At best, an inefficient heating system can lead to higher energy bills.
During a proper heating-system inspection, a technician should:
- Check electrical connections and test voltage.
- Lubricate moving parts.
- Ensure that the condensation drain for the furnace or heat pump isn’t clogged.
- Check startup and shutdown controls.
- Check, clean, or replace the air filter.
- Inspect exhaust outlets.
- Check fuel lines and connections and burners and heat exchangers.
Besides an expert inspection, there are a couple of things you can do to improve your heating system’s efficiency:
- Replace filters regularly. Most experts recommend changing them at least every 90 days or more. A clogged air filter will restrict air flow, causing the unit to work harder and reducing its lifespan. If you’re unsure when to change the filter, ask for help from your HVAC contractor during the routine maintenance visit.
- Install a programmable thermostat. These can save you up to ten percent on your energy bills, since they allow you to avoid overheating your house when nobody’s home.
It’s always important to hire a well-trained and properly licensed professional to keep your furnace in top shape. Many states require heating and cooling professionals to be licensed.
When hiring a company to maintain your furnace, ask for and check references. Also, confirm that the company is appropriately licensed, insured, and bonded.
If you’re unsure who to hire for your home’s heating needs, feel free to ask me in the comments below. And if you’re looking to buy or sell a house in the Albuquerque area, contact me today!
Photo courtesy of Justin Baeder.
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