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Fall brings cooler temperatures, especially at night, and may have you thinking about turning on the furnace. Before winter sets in, take the time to ensure your heating system is in working order for when you need it most. Run through this checklist of fall HVAC system maintenance to get started.

Maintenance Tasks to Prepare Your HVAC System for Fall

1. Check the Combustion Chamber

For gas or propane furnaces, it’s crucial to ensure the combustion air openings aren’t blocked. Turn off the outer electrical power switch, and remove the combustion chamber door and the burner cover as well — if there is one. Now turn the power switch back on, and activate the burners; then, turn up the thermostat. The burners should be an even, blue color. If they’re yellow, this may indicate dirty burners that need to be serviced.

2. Clean Out Chambers

HVAC-Baldwin-County-ALNow, get a vacuum with wand attachments, and prepare to vacuum the dust out of the upper combustion chamber and lower blower compartment. Turn off the power switch again, and attach the longest wand attachment to the vacuum. Clean around the burners and in the lower blower compartment. Next, look closely inside with a flashlight; if you see fine, black soot, this is a signal of poor combustion that will require professional HVAC service.

3. Remove & Clean the Blower

After cleaning around the blower, it’s time to take the blower itself out to clean inside of it. Usually, it is held in place by two to four screws that are easy to remove. If you have a control panel, loosen it by unscrewing it, and let it hang via its wiring. The blower can be cleaned with a vacuum hose and stiff brush. Cleaning this aspect of the furnace can be tricky, and it is easy to upset the balance of the blades. Don’t do this step if you aren’t sure of what to do.

4. Change the Filter

Ideally, the furnace filter is changed every one to three months, depending on use. HEPA filters are an ideal option if you have pets or allergies, as they help to filter allergens such as pet dander out of the air. These fine filters can restrict airflow, however, and cause the blower to overwork and the furnace to be less efficient.

5. Clean Pilot/Igniters & Flame Sensors

These aspects of the furnace are what keep the unit lit and operational. Do all of these tasks with the electric switch still on. Blow air through a straw to the pilot light or igniters. Next, pull the flame sensor gently out of its bracket, and clean it carefully with an emery cloth; replace it, close the furnace doors, and turn the switch back to on.

 

For complete maintenance for your HVAC system, call in the professionals. Long's Air Conditioning & Refrigeration — serving Baldwin County, AL, for over 40 years — offers installation, repair, and maintenance of heating systems as well as inspections. Call (251) 947-9499 for an estimate, or visit the website to learn about their services.

AC License #94143

Refrigeration License #50700

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