Seasonal furnace maintenance is essential for reliability, efficiency, and safety. In Lake Zurich, Illinois, we can expect the temperatures to drop in October and remain cool, (or freezing) through April. Investing in maintenance is the best way to prepare your furnace for the long heating season. Ideally, you should schedule tuneups in early fall to beat the rush and to make sure that your furnace is running properly before you need heat. Here are a few reasons why furnace checkups are so important for your comfort.
The Importance of Seasonal Checkups
A lack of maintenance creates safety issues. Incomplete combustion, blocked vents, and damaged heat exchangers can release deadly carbon monoxide gas into your home. Thorough furnace inspections will ensure your family’s safety. It’s a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.
Most oil-burning furnaces sold in Illinois have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of at least 85 percent. Energy Star gas furnaces have AFUE ratings above 95 percent. Seasonal maintenance ensures that your heating system continues to meet these performance standards. Dirty heat exchangers and clogged burners decrease the system’s heating efficiency and create health hazards. Your technician can also check and adjust the fuel-air ratio.
Furnace Maintenance Checklist
At Martin Enterprises Heating and Air Conditioning, our maintenance technicians are trained to inspect and service each part of your gas or oil furnace. These are a few of the steps that we take during each check-up.
- Inspect and oil the blower
- Tighten the blower motor belt
- Adjust the blower and supply air temperature
- Inspect chimneys and vents for cracks and loose connections
- Clean dirt and soot from the burner
- Adjust the burner flame and pilot light
- Inspect the primary and secondary heat exchangers
- Test for carbon monoxide and combustion byproduct leaks
- Replace the oil filter and pump strainer
- Check regulator valves and fuel pressure
It’s not too early to have your heating system serviced. You can learn more about the importance of furnace maintenance online or by calling Martin Enterprises Heating and Air Conditioning at (847) 719-8442.
