Heating System Maintenance in Allen TX

Service Details

A good traveler always checks his car before going on a trip. He wouldn’t want to set off on a long road trip without examining his tire pressure and engine oil. Similarly, it is a good practice to maintenance check the home heating system before prepping for the chilling cold season.

The HVAC systems installed in our homes have a heating system that many of us rely on for keeping our homes warm in the cold season. Just like any other mechanical equipment, the heating system requires care and maintenance from time to time. It is compulsory to keep the heating system running in top condition. Periodic maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of the heating system but also ensures maximum efficiency, reducing the electricity cost. Heating system maintenance is neglected by many users but it should be thoroughly inspected by a certified professional technician at least once a year. Periodic checkups help to identify emerging problems way before they advance into a dire situation that requires emergency help. Besides, regular cleaning helps the heating system’s key elements to be properly operating and maintaining air quality indoors.

Types of common heating systems

HVAC systems comprise a heating unit and the mechanics of the heating system varies as there are different approaches to heating indoor air. Typically, there are two types of heating systems.

Forced-Air System: This type of heating system uses a gas or oil-fired furnace system where the heat is distributed through the ducts.

Hydronic System: This type of heating system utilizes a gas or oil-fired boiler to generate heat and distributes it through the radiators.

It is advised to the general people to call in trained professional to repair heating system provided that heating systems are complex hence the general people should not attempt to make critical repairs by themselves as it might harm the system as well as their own health. The following will help one to understand why it is important to maintain the heating system and how can it be taken care of. Initiating from the thermostats, through the delivery system (ducts, radiators), and all the way to outside unit (dissipation unit).

Taking care of the Thermostat

Thermostat is a key element of heating unit no matter what type of heating system one uses. Thermostats are present in every one of them and it is basic to start maintenance checkup with the thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for controlling the heating unit. Prior to heating or cooling, turning up the thermostat will initiate the system and if the furnace goes on and stays running then it is a clear indication that the system is functioning properly. If the furnace starts running but after awhile it stops then it illustrates short cycling problem. In this case the furnace will run for less than 2/3 minutes. This problem is usually instigated by the following causes. Causes of Short Cycling Thermostat Problem:

• The thermostat is off balance or it is not adjusted accordingly. The thermostat needs to be either recalibrated or totally replaced. The latter will be heavier on pocket!
• The furnace heat exchanger is overheating than its normal limit. As a result, the built-in safety mechanism is shutting off the furnace.

If the short cycling problem is causing the thermostat to malfunction then you should check the quality of flame, its shape and color inside the furnace. The flames should be blue in color and have oval shape. You should contact a professional technician if you see that the flame is yellowish or its flickering. Technicians will adjust the fuel/air mix for maximum performance.

Different Types of Heating System Maintenance

Forced-Air System

A forced-air heating system might be powered by oil, gas or electricity. To keep the system running at maximum efficiency you need to perform the following checklist:

• Checking the filter and cleaning/replacing it (at least every 4 months)
• Checkup the ductwork and registers for dust, grit, mold and rust buildup. And cleaning it at best twice a year.
• Clean the register and ducts whenever needed
• Cleaning the furnace combustion chamber and removing all types of dust and soot
• Vacuum out and thoroughly clean the blower system (also check the blower belt if present in your system)

Oil-fired Furnaces and Boilers

• Before working with oil powered furnace, it is mandatory to turn of the gas supply before work and only be taken care of by trained professionals. Following maintenance should be performed for Oil-fired Furnaces and Boilers.
• Change the oil filter once a year (fuel supply must be turned off when replacing)
• Replacing the oil nozzle which is responsible for atomizing the fuel before ignition. Impurities in the fuel mixture makes the nozzle get clogged up and builds up grit & grime over time. Hence, it should be replaced once a year

Hydronic Heating System

Hydronic means hot water. These type of heating systems are different from the rest because at heart, these systems utilize a boiler unit rather than the conventional furnace. Hydronic systems are complex and no two systems will be put together identically. Before the Cold season comes, following maintenances should be performed on hydronic heating systems.

• Check for leak/standing water: Turn on the thermostat and after a while check all the pipes in boiler room for any kind of leak or standing water. If any leak or loose pipe is found then it can be fixed by tightening the fittings.
• Check temperature & pressure: Checking the water temperature and water pressure gauge after running the heating system for about an hour. If the temperature stays between 200⁰F and 180⁰F then it is normal but anything below or above that depicts anomaly in the system. The pressure gauge should also be within 12 PSI and 25 PSI.
• Lubricate the pump: Lubricate the circulating pump using the lubrication cups. A few drops of standard 3 in 1 oil should be adequate.
• Clean boiler’s combustion chamber: Dirt, soot, rust and every other kind of impurities should be cleaned from the inner chamber of the boiler’s combustion unit.
• Dust surface & straighten fins: The baseboard heaters and radiator surfaces should be cleaned by dusting. The fins should be straight, if a few are bent then it should be straightened for maximum efficiency.
• Drain & flush: Draining and flushing the whole system will clear out all kinds of dirt inside the system. It is recommended by professional that the total hydronic system be drained and flushed once every 2-3 years.