Serving Milford, MA & the 
As the New England seasons change, so do your home comfort needs. As summer fades into fall, which slowly creeps into winter, you’ll need your furnace in top shape to keep your home warm and cozy in Milford, MA. Although it may seem as simple as flipping the switch on the thermostat, there are some things to do in preparation for the colder temperatures to maximize the efficiency, reliability, and safety of your heating system this winter.
Change Air Filters
Your furnace has air filters that help trap dust and debris, keeping these contaminants from circulating through the system. The filters become dirty over time and should be changed every three months or more often, depending on the environment. Before powering your system on for the colder months, be sure you have a new, clean air filter to keep your system clean and your air healthy.
Clean Vents and Ducts
Your air ducts and vents should be clean and free of dust and dirt to allow heated air an open and clear pathway to circulate throughout your home. Before winter sets in, be sure to wipe particles away from the vents and clean the air ducts where accessible to allow the greatest airflow.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Once you’ve done the small stuff, you need a professional HVAC technician to handle the maintenance. Routine maintenance is necessary every year to keep your furnace in top operating condition so that you can enjoy comfort with a lower risk of unexpected failures and greater energy efficiency. During maintenance, our technicians work through a long list of tasks to ensure your furnace is ready for the blustery temperatures winter brings.
Visual Inspection
Our technicians visually inspect your heating system, looking for any and all signs of damage or excessive wear. During this inspection, your technician can spot troubles before they cause your machine to fail, helping lower the risk of breakdowns in the middle of winter. If faults are found within your system, the technician will schedule repairs to make sure your furnace is running as it should before you need it.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Several components inside your heating system move during operation to create the heat you need. These include gears and pulleys, among others. These parts require lubrication to help them move more easily and protect them against damage from friction. The technician knows which parts need lubrication and will ensure they are properly greased to create less stress inside the unit.
Clean Inside Unit
Your technician will wipe away dust and dirt that accumulates inside your system, ensuring there is no heavy buildup that could cause added strain on your system or lead to hazards later in the winter. This includes cleaning the fan and blower, the flue, and the pilot light and surrounding area.
Inspect Utility Connections
Your furnace is connected to electricity for power and may use natural gas for fuel. The technician will check the wiring and electrical connections to ensure they are secure, preventing electrical hazards such as shocks and fires. Gas hook-ups are also inspected to ensure gas doesn’t escape. Gas leaks can lead to health issues and cause disastrous explosions and fires.
Test Safety Controls
Your furnace may have safety mechanisms built in that prevent the system from operating when a malfunction is detected. This helps safeguard your system from internal damage and may also protect your home and belongings from catastrophe. Your technician tests these safety controls to ensure they are functioning as they should to keep your system safe.
Assess for Proper Airflow
It is critical to get even and sufficient airflow from your heating system in order to keep your home warm when the temperatures dip this winter. Your technician will power on your furnace and check that air is moving through the vents and ducts as it should. If problems are spotted, the technician may investigate further. You could have gaps or leaks in the ductwork allowing air to escape prematurely. You might also have dirty, clogged ducts that require professional cleaning. Other problems may include a weak system that requires further repairs.
Check for Strange Sounds and Smells
You may hear a slight mechanical sound and blowing air when your furnace is running. However, any loud or clunky sounds beyond these may signal trouble. Your technician will listen to the system as it runs to ensure no unusual sounds come from the furnace.
Smells from your heating system can be worrisome. Your technician will assess for any strange or unusual odors while your system runs. It is common to smell a slight hot or burning odor when you fire up your system for the first time each year due to dust accumulation. However, any odor whatsoever beyond that requires a closer look and diagnosis by a professional to ensure safe operation.
Check and Calibrate Thermostat
Your thermostat controls the temperature of your house and must be accurate for the best comfort. The technician will test the accuracy of your thermostat by recording the temperature in the room where your device is mounted and checking against the reading on the thermostat. The technician then adjusts the thermostat until the temperatures match. An incorrect thermostat can lead to insufficient heating and a struggle to keep your home warm and comfortable. Be sure your thermostat is placed in an area that is open and not near heat-creating appliances that could interfere with a correct temperature reading. If your technician suspects placement to be an issue, they may suggest moving the device.
Benefits of Annual Maintenance
Regular maintenance for your heating system is essential to keep your furnace in best condition. With proper maintenance, you’ll experience fewer breakdowns in the middle of winter that can leave you frozen until repairs are made. You’ll also enjoy a longer lifespan for your system, getting as many as a few extra years of heating from your furnace. Maintenance also helps keep your system efficient and helps keep your utility costs down even as the temperatures dip below freezing this winter. Finally, a well-maintained and clean system provides healthier breathing air inside your home.
Professional HVAC Contractor You Can Count On
At Tingley Home Services, we work diligently to ensure you enjoy ultimate home comfort through your heating and cooling system. Our technicians are specially trained to provide in-depth maintenance services, ensuring we cover every detail of your system. In addition to routine maintenance, we offer skilled heating and cooling repairs, installations, and replacement services. For added comfort, we also provide mini-split services. In addition to heating and cooling, we also specialize in electrical services. Our electricians provide skilled electrical repairs and installations, helping keep your home powered and convenient. Count on all our trusted HVAC professionals and we’ll make sure your Milford home is ready for winter and beyond.
Trust the experts at Tingley Home Services with your heating system maintenance this fall so you can relax in comfort all winter long inside your Milford home.
