A Few Simple Heater Maintenance Tasks That Can Save You Money

One of your home's largest expenses is the heating and/or cooling bill.  Not only does the running of the system and its fuel cost money, so does the maintenance and repair of it. However, if you can do a few simple maintenance tasks yourself, you can save money on the service calls and keep the system running efficiently. The more efficient the system, the less fuel it takes to keep the house warm. Here are a few tips to keeping the system running as efficiently as possible.

Keep Things Clean

A dirty furnace will not function properly. It will not have the proper air flow. The first thing you need to do is to change or clean all the filters every month. This will keep many small particles out of the unit while allowing air to flow properly. Next, be sure to clean the unit. Turn off the power to the unit and then open all side panels. Use a wet/dry vacuum and carefully suck out any dust, dirt, and debris. If you notice areas with deposits of oil, carefully clean them. Replace the side panels and turn the power back on. Press the reset button and test the system.

Check for Leaks

If the furnace runs on oil or gas, any leak can cost you money. Mix some liquid detergent with water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray all the hoses and connectors. Bubbles will form where there are any leaks. It would be best for you to replace any pieces that leak. If you are not comfortable with doing this type of work yourself, you should contact an HVAC technician to do it for you. While this will cost you money, it will increase the system's efficiency and save money on the heating bill.

Always be sure to turn off any power to the unit before doing any work. If you need to, contact the oil or gas company to come and disconnect the fuel lines to keep from having them spray about while you attempt to seal them off. If you notice the system stays on for long periods or comes on frequently, you need to check the filters. If they are clean, and the problem continues, call in a technician. A system that is running a lot is not very efficient at all. Unless you want to waste a lot of money on your heating bills for the season, do not wait until the system does not work at all. Knowing when to get help is important to keep the system working the way it is supposed to. To learn more, contact a company like Advanced Heating & Cooling

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