Winter in Sterling, VA can be brutal with frigid temperatures and snow. Your heating system should bring you comfort and safety from these extremely low temperatures. With our help at Meade’s Heating and Air, we can keep your furnace running optimally so that it works flawlessly all winter long. Our technicians perform comprehensive heating system maintenance, which we have outlined for you.
Performing Visual Inspection
Our certified technicians inspect all the inner parts and components of your heating system during seasonal maintenance. We look at the blower motor, fan, and belts for damage and malfunction. We check that all parts are secure. As we inspect, we look for signs of abnormal conditions and excess wear and tear that could signal a bigger issue. Our technicians use the inspection process to diagnose problems early before they cause your system to stop in the middle of the season when you need it most.
We can make some minor repairs during our maintenance visit. However, for more complex issues, we may need to schedule a follow-up visit to get your system up to speed. For this reason, it’s crucial to schedule your service as early in the fall as possible. With enough time, we can perform maintenance and come back for all repair work before the cold temperatures arrive.
Cleaning Interior Components
Throughout the year, dust and debris accumulate inside your heating system. This buildup can cause stress on your system by adding weight to moving parts and getting in the way of proper function. Our technicians clean the inner components of your heating system as we work through the inspection and tuning process. Removing these contaminants can also improve the air quality in your home. Without the excess dust, allergens, and other contaminants inside your heating system, you’ll find fewer contaminants circulating through your home.
Lubrication of Moving Parts
Some of the internal parts of your heating system move during operation. To prevent damage caused by the friction of this movement, our technicians lubricate these parts. Without proper lubrication, certain parts, such as bearings, pistons, and motors, may fail more quickly due to the stress of friction.
Gas and Electrical Check
If you have a gas furnace, we’ll pay special attention to the gas lines, valves, and other related components. We will inspect your gas lines for leaks or damage and make sure they are securely connected. We check the gas valve and make sure it is open to allow gas to flow to your furnace. We also test gas pressure, ensuring it is within normal operating limits to prevent unsafe conditions. Our technicians will check your furnace’s pilot light and light it if it has gone out. The pilot light should burn bright blue, which indicates the presence of gas. A yellow pilot light may mean that gas is not flowing to the system, indicating a lack of flow or a leak.
We also check electrical connections on both gas and electric heating systems. We make sure all wiring is secure and damage-free. We look for frayed wires and loose connections, which could lead to shocks and electrical fires.
Safety Feature Test
Most heating systems have safety switches or features that keep you and your household safe. These safety mechanisms shut your system down when they detect unusual or unsafe conditions, such as overheating or the presence of carbon monoxide. Stopping a heating system during malfunctions can prevent damage to the furnace and reduce the risk of danger in your home. If any of the safety features fail, we’ll need to perform repairs before your system can be operated safely.
Running a Test Cycle
Once we’ve finished cleaning, inspecting, and tuning up, we’ll turn on the heater and run a couple of test cycles. During these cycles, we check all the vents throughout the house for even and sufficient airflow. We make sure the air coming from the vents is warm and can bring your house to the set temperature on your thermostat.
We’ll also listen to strange noises and check for unusual odors that could indicate an issue inside the heating system. If we find problems during the test cycles, we’ll go back to the internal components to find the cause. Our technicians always ensure your system works perfectly before we complete our annual maintenance visit. The only exception to this is if we need to follow up with repairs.
Make sure you run your heating equipment prior to the start of cold weather. Waiting until temperatures drop can leave you without heat if something malfunctions.
Changing Your Filter
You should adhere to a schedule of changing your filter every 30 to 90 days. This process protects the interior components of your HVAC system and improves the quality of your indoor air. It’s a good idea to change your filter prior to the start of cold weather when you’ll be using your heating equipment often.
Clean Vents and Registers
Wipe down your vents and registers, which often experience an accumulation of dust and debris as time goes on. This process can prevent particulate matter from accumulating inside your HVAC system and ductwork, leading to system strain. You can promote healthy indoor air quality with this pre-season routine maintenance.
Consider Your Thermostat Settings
Assess your thermostat settings before the start of cold weather. Most thermostats allow you to program your preferred temperature settings for certain days and times. Your daily routine may have changed since last year. Also, consider making adjustments that can reduce your energy consumption. Dropping the temperature in your home when you’re away for the day or sleeping can save a lot of money.
Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat prior to winter. These devices provide features such as remote control, learning capabilities, and geofencing technology. There are often rebates and incentives that can offset the cost of investing in a new smart thermostat.
We may need to calibrate your thermostat during routine maintenance. This ensures you have access to accurate temperature readings to support optimal comfort and efficiency.
When Should I Call for Heating Maintenance?
Our experts recommend scheduling heating maintenance in Sterling every fall. The earlier you schedule your service, the more time we have to address your system if repairs are needed. Chilly temperatures, especially at night, often arrive later in the fall, well before the official start of winter. Make sure your system is ready before you need heat by scheduling an appointment with us at the start of fall or in late summer.
Call to Schedule Your Heating Maintenance Today
Staying comfortable in Sterling means having a reliable heating system for the winter season. Our certified technicians understand the seasonal climate and your needs, providing you with top-tier home comfort services. We offer comprehensive heating maintenance, ensuring your system is ready when the cold creeps in. We also provide skilled heating and cooling repairs, HVAC upgrades, and AC maintenance to give you year-round comfort.
Trust our technicians to get your system ready for winter. Call our team at Meade’s Heating and Air today to schedule your heating maintenance in Sterling. Be sure to ask us about our maintenance agreement!
