3 Heater Preventative Maintenance Steps You Can Do Yourself – & 3 You Can’t

The heating system in your Fayetteville home gets a workout this time of year. You probably noticed the spike in your PWC bill from the recent frigid weather. While part of that spike is understandable, a poorly maintained heater can cost you big time.

Consider this: A well-maintained HVAC system accounts for 50% to 70% of your monthly utility bill. If your system struggles to maintain temperature with leaking ductwork and clogged filters it has to work harder – and, you guessed it, it costs you more to keep your home comfy and safe.

There are some things you can do yourself to help your heating unit work more efficient.

Preventative Maintenance Steps You Can Do Yourself

1. Change Your Filter Monthly

Most manufacturers recommend replacing filters every one to three months. If your home collects dust easily or you have indoor pets that shed, change the filter more often. Check your owner’s manual to find out where the filter is located and the proper size. It is important to use the type and size of filter recommended for your system.

2. Check Your Ductwork

A recent PWC article on cold weather tips says that the number one energy gobbler in your system is leaking ductwork. PWC recommends using foil-backed tape and silicon caulking to seal intersections and joints to prevent warm air from leaking into crawl spaces and attics.

3. Keep Your Unit Clean

• Heating units require at least a foot of clean space around them to operate at maximum efficiency. Check your indoor unit to make sure nothing leans against the unit or obstructs airflow around the unit. Vacuum the area completely at least once every three months — more often if necessary to control dust and pet hair.
• If you have an outdoor unit, check for leaves piled around the unit, bushes and shrubs that are growing too close, and loose debris.
• While you have the vacuum out, check all registers and return air vents for heavy dust build-up and obstructions from furniture or other things blocking the airflow. Your heater has to work harder with blocked supply vents.

When to Call a Professional

Even though you can take some preventative maintenance steps yourself, sometimes you need a little help from a professional.

1. If your heater is cycling on and off or running continuously, you might have a thermostat problem. We can diagnose the problem and replace any faulty parts.

2. While cleaning your registers and patching up leaks in the ductwork is a great first step, our team of professionals at Blanton’s has the tools to inspect, clean, and repair hard-to-reach ductwork.

3. Cleaning the coils and blower-wheel keeps your system healthy and efficient.

A healthy heating system can save you 30% on your heating bills. Want to save even more? Become a member of Blanton’s Comfort Club and let us handle it all. Our annual inspection services catch problems before they happen and we’re on the job 24/7 if a problem comes up. Give us a call to learn more about our Comfort Club at (910) 822-2866