Aside from an annual tune-up, the HVAC professionals at Trio Heating & Air recommend various DIY heating maintenance steps. Heating accounts for a significant portion of your home utility costs. Therefore, it’s important to keep your heater in top shape. You don’t need to be a heating service contractor or have one with you at all times; the following heating maintenance tips ensure your furnace is safe to operate, keeps your home warm, and runs at peak efficiency:

Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Clear Any Clutter Around Your Furnace

Vacuum the Supply and Return Vents

Check that the Burner Flame Is Blue

Adjust the Dampers Seasonally

Replace the Batteries on Your Thermostat and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Check for Vent or Chimney Blockages

Clean Your Whole-House Humidifier

1. Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Replacing or cleaning the air filter is one of the easiest heating maintenance tasks. Check the owner’s manual for its location, how to access it, and what type and size you need. The correct size may be labeled on the filter. Or, you can measure it to find one with the same dimensions. Also, make sure the filter’s efficiency rating is compatible with your heating system.

Remember to replace the main air filter and any filters in the air intake or blower. Generally, filters should be cleaned or replaced every one to three months. However, this depends on their type and quality and heater usage. A clean filter can improve your furnace’s efficiency and increase its lifespan.

2. Clear Any Clutter Around Your Furnace

The area surrounding your furnace should be clear. Storage boxes, containers, cleaning supplies, tools, toys, and other belongings can restrict airflow and make it harder to access your heating system. Cleaning the clutter helps a technician more easily service the unit and its components. It can also help your furnace work more efficiently.

3. Vacuum the Supply and Return Vents

Registers and vents move a lot of air and can collect dust in the process. If not cleaned, they can become blocked, restricting airflow. A lack of airflow can cause reduced heat production, uneven heating, or less air to get to your furnace, which can cause it to perform less effectively. Increased strain can also damage your heating system. 

To avoid trouble, regularly check supply and return vents for dust and blockages. Dust can be brushed or vacuumed away. If any furniture, boxes, cabinets, or toys are blocking vents, move these items to another location so air can flow freely.

4. Check that the Burner Flame Is Blue

The burner flame may be visible through a small glass window or you may have to turn off the furnace and open the cover. The burner flame, or flames, depending on your furnace, should be a vibrant blue hue. A yellow or orange flame is a sign of a combustion problem. It can also mean your heater is leaking carbon monoxide.

Do not attempt to clean, adjust, or repair furnace burners yourself. Contact a professional who’s equipped to safely repair the unit, avoid hazards, and prevent further issues.

5. Adjust the Dampers Seasonally

If the same ductwork serves your heating and cooling systems, it may have dampers. These should be adjusted for each season. This way, the damper on the supply trunk can allow more warm air to lower levels in winter and more cold air upstairs in the warmer months. 

To adjust the dampers, follow the markers on them, the duct walls, or a nearby control. The proper adjustments improve heating system efficiency and avoid performance issues.

6. Replace the Batteries on Your Thermostat and Carbon Monoxide Detector

If it’s battery-operated, a thermostat won’t work properly if its power source is drained. Your heating system can also malfunction. Changing the batteries once a year can prevent issues. The carbon monoxide detector’s batteries should also be changed. While this won’t affect furnace performance, it’ll alert you of a toxic gas leak caused by a potential furnace problem.

7. Check for Vent or Chimney Blockages

The chimney flue vents toxic gases produced during the combustion process. Holes, gaps, or blockages can prevent carbon dioxide and other gases from exiting your home. Check the connection between the flue and furnace for damage and outside vents where vegetation, animal nests, snow, and debris can cause blockages. Clearing debris can avoid indoor air quality and furnace performance issues.

8. Clean Your Whole-House Humidifier

If your HVAC system has a whole-house humidifier, it must be properly maintained. First, determine what type of humidifier you have. The two types often used in homes include the following:

• Evaporative Humidifier: An evaporative humidifier has a pad that soaks up water; this pad must be replaced at least once a year. After you remove the old pad, wipe the interior of the humidifier cabinet to ensure it’s dry, and use a vinegar solution to remove dirt and mineral deposits from the water supply and drain lines.
• Steam Humidifier: A steam humidifier boils water to increase indoor humidity. To maintain it, turn off the humidifier and wait for it to complete a drain cycle. Remove the overflow pan and tank; clean them with a vinegar solution. Then remove the O-ring from the tank and clean the orifice. The O-ring should be replaced if it’s worn or damaged.

Heating Maintenance Tasks You Should Not Do Yourself

Do not perform any task that requires accessing the interior of your furnace. You risk causing damage to sensitive components. For example, many DIY help guides explain how to clean the combustion chamber, burners, flame sensors, blower, etc. These should always be free of buildup. However, only a well-trained, properly equipped professional should attempt to clean them.

Also, call an HVAC company if you notice issues such as a cracked heat exchanger, corroded parts, excessive soot, irregular flames, short cycling, a leak, or unusual odors.

Contact Trio Heating & Air

When you need a furnace tune-up, we provide high-quality work and can service any brand or model. Customers in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area rely on us to keep their heating systems in top shape. Our technicians are professionally trained, knowledgeable, and courteous while being committed to ensuring your home is safe and comfortable. To schedule heating maintenance, book your appointment or call (415) 226-4125 today.

Installing the right attic insulation and air-sealing your home improves comfort and energy efficiency, but insulation thickness plays a role. It corresponds with a material’s R-value or ability to re-heat flow. Your climate and home’s age also determine the best type and thickness of insulation Heating & Air, specializes in installing attic insulation and will share our expertise to help you make informed decisions.

Insulation Thickness vs. R-Value

The Greater San Francisco Bay Area lies mainly in Climate Zone 3. An uninsulated attic should have R30 to R60 insulation. If you have an existing layer of insulation of 3 to 4 inches, any additional material should be rated R25 to R38.

Here’s a more general look at insulation thickness and R-value.

• 4 to 5 Inches: Is rated R-15 and found mainly in poorly insulated and older homes.
• 6 to 7 Inches: Is rated R-21 and considered inadequate, even in a filled joist.
• 13 to 14 Inches: Is rated R-38 and suited for most southern locations.
• 16 to 18 Inches: Is rated R-49 and suited for most northern climates.

You can also use the thickness of existing insulation to determine how much to add. For example, if your attic insulation is 9 inches deep (R26) and you want to increase it to R38, which is 12.75 inches thick, you must add 3.75 inches of insulation. Professionals use more precise calculations so consider hiring a contractor to achieve optimal efficiency.

Calculating the R-Value of an Insulating Material

Every material in a house has an R-value. An inch of solid wood has an R-value of 1. An inch of blown fiberglass insulation is rated 3.1 to 3.4. To determine a material’s total R-value, use the following formulas:

• Fiberglass Batts: Multiply the depth of the material by 3.2.
• Vermiculite/Perlite Granules: Multiply the depth by 2.7.
• Cellulose Fibers: Multiply the depth by 3.7.
• Rock Wool: Multiply the depth by 2.8.
• Loose Fiberglass: Multiply the depth by 2.5.

How to Know You Need More Attic Insulation

Whether you need more insulation in your attic depends on the following:

• Your Location: You’ll need thicker, higher R-value insulation if you live in the Northeast or Rockies than in most parts of California. 
• Age of Your Home: Homes that are over 10 years old usually need more insulation. Your home may need to be retrofitted with mineral wool or fiberglass insulation.
• Your Attic Is Well-Insulated: If the insulation is thick enough to hide the floor joists, you probably don’t need more. However, if it’s level with or just below the floor joists, consider adding more insulation.
• Insulation Is Evenly Distributed: Low spots in the insulation can lead to efficiency issues. If your attic insulation is thicker in the middle and there’s less near the eaves, it should be improved.

To check the depth of your attic insulation, first find your attic access. This is often a drop-down ladder or a hole in the ceiling where you need to use a ladder to gain access, while other homes have an access point in a closet. Next, determine your insulation type (fiberglass is often pink, yellow, or white, cellulose often consists of small gray flat pieces, and rock wool tends to be gray or near white with black specs).

Now, you can directly measure your insulation. Use a ruler or tape measure in different spots. Then, average the measurements you get to determine the insulating material’s overall depth and R-value.

A Word on Adding Insulation

Insulation can be added to existing materials. If you have fiberglass batt or blanket insulation, you can put loose fill on top of it. Batts and blankets can also be installed above loose fill if any paper or foil backing has been removed. Adding insulation can be tricky depending on the material. For example, loose fill requires using a blowing machine. Unless you’re handy with this type of equipment, it’s best to hire a professional.

Contact Trio Heating & Air

If you live in Santa Clara County or San Mateo County, we can install attic insulation in your home. We often install fiberglass or cellulose insulation in different forms, including blown-in or rolled, and remove and replace old insulation when necessary. A thorough inspection allows our technicians to determine the best approach to improving energy efficiency so you save money over time. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and insulation installation services in your home.

Like many people, you probably don’t think of air duct sealing and the hazards it can avoid when scheduling HVAC maintenance. Properly sealed ducts ensure your heating and cooling system works properly and increases efficiency. Duct sealing also has safety implications. Several hazards can be encountered if you have leaky ducts. As The Greater San Francisco Bay Area’s leading air sealing specialists, we’ll explain the top safety concerns of poorly sealed ducts.

Schedule Air Duct Sealing with Trio Heating & Air

Backdrafts

Poor Air Quality

Health Issues

Pests

Moisture Damage

Mold

Discomfort

1. Backdrafts

Furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, and other gas-using appliances normally vent noxious gases out of your home. However, gases like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide can enter poorly sealed air ducts and “backdraft” into your home. Breathing these in can get you very sick or be deadly. Therefore, air duct sealing can save your life.

2. Poor Air Quality

Aside from toxic and combustible gases, poorly sealed ducts can allow various other pollutants into your home that reduce indoor air quality (IAQ). These include dust, particles from deteriorating insulation, and fumes from cleaning chemicals. You’ll breathe these in all day and while you sleep. A local HVAC contractor should test for them and other indoor air pollutants before and after sealing your air ducts to ensure any underlying issues are resolved.

3. Health Issues

Poor IAQ, which can result from leaky ducts, may impact your health significantly. The symptoms persist as long as your air is contaminated and are most prevalent while you’re at home. You and anyone in your household can get very sick if nothing is done about it. Therefore, consider air duct sealing whenever you experience the following symptoms:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Coughing and sneezing
• Sinus congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue

4. Pests

The tiniest air duct leak is enough for roaches, ants, spiders, and other bugs to get into your home. Rodents and other small animals can also get through holes, gaps, and tears in ductwork. Pests aren’t only something you don’t want to see. They can also cause harm to your health and home. Fortunately, well-sealed ducts can prevent them from getting inside.

5. Moisture Damage

Air duct sealing can protect your valuables. If your ductwork leaks, indoor humidity can become out of control, leading to moisture damage to wood furniture, flooring, antiques, and everything from books to appliances.  Drywall and other building materials can also be damaged. Moisture issues combined with other problems related to poorly sealed ducts can impact your home’s infrastructure and reduce its long-term value.

6. Mold

The presence of moisture increases the risk of mold growth. Mold can grow in the dark confines of air ducts and spread uncontrolled while releasing spores into the air. Since many types of mold are toxic, it’s important to address the issue quickly. 

To make matters worse, the moisture entering air ducts will reach conditioned spaces. This provides mold with the right environment to continue growing and spreading. It can grow on walls, ceilings, furniture, carpets, and just about any surface if there’s enough moisture.

7. Discomfort

Significant air duct leaks can allow outside air in or let conditioned air escape. When either of these issues happens, your HVAC system must work harder. But no matter how overworked it becomes, heating or cooling your home is more difficult. 

Poorly sealed ducts can leave your family too warm or too cool. Setting and resetting the thermostat does not help, and you end up being uncomfortable all the time. This makes it hard to be productive, enjoy your home, or even sleep.

Can Air Duct Sealing Present Hazards?

Sealing air ducts is safe when done by a professional. Consider hiring a contractor when your HVAC system is installed, you move into a new house with an older HVAC system, or when maintenance is scheduled. They have the knowledge and tools to work safely and seal your air ducts properly.

The risks mostly pertain to DIY air duct sealing. Trying to save on the costs of hiring a professional can do more harm than good and lead to more expenses. If your ducts are insufficiently sealed, air leaks can still occur. Improper sealing can also cause harmful chemicals to be released into your home, especially if you have little knowledge of sealant materials.

You also risk causing damage to ductwork, creating air pressure imbalances, and triggering issues with home heating and cooling.

Schedule Air Duct Sealing with Trio Heating & Air

We provide air sealing by highly-trained technicians. When servicing your ductwork, they perform a thorough inspection and seal leak spots with a special HVAC sealant tape and heat-resistant silicone. Our customers in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties also rely on us for indoor air quality services, including whole-house air purifier installation. To learn more or request air duct sealing or IAQ services, call (415) 532-2984 today.

At Trio Heating & Air, we’re often asked about the cost of furnace cleaning services. A furnace cleaning is a minor expense compared to repairs and other projects, so it is worth it. Most basic residential jobs cost under $100 although more extensive cleanings can cost more. In this article, we’ll look at what factors impact the price, the furnace cleaning process, and the benefits of professional service.

Not All Furnace Cleaning Services Cost the Same

Your local heating company doesn’t likely charge a flat rate for furnace cleaning. There are several considerations when determining a fee. A contractor will use the following factors to decide on a rate:

• Type of Service: A minor cleaning doesn’t cost as much as cleaning out the interior of the furnace, its components, and connections.
• Unit Type/Size: The larger the unit, the longer the process takes and the more your heating company may charge. Gas and electric furnaces are typically easier to clean compared to oil furnaces with more parts to clean.
• Location of Furnace: A furnace cleaning service for a unit in an easy-to-reach area tends to cost less than for one in an attic or crawlspace.
• Labor: A contractor’s hourly rate can affect the cost of a furnace cleaning. It can vary by company and location. Rates and prices may also vary depending on the season.
• Discounts: A discount can save you a few dollars, especially if you combine a furnace cleaning with repairs or have multiple units serviced.

If a clogged oil line needs to be cleared, or a chimney cleaned, a contractor will charge extra on top of the price for a furnace cleaning service. 

Benefits of a Professional Furnace Cleaning Service

Professional service is worth the small investment for several reasons:

• Safety: A licensed contractor has the training and experience to clean your furnace safely. One mistake can lead to injury or worse. Aside from safety considerations during the process, they can also find and address hazards like carbon monoxide or gas leaks. 
• Save Time: Heating contractors know what to do and have cleaned many furnaces. They can get the work done in a fraction of the time, so you don’t spend hours figuring out how to access parts of your furnace or perform certain tasks.
• Efficiency: If a furnace is dirty or not maintained properly, it may not run as efficiently. As a result, your energy bills go up. When a professional cleans your furnace, they complete tasks that help it run at peak efficiency. The savings on your monthly energy bills over time certainly make the service worthwhile.
• Extend Your Furance’s Life: Since having your furnace cleaned professionally allows it to work more smoothly, less wear and tear can extend the unit’s operating life. Therefore, you can save on the cost of early replacement.
• Comfort: A clean furnace runs more reliably. It’s less likely to have performance issues or problems with airflow or heat distribution. The improvement in comfort during the colder months makes a furnace cleaning service worth it.

How to Maximize the Value of a Furnace Cleaning Service

To get the most out of a heater cleaning service, hire an HVAC professional. They are trained and equipped to inspect the unit for signs of excess dirt, wear, or corrosion. The flue and venting systems are also evaluated, as are the thermostat, safety controls, and electrical connections.

Once the inspection is completed, the cleaning process can begin. Heating technicians have specialized tools that help them effectively remove dust, dirt, and debris. They can also safely clean the burners, ignition system, blower motor, fan, and other components. A final check of the temperature, airflow, and pressure ensures the furnace works within the manufacturer’s specifications. The technician performs a final safety check as well.

To further maximize the value of a furnace cleaning, follow these DIY maintenance tips:

• Replace the air filter as often as recommended by the manufacturer or heating company.
• Clean dirt and clutter from the area around the furnace; keep flammable materials away.
• Check the thermostat and contact your local HVAC company if it’s not working properly.

Finding the Right Furnace Cleaning Company

A furnace cleaning service is worth it only if you find a contractor with the right credentials. These are the most important things to consider when deciding who to call:

• Certification by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), or other reputable organizations.
• Proper industry licensing and insurance, which protects your property and finances if an accident or damage occurs while the contractor is working.
• Experience with furnace cleaning services, as revealed by online reviews and references, and use of the latest techniques and equipment.

Schedule a Furnace Cleaning from Trio Heating & Air

We proudly offer a range of heating services in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our certified technicians provide comprehensive furnace cleanings and check for issues to correct before your furnace needs major repairs. To schedule a heating or furnace cleaning service in your home, use our booking tool or call (415) 532-2984.

Your local HVAC contractor will handle the installation of a whole-house air purification system. However, being prepared can make the job easier. Installing a whole-house air purifier is much more complex than setting up a portable model. It’s not something you want to do yourself, although the more you know, the more informed you are about a decision you can make. We’ll look at some important details to consider before choosing a system and scheduling installation.

Why Choose a Whole-House Air Purifier?

Standalone air purifiers can do a good job, but their coverage is typically limited. Installing multiple purifiers around your home can be tedious and expensive, not to mention waste energy. They may also not capture all the pollutants in the air.

A whole-house unit is installed directly in your HVAC system. Air is purified as it passes through the ductwork, which reduces air duct contamination and increases system efficiency. This also protects HVAC equipment from potential damage. The filtration element is a single unit that can clean all the air circulating through your home.

A Professional Evaluation

An in-home evaluation is a key step in preparing for whole-house air purification system installation. Your local HVAC company sends a technician to check numerous variables. In assessing your home, they look at the following factors:

• Size of the space the air purifier will serve.
• The number of air changes per hour is needed.
• Specific pollutants that must be targeted.

In addition, a professional determines the ideal location for the equipment. It should be installed where no obstructions restrict air intake or output. They will choose a location or suggest modifications so no furniture, curtains, or other items interfere with the unit. 

Decide on the Best System

Different types of whole-house air purifiers are available. They differ based on the types of particulates they’re most effective at removing. There is also a range of technologies. Here are a few types to consider as you prepare for whole-house air purification system installation:

• Filtration-Based Air Purifiers: A whole-house filtration unit removes smaller particles than a standard fiber-based filter. Some purifiers use a carbon filter, but others use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that remove the finest airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and bacteria.
• UV-Based Air Purifiers: Using UV-C light, a UV air purifier can effectively neutralize organic pathogens and microorganisms. Many whole-house air purification systems combine mechanical filtration with ultraviolet light.
• Electronically Charged Air Purifiers: These use electrical energy to give particles a positive or negative charge, attracting them to a metal plate. This element must be regularly washed and replaced. The system works with large and small particles. 

Determine the Best Efficiency Rating for Your Home

Air purification systems are rated using a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles a filter can remove, but the more it can impede airflow and strain a heating or cooling system. 

A fiberglass filter typically has a 1-3 MERV rating. It can get clogged quickly and doesn’t capture many particulates. Filter changes are required about every 30 days. A pleated filter has a 7-12 MERV rating and can capture more pollutants. The most effective filtration systems have HEPA-rated filters with MERV ratings of 17 or higher. They can remove up to 99% of particles from indoor air, though they require a powerful HVAC system to maintain airflow and avoid equipment damage.

Therefore, consult with your HVAC contractor about whether your heating and cooling system is strong enough to work with a whole-house air purifier.

The Installation Process

Knowing the whole-house air purification system installation process can help you understand how to get prepared. You’ll need to clear a path for the installers from the front door to the area where they install the equipment. The space around the air handler or furnace must also be cleared of obstructions or clutter. 

While air scrubbers are mounted directly within the ductwork and air cleaners between the return ducts and air handler, whole-house air purifiers are different. If installed the same way, they’d restrict airflow too much. The system cannot be connected directly to your ductwork; the blower could be overloaded. A residential HVAC system isn’t strong enough.

Therefore, some preparation is required beforehand. The air purification system must be installed as a bypass, which requires the following steps:

• Cut two circular holes in the return plenum.
• Connect the purifier to the plenum with flexible ducting.
• Set up one flex duct to supply air to the purifier.
• Attach the other flex duct to the return duct.

One tube delivers air directly to the purification system. Meanwhile, the second flex tube delivers clean air to the return duct. As the HVAC system runs, the blower creates suction so air can be drawn through the filter. An electric fan blows clean air into the return ductwork.

Do I Have as Much Filtration As I Need?

Whole-house air purifiers are complex and not cheap. Therefore, research each type of system and carefully consider the model you install. The typical air purification system has a series of filters. This enables them to trap various-sized particles. 

A pre-filter traps pet hair and other large particles and in most units, air then passes through a HEPA filter. Some units contain a carbon filter to trap odors. Others use catalysts and UV light to eliminate organic pollutants, including microorganisms and volatile organic compounds.

Prepare Your HVAC System

Depending on your heating and cooling system, it may need to be prepared before a whole-house air purifier can be installed. Any required modifications ensure safety, efficiency, and optimal indoor air quality. Some services that can be suggested include air duct cleaning or replacing existing filters. A technician may also inspect electrical components and connections to ensure there are no hazards or code violations.

Consider the Cost-Benefits

Whole-house air purifiers can cost thousands of dollars. You can prepare by budgeting and considering the benefits of such an investment. For example, the removal of particles and other pollutants can protect your HVAC system from damage. It can avoid costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and have health benefits. Therefore, while the initial investment may be high, the cost of frequent repairs, high utility bills, and indoor air quality-related medical expenses may be eliminated.

Hire a Local HVAC Contractor 

Aside from installing equipment, a professional helps plan and prepare for whole-house air purification system installation. They are trained in every part of the process. Using the proper tools and techniques, they ensure the unit is compatible with your HVAC system, properly connected, and sealed to avoid air leakage and contamination. A reputable contractor can be found through online reviews, friends and family members, and by contacting the business directly and assessing its quality of service.

Contact Trio Heating & Air

At Trio Heating & Air, we provide whole-house air purification system installation and maintenance services in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area. We use cutting-edge equipment to eliminate a wide range of airborne impurities. Our comprehensive installation process includes an indoor air quality assessment and finding equipment suited for your home and HVAC system. You can also depend on our team for professional air duct cleaning and filter replacement. To learn more or request an assessment, contact us or call (415) 480-7741.

A winter maintenance checklist helps ensure your heating system is ready for high demand during the colder months. Without one, subtle signs your furnace isn’t working correctly can be missed. Dirt, leaks, and mechanical or electrical issues can lead to bigger problems. However, DIY and professional heating maintenance can avoid an emergency, furnace breakdown, or costly repair or replacement.

Below is a winter maintenance checklist that includes DIY tips and tasks a professional performs during an annual heater tune-up:

Home Heating Maintenance Checklist

It’s important to avoid disassembling or tinkering with your furnace. However, the following steps are safe for any homeowner to follow:

• Check the Filter: Generally, an HVAC filter should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, as a buildup of dust, dander, and other airborne particles can block airflow. A fresh filter can improve efficiency and reduce wear and tear on your furnace.
• Inspect the Pilot System: If your furnace has a pilot light, it can work only if the flame is lit. Turn off the power to the system and wait a few minutes so the gas has safely dissipated. Then, open the front cover and check the flame. If it’s out, press the reset switch and relight it by holding a match or lighter over the pilot light opening. 

Call a professional if the pilot light can’t be relit or the flame is yellow.

• Check the Flame Sensor: In a gas-powered furnace, the flame sensor registers when the gas valve is open, allowing the system to run. A malfunctioning sensor can affect temperature regulation, furnace safety, and energy costs. If the sensor is dirty or damaged, call a local heating contractor to clean or replace it.
• Test the Thermostat: To determine if your thermostat is working, set it to “Heat” mode and raise the temperature setting by 5℉ to 10℉. The furnace should quickly start up. If not, the thermostat may be malfunctioning or have faulty wiring and must be repaired. 
• Check for Gas Line Issues: The gas line should be inspected at least once a year. Start with the shut-off valve and check for any damage. A propane or rotten egg smell means you have a gas leak. Call for help immediately if there’s an odor or you hear a hissing sound.
• Inspect the Heating Unit for Leaks: A water leak from a furnace is a common problem, especially if you have a high-efficiency model. Leaks can originate from a clogged drain line, a damaged condensate drain pan, or a faulty humidifier. If it’s leaking, your furnace can be severely damaged. The problem can also lead to mold, so call a heating repair professional.
• Listen to Your Furnace: Call a repair company if the unit is making booming, squealing, clicking, and other strange sounds.

Non-Furnace Heating Maintenance Tips

Your winter maintenance checklist should go beyond your furnace. Here are various tasks that can help your heating system work more smoothly and efficiently:

• Check Air Vents: Clean any air vents clogged by dust or debris. Also, move any furniture, draperies, or boxes placed in front of a vent. Make sure all return and supply registers are open as well.
• Look for Duct Leaks: Inspect visible ductwork for signs of air leakage, such as holes, tears, and loose connections. Small holes can be sealed with mastic. Call a professional to handle more significant issues. 
• Seal Windows and Doors: Leaks from window and door frames can cause heat loss, strain your furnace, and increase energy costs. Light a candle near frames to find drafts. They can be sealed with caulking, plastic, or weatherstripping. You can also use heavier draperies or curtains to cover windows.
• Check/Improve Insulation: In The Bay Area, insulation should have an R-value of R38 if your attic is insulated or R49 if it’s uninsulated. Add insulation to any drafty areas and replace torn or missing insulating materials. You can cover pipes with tubular insulation to prevent freezing and bursting.
• Clean the Gutters: Check your roof gutters throughout the winter and remove any snow, ice, or debris. Melting snow can freeze in the gutters, blocking drainage and causing roof damage. This can lead to temperature control issues and water damage to your home and outdoor HVAC unit.

Schedule an Annual Tune-Up

A local HVAC contractor should inspect and service your heating system every fall. During an annual tune-up, they will follow a professional winter maintenance checklist that includes the following:

• Vacuum the Inside of the Unit: A technician has the knowledge and equipment to safely access internal components and clear dust and debris.
• Inspect Vent and Flue Pipes: Properly inspecting these and removing any obstructions prevents backdrafts and other hazards.
• Clean the Burners: Dirty burners must be removed and cleaned. Once reinstalled, clean burners contribute to more efficient heat transfer.
• Check for Gas Line Leaks: A gas leak can trigger a fire or explosion and expose you to toxic fumes. Inspecting gas lines ensures your furnace is safe to operate.
• Check/Adjust the Fan Switch: This ensures optimal air velocity, which impacts comfort and efficiency. The fan switch may need to be adjusted if you upgrade the air filter.
• Adjust the Pilot Light (If Necessary): The right setting avoids false sensor readings. Burners can also ignite more efficiently.
• Lubricate Bearings and Other Moving Parts: Lubricating internal components reduces friction and allows your furnace to operate more smoothly.
• Tighten Fan Belts and Pulleys: A heating technician checks fan belts and pulleys and tightens them if necessary, which prevents them from breaking and damaging other components.
• Inspect Wiring and Electrical Components: Loose connections are tightened, and damaged wiring is replaced to avoid furnace failure or a fire.
• Clean the Humidifier: If your heating system has a built-in humidifier, the contractor inspects and cleans it.
• Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The technician makes sure the alarms are working and replaces the batteries if necessary.

Schedule Heating Maintenance with Trio Heating & Air

We are a leading HVAC company in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our licensed technicians follow a comprehensive winter maintenance checklist to ensure your furnace is working properly. They take steps to improve efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and increase equipment lifespan. Trio is committed to delivering professional air conditioning and heating services and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Continue browsing to learn about what furnace cleaning costs. To schedule winter heating maintenance, book your appointment or call (415) 532-2984 today.