Take Care Of Your Home’s Heater
While living through the long, hot Texas summers, it’s easy to forget about your house’s heater. However, this appliance comes in handy when cold weather comes to visit! Luckily, there are several DIY heater maintenance tasks that can help you make sure your furnace works when you need it.
At Champion AC & Plumbing, we keep your house running year-round! From AC repair to seasonal furnace tune-ups, our HVAC experts are here to help. Read on to learn some helpful tricks for keeping your Austin home cozy even in the cold!
Change Your Furnace Filter
Many of us know what a heater does, but it’s harder to understand how it works. Your heating system takes in cold air, heats it and distributes it to different rooms. This means that air consistently cycles through the machine, bringing air pollutants with it.
Your furnace filter is there to combat this problem by removing debris before it can enter your ductwork or build up in your heating system. Because airborne particulates build up over time, they can clog your filter and prevent it from doing its job. By replacing your filter every one to three months, you can make sure your home and heater stay clean!
Check Your Burner Flame
If your heating system has a pilot light, it uses a flame to ignite the burner in your furnace. This fire is also a helpful way to check your system for unwanted buildup!
Before you look at your burner flame, make sure your furnace’s power is off. Once you’ve opened the combustion door, turn the power back on and turn up your thermostat to engage the heating process. The flames that form should be blue and even.
If you see a yellow color, this may indicate buildup or even the presence of carbon monoxide. Don’t try to take care of this problem by yourself — instead, call the professionals at Champion AC & Plumbing for expert repairs!
Check Your Blower Belt
The blower belt is the unsung hero of your furnace. While the appliance’s fan pushes air through your house, it needs the blower motor to give it power. Without the blower belt, the motor can’t turn on. Because it does an important job, it’s normal for your belt to experience wear and tear over time.
To check your blower belt, start by making sure your heater is off. Once you’ve opened the combustion door, perform these tasks:
- Check for visual cracks and frays
- Make sure it hasn’t slipped out of place
- Press down on it to make sure it only moves one-half inch
If you notice anything wrong, you can tighten your belt by screwing in your motor bolts, slip your belt back into place or invest in a replacement. If you’re uncomfortable performing these adjustments yourself, reach out to our team — we’re here to help!
Clean Your Furnace
One of the biggest issues your furnace faces is the buildup of dust and debris. Therefore, it’s important to make sure every part of your machine stays clean and functioning! Some of the pieces you should maintain include:
- Flame sensor — If your flame sensor is covered with residue, it may prevent your furnace from starting. Remove this small metal rod from its bracket and use an emery cloth to wipe it down.
- Blower — The blower helps circulate air through your ductwork, so you should make sure it stays clean. Use a vacuum hose to get rid of any dust and debris.
- Pilot light — If you don’t have a vacuum hose, you can still maintain your pilot light. Use a drinking straw to blow buildup off of this piece — be careful not to touch it.
By maintaining these separate parts, you can help make sure your whole system stays running smoothly! Take off the pressure of performing these tasks by yourself with help from our team. We can maintain your heater safely and effectively.
Invest In A Professional Tune-up
Even though these tasks can be completed at home, investing in licensed service can be a safer and more reliable option.
Annual furnace tune-ups can help you avoid costly repairs and solve problems before you even notice them. For peace of mind when cold weather approaches, calling your HVAC technician is the way to go.
Contact Champion AC & Plumbing For HVAC Services In Austin
Champion AC & Plumbing has your Austin heater maintenance needs covered. Our heater tune-ups can improve your indoor air quality and make sure your heating system lasts as long as possible. Contact us today to schedule a check-up for your furnace!