Tips on How to Maintain a Central Heating System

A central heating system makes the winter bearable. However, many homeowners tend to take it for granted.
When a heater fails, you can hardly wash your hands or handle the water that comes out of your tap. You have to bundle up before you can sleep. The cost of emergency repairs can also stress you out. Sadly, you can’t skimp on such services.
To prevent such hassles, you should get a high-quality and durable heater system. You should also ensure you use and maintain it properly. The following are tips on how to keep your split heating system running efficiently.

1. Check the filters.

These can affect the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. When it’s dirty and clogged with dust and debris, the AC or heater may not warm up your room temperature at all.
The good news is that it’s not all that hard to check and replace your filters. You can find online instructions to do these yourself. Your filters are usually installed at the end of the HVAC vents. When you remove the vent cover, you can already see the state your filter is in.
Replace your filters right away when they’re already dusty and worn out. Don’t go out to your hardware store just yet. It’s not a one-size-fits-all HVAC part. Write down the specifications of your filter. If you want to spend less on filters, look for disposable ones.
Inspect the filters at least once every three or four months. For your heater’s filters, replace them every month during winter. The same goes for your AC’s filters during summer. Find some additional HVAC system maintenance tips here.

2. Treat rusts right away.

Your plumbing and heating system will be more prone to rusting when it’s a few years old. Brownish water coming out of your pipes can be a sign of internal corrosion. You may also spot the problem on the exposed parts of your heater.
You should do a pipe checkup in the early weeks of fall. You won’t be using your heater during those times so it would not be much of a deal if repairs need to be done on it. If you see rust, you may apply anti-corrosive treatment.
In case the rusting is extensive, you should get plumbing experts to solve the problem. This will help you save time and money. If you fix the issue on your own, you may end up creating more damage and spread the rust to other areas.

3. Brush and wipe the exposed parts.

This is the simplest way to keep dust off your filters. Before you start cleaning, make sure the main switch of your heating system is turned off.
As you clean, look for possible signs of pest infestation. Do you hear rushing sounds inside the vents? There could also be wings and droppings. Pests like rats, squirrels and wild birds may leave nasty smell. If you suspect you might have a pest problem, contact a pest solution company.
Be careful when you clean and close up your HVAC system. You do not want to have scratches and dents on your HVAC unit.

4. Flush your heater.

This is one of the last maintenance tasks you should do. Some people would say this process is wasteful and expensive. However, it is necessary to clean the internal parts of your heater that you cannot reach.
It’s important for every homeowner to understand how their heating system works and to be familiar with the parts of their HVAC unit. If your installation team or service company did not properly orient you, you may ask a professional to conduct an inspection and run an assessment for you. Be present when he does this and ask to be oriented about your HVAC system.
Spartan Plumbing Heating & Cooling has professionals who are ready to assist you with your plumbing needs. They can conduct a professional inspection, maintenance, and repairs any day. They also have emergency numbers so you can call anytime you need them.
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