How to Prevent Heating System Breakdowns with Tune-Ups
Proper home heating system maintenance is essential to ensure your family stays warm and comfortable throughout the cold winters in Belleville, IL. Rather than waiting for a breakdown, addressing your system proactively is wise. Scheduling regular heating tune-ups not only helps prevent unexpected failures but also improves efficiency, ultimately saving you money on energy costs.
Signs Your Heating System Needs a Tune-Up
Your heating system works hard to keep your home comfortable, but over time, lack of maintenance can lead to issues that affect its efficiency and performance. There are some common indicators that your system may need a tune-up.
Strange Noises
Unusual sounds are often a sign of underlying problems in your heating system. Loud banging, grinding, or high-pitched squealing noises can indicate mechanical issues, such as worn bearings, loose components, or a failing fan belt. If you hear any of these sounds, having your system tuned-up is a good idea to prevent further damage.
Increased Energy Bills
A sudden increase in energy bills could mean your heating system is working harder than it should. This often occurs when components are not functioning correctly or when your system is overcompensating due to lack of maintenance.
Reduced Airflow and Inconsistent Heating
If you’re noticing that airflow is weaker in some areas of your home or that certain rooms aren’t heating properly, this could be a sign of blocked air ducts or faulty system components. These issues can lead to uneven heating and put unnecessary strain on your system, which could cause it to break down prematurely.
Unusual Odors
Odors can often point to issues with your heating system. Acrid or burnt smells are typically caused by components that need lubrication. These smells could suggest that parts like the blower motor or fan are at risk of permanent damage from inattention. Burning plastic smells, on the other hand, could be the result of loose electrical connections, which can cause wires to overheat.
Musty Odors in Condensing Furnaces
If you have a condensing furnace, musty odors could indicate that moisture is accumulating inside the system because the condensate drain is clogged. A clogged condensate drain, often caused by dirt, debris, or mineral deposits, can prevent water from draining properly. This excess moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth, contributing to unpleasant odors and potential system malfunctions.
Maintenance Tasks for Heating Systems
Heating system maintenance involves a series of small but critical tasks to keep your equipment running effectively and efficiently. Our technicians typically start by cleaning your system’s internal components. They will also lubricate all its moving parts to reduce friction and tighten electrical connections. For condensing furnaces, they will disassemble the drainage system and clear the drain line. During the visit, they can also replace worn-out components like a frayed fan belt.
Before leaving, they will also check your heating system’s safety features, like the limit and pressure switches. The limit switch shuts down your furnace if it overheats to prevent fire hazards, while the pressure switch monitors the system to ensure exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide vent safely outside.
Routine maintenance may seem like a hassle, but it is crucial in preventing unexpected system failures. Addressing small maintenance concerns quickly means homeowners can oftentimes avoid costly emergency heating repairs, extend their heating system’s operational life, and maintain consistent indoor comfort. Tune-ups also ensure that your heating system is running safely.
When to Schedule a Tune-Up
We recommend a heating system tune-up each fall. This timing ensures your system is ready for the challenges of the winter ahead. It will also give you time to schedule any needed repairs at a convenient time for your family.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At BELOMAN, we have been serving the residents of Belleville, IL and the surrounding areas for over 65 years. We install, repair, and maintain heating units and cooling systems. You can also count on us for all your indoor air quality needs, including duct cleaning and installing an air purification system for your home. As your one-stop homecare provider, we also offer plumbing services such as repiping, drain cleaning, and backflow prevention.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
