Your furnace may remain largely unnoticed during the warmer months, but when it's time for Moline’s colder season, it is a must-have for keeping your home warm. Periodic maintenance also allows for a chance to assess the system prior to long runs of operation. It can also help identify potential airflow, electrical, ignition, or mechanical issues that may require attention.
Knowing what to expect can help make seasonal preparation easier for homeowners planning furnace maintenance in Moline, IL.
1. Check the Furnace Before Heavy Use
Usually, the first step in a professional furnace maintenance visit involves a thorough visual inspection of the furnace and any accessible parts. Depending on the equipment, the technician might check the blower, burners or heating elements, heat exchanger, electrical connections, thermostat, filter, venting, and safety controls.
The exact service will vary depending on the type of furnace and manufacturer's recommendations. If you have noticed unusual noises, repeated cycling, or uneven temperatures, or if you've had previous repairs, make sure to inform the technician about these points during the appointment.
2. Check Filters and Airflow
Airflow influences the operation of a forced-air heating system. A dirty or improper filter can affect the air movement. Also, a failure in other parts of the return or supply air system can have an effect on comfort.
The correct filter and replacement frequency will vary depending on your equipment and environment. As a general guide, standard 1-inch filters are typically replaced every 1–3 months, while thicker media filters may last 6–12 months. A technician may be able to let you know if your current filter system is a good fit and if other issues with airflow should be evaluated.
3. Examine Safety-Related Components
There are combustion, ignition, venting, and safety controls to consider with gas furnaces. The heat exchanger, in particular, warrants close attention since cracks or deterioration can allow combustion gases to enter living spaces. The flame sensor should also be inspected, as a dirty or failing sensor can cause the furnace to shut down unexpectedly. A qualified technician can determine whether certain components should be further tested or repaired based on his inspection. They use tools like a carbon monoxide meter (to check dangerous CO levels), a multimeter (checks electrical voltage and resistance), and a manometer (checks gas pressure) for their assessment.
You should not bypass safety controls or attempt to modify gas connections yourself. Carbon monoxide alarms must also be serviced following the manufacturer's guidelines and replaced according to their stated life.
4. Consider the Entire Heating System
A furnace is just a component of the house's heating system. Duct leaks, insulation issues, blocked registers, or airflow imbalances can cause comfort issues even when the furnace itself is working normally.
Let the technician know if any rooms are consistently cooler than others. An examination of the distribution system could indicate a problem that can't be fixed by furnace maintenance alone.
5. Understand Moline's HVAC Requirements
Permits are required for mechanical and HVAC work for Moline. The city states that permits are necessary for installing, altering, repairing, removing, and replacing regulated mechanical systems, subject to listed exemptions. The city also mandates an inspection on the permitted work after the permit has been issued.
This is important because routine maintenance is not the same as replacement or significant modification of equipment. If your maintenance appointment results in a repair/replacement project, ask the contractor if a permit or inspection applies.
Plan Ahead for Winter Season
Scheduling annual furnace maintenance before the heating season begins gives time to catch issues while demand for HVAC service is lower. Moline's seasonal temperature changes mean your furnace may have long periods of operation during colder weather. Routine furnace maintenance in Moline, IL, before heavy use will provide time to address problems identified during the maintenance.
For most homeowners, furnace maintenance is recommended annually, ideally before the heating season begins. Scheduling service once a year helps ensure the system is checked before it is relied on for extended periods of operation.
Maintenance cannot guarantee that a furnace will avoid future repairs. It does, however, offer an opportunity to know about the equipment condition, note the furnace’s efficiency rating as a baseline for comparison over time, replace the appropriate filters, look for any potential issues, and follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. Having records of the services provided can also help in tracking the repairs and maintenance over time.