Whether you live in the mountains or along the coast, South Carolina winters can be moderately harsh, with sub-freezing temperatures and even snow and ice from time to time. Preparing your heating system for winter is crucial to keeping your family safe and warm during the cold season.
Routine preventive maintenance performed during the early fall season can help your system keep up with dropping temperatures. Plus, it can improve furnace performance and reliability, producing consistent warm air when you need it most. Below is a quick guide to preparing your furnace for winter in South Carolina. If you have further questions about your furnace or heating system, contact Crandall today.
1. Schedule Professional Furnace Maintenance
The best thing you can do to prepare your furnace for winter is to schedule professional furnace maintenance. Furnace maintenance or furnace tune-up involves checking, cleaning, adjusting, lubricating, and testing all the system’s essential components. You can schedule a furnace tune-up once a year or before the cold season begins.
Professional furnace maintenance services may include
- Inspecting the vent system and air intake grilles, removing any blockages
- Checking the heat exchanger for signs of damage or corrosion
- Examining and cleaning the blower, removing any debris
- Checking the blower motor and testing its amp draw
- Inspecting the electrical connections, tightening them and/or replacing damaged wiring as needed
- Checking the burner and flame sensor
- Examining the belts for any signs of damage or cracks
- Inspecting the thermostat and calibrating it as needed
- Lubricating all moving parts in the heating system
- Checking the air filter, cleaning it, and replacing it as needed
- Checking and testing the system’s safety controls and startup cycle
When hiring an HVAC company in Greenville, South Carolina, try to look for a company that offers an HVAC Maintenance Plan. a maintenance plan offers perks such as discounts, waived fees, priority service, and automatic annual scheduling.
2. Maintain Full Air Circulation Throughout the House
Your furnace works most effectively when air circulates freely through every room in the house. Blockage hinders airflow and causes the furnace to work harder to produce the same results. Follow these tips below to allow proper circulation in your home.
Open All Vents and Doors
Homeowners often close doors and vents in their homes to channel warm air to a designated area. However, blocking the air creates an airflow barrier to the entire house. Plus, it creates pressure in the HVAC system, which can harm the furnace. Open all doors and vents in the house to get proper airflow. You’ll notice improved furnace performance.
Clean the Air Ducts
When was the last time you scheduled a professional air duct cleaning? Over time, dust and dirt can build up inside the ductwork, restricting airflow. An HVAC specialist can perform an air duct cleaning to remove any blockage in your ductwork. The result is cleaner warm air that flows freely through each room.
Change Your HVAC Filter
Perhaps the simplest thing you can do to keep warm air circulating through your home is to change the air filter. If possible, try to use a high-efficiency air filter that traps up to 99.9% of contaminants. The filter prevents dirt from entering your HVAC system, allowing your furnace to operate more smoothly.
3. Clean Your Furnace Regularly
Ideally, you want to schedule a professional furnace cleaning. HVAC technicians have the equipment and experience to clean your furnace. However, you can clean some furnace components using regular soap and water. Doing so prevents dirt buildup, which causes problems in the system.
Which parts of your furnace should you clean?
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An HVAC company in South Carolina should include cleaning as a part of their maintenance service. However, if you decide to clean the furnace yourself, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s manual. Use cleaning agents that do not harm the furnace components.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance in Greenville, South Carolina
Is your furnace ready for South Carolina winter? If not, now is the time to prepare your heating system so that it runs smoothly throughout the harsh cold season. Crandall Heating and Air offer professional furnace maintenance in Greenville, South Carolina. Contact us today for an in-home assessment and get an estimate.
