Tips to Avoid Costly HVAC Repairs

Just like how you take care of a car to ensure a hassle-free ride, you also need to properly maintain your HVAC system to allow it to run effortlessly. By taking simple steps to attend to your heating system, you can eventually save hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your friendly heating company in White Bear Lake MN that offers top-notch furnace repair services at reasonable rates.

Here are simple things you can do to get rid of expensive furnace repairs.

Change your filters regularly.

Your furnace is protected from dust, hair, and other contaminants, thanks to its filter, which is also responsible for improving the air that circulates throughout your home. Even when the filter performs its job pretty well, it still collects particles and over time, it begins to deprive the system of proper airflow. As a result, your furnace will experience overheating, which leads to subpar heating as well as higher energy costs and the inevitable failure of some parts.

That is why it is necessary for you to monitor your furnace filter and clean or replace it at least once per month, especially during peak season. Be sure to check your user’s manual to determine whether you have a disposable or a reusable type of filter. Remove the filter from its compartment and thoroughly clean it or replace it as needed. A clean filter allows your furnace to work smoothly and efficiently, thus giving you cleaner indoor air, reduced energy costs, and lower chances of system failures.

Report minor issues immediately.

Neglect is one of the main reasons why any furnace suffers from a major problem. Failure to deal with minor furnace issues only allows your heating system to operate in unpleasant conditions, which further damages the unit. As a result, your utility costs begin to rise, repair costs go up, and your furnace may completely fail prematurely.

In order to avoid these problems, be sure to monitor your furnace and call a qualified technician if you hear strange sounds like banging or humming, when you notice hot and cold spots, or if you’re simply not happy with its performance. Seeking the help of a professional as early as possible can rid you of major repairs and potential system replacement.

Let your furnace breathe properly.

Since your heating system has motors, it needs ample space to operate with proper airflow. It’s quite normal for your unit to heat up a little bit while running, but if there are items obstructing its airways, it will overheat. Since there are several components running at the same time, you should give your furnace enough room to breathe. Make sure than an area of about 3 feet around the unit is clear. Placing items too close to the system can be harmful because when it does not have enough airflow, your furnace can start a fire. Therefore, keep flammable items away from the unit.

Another effective way to ensure that your HVAC system has enough airflow is by clearing your air vents. Obstructed vents can cause your unit to overheat and shut itself down. On the other hand, cleaning your air vents helps your furnace breather more effortlessly and helps reduce allergens and other contaminants.

Maintain the outdoor unit.

A lot of homeowners tend to forget about their HVAC system’s outdoor unit and only take notice of it when the system starts to act up. But this part of the system needs your attention and care, too. So check to ensure that the unit is laid on a flat, level surface and take away any debris, leaves, or twigs from the area. Trim the plants and shrubs by at least a meter from the outdoor unit. Turn off the power, remove the access panel and clear out any debris. Then, wipe down the inside and outside of the unit to remove dirt. This simple step can save you a considerable amount of money in repairs when done regularly.

Professional HVAC System Maintenance

For best results, be sure to schedule a system tune-up with a qualified professional. Four Seasons Air Specialists has teams of factory-trained and NATE-certified HVAC professionals who understand your unit from the inside out. Our guys can make sure minor issues are detected before they even become serious problems. We’ll ensure your furnace is in its tip-top shape before we leave. We are your trusted Dellwood furnace maintenance company.