Cypress Furnace Maintenance Checklist
Cypress Furnace Maintenance: Homeowner and Technician Checklists for Optimal Performance
We can say that we had a taste of winter weather. Not as much as our northern neighbors, but enough to use as a reminder to care for the furnace properly because it would not be pleasant to experience a breakdown when the temperature suddenly drops.
It’s easy to think of the furnace system as invincible and eternal, but that is not the case. It collects dirt and experiences wear like any other mechanical system. If ignored, a sudden drop in temperature is just the catalyst for trouble with the furnace, from energy efficiency to a sudden performance failure. No one wants to be left out in the cold, but it is not much better to be left inside in the cold.
The manufacturer, the HVAC techs, and the US Department of Energy all recommend regular maintenance. Some regular Cypress furnace maintenance tasks must be completed by homeowners, and some tasks can only be completed by trained professionals.
The Homeowner’s Cypress Furnace Maintenance Checklist
- Respecting Age. You know that whole “dog-year” thing? Well, that does not apply at all to furnaces and air conditioners. The useful life of an air conditioner ranges between 15 and 20 years and the useful life of furnaces lasts a little longer, about 20+ years. Expecting a 25-year-old furnace to last another 10 years is unrealistic. Failing to plan to replace an old system is inviting an emergency replacement rather than a planned replacement.
- Replacing Air Filters. It is a simple task: buy 4 air filters per year and keep them on hand so the filter can be replaced every three months. The filters are available at home improvement centers, hardware stores, and large box stores. The old filter slides out, and the new filter slides in. It is remarkable how much this simple task improves the system efficiency and indoor air quality. It is also disappointing how often homeowners forget this simple task.
- Be Eyes and Ears. The homeowner is also most likely to notice subtle changes in sounds, sights, and smells associated with the furnace or air conditioner. Calling the furnace tech when something changes is essential to keeping the furnace running smoothly for the longest time possible. When something is buzzing, grinding, or screeching, call the tech. When the vents are all dusty or the furnace flame turns yellow, call the tech. When the air has a musty or burnt smell, call the tech.
The AC Technician Cypress Furnace Maintenance Checklist
- The tech will know whether you have a heat pump, a natural gas, or an electric furnace, and be able to service all three types of furnaces.
- With heat pumps, part of the service will include checking the refrigerant gas pressure. (You heard that right!) A heat pump reverses the air conditioning process, drawing heat from outside air and moving it inside. Pretty clever, eh!
- With natural gas furnaces, the service will include checking the ignition system, the burner assembly, and the heat exchanger, all vital components to safely produce heat from an indoor flame.
- With all three systems, the service will include checking the various sensors, switches, and control mechanisms will be tested. The blower motor assembly will be checked, lubed as needed, and any belts examined for wear.
- The thermostat—the ON/OFF switch for the system—will be checked and calibrated as needed. This whole system is controlled by very small batteries, so the batteries will be tested and changed as needed.
- The whole system will receive a performance check to ensure it is working properly, and putting out heat as expected.
This is a good time to ask questions about the system. (Your thermostat is probably programmable: consider asking the tech about scheduling temperature changes for energy savings and comfort.)
AirPro Houston – Cypress Furnace Maintenance Checklist
Maintaining your furnace is essential to avoid breakdowns during cold weather. Homeowners should regularly replace air filters, monitor for changes in performance, and plan for system replacement as it ages. Technicians perform detailed checks on various furnace components, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency, and offering advice on improving system operation.
With our four decades of experience as a Cypress furnace maintenance contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your HVAC repair and Cypress furnace maintenance questions.
We have several financing options available with great options. Up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at 281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Cypress furnace maintenance needs.