HVAC

The Winter Heater Maintenance Tips Pros in HVAC Careers Recommend

December 26, 2017

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Turning on the heat to banish the winter cold from a building is a nice feeling. Discovering that the heat doesn’t work when the temperature dips below -10 is not.  To professionals working in the world of HVAC installation and repair, the best policy for keeping your clients’ toes toasty warm throughout the bitterest cold of winter is to plan ahead. That means completing sensible maintenance steps on heating equipment before it gets too cold out.

Curious about what goes into a good winter maintenance routine for heating equipment? Here are a few steps that HVAC pros recommend.

Change the Air Filters on Heating Equipment Before Winter Arrives

Heating systems basically heat air and disperse it throughout a room. To be able to do that, it needs to be possible for air to actually move around. This relies heavily on the condition of the air filters in the system.

An air filter that is clogged up with dust, animal hair, pollutants, or other matter will not be able to intake cool air or expel warm air properly. Not only does this stop heat from circulating, but it can also lead to a malfunction. A buildup of hot air within the system could result in components breaking down, causing a cascade of issues that can cripple the heating system.

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A dirty air filter can lead to big problems for HVAC equipment

As a general rule, air filters should be replaced about once every three months, but every building is slightly different. For peace of mind in the coldest months, a professional HVAC technician might do well to recommend to clients that they plan on swapping out their filter right around the beginning of December.

For Energy Efficiency, Make Sure the Fan Motor & Blades Work Correctly

Moving pieces are more prone to wear and tear, and with fans serving as integral components of many HVAC systems, it’s important to ensure they’re in good condition heading into the winter season. A malfunctioning fan could mean worse circulation of air, perhaps leading to inconsistent heating or energy inefficiency as the system heats up more to try and compensate.

Moving parts require a delicate touch and a knowledgeable worker, which is why they really should be attended to by a graduate of HVAC college. Completing training can help you approach all manner of mechanical issues with comfort and ease, thanks to the skills you learn from instructors with many years of professional experience.

HVAC College Graduates Should Ensure System Sensors Are Functional

Many modern HVAC systems are programmed to operate according to a particular schedule. Different levels of heating can be established for particular times of day on particular days of the week, or even based on whether the system detects that people are inside of the building.

While these kinds of features can allow for a fair amount of control over cost, they only work if the sensors and schedules are properly maintained. Otherwise, they might activate at the wrong time, or in the wrong situations. As such, maintenance of system sensors and controls is an important part of the pre-winter process.

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Verifying that HVAC control systems work correctly is an important part of pre-winter maintenance

Getting to know the sensors, thermometers, and control consoles common in HVAC systems can take a bit of time and practice. However, a good training program will allow you to quickly pick up the know-how necessary for maintaining even the most complex systems, and help you keep clients and their buildings from getting too cold in winter throughout your HVAC career.

Do you want to get a great, practical education in HVAC systems?

Contact North American Trade Schools about our HVAC diploma program!

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