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Furnace Maintenance: Top 9 Tips in 2022 to Keep You Warm This Winter

11/18/2022

You should absolutely make sure that your heating system is ready when winter is approaching, regardless of where you reside, because winter is right around the corner.

Furnaces continue to be the most common type of residential heating equipment used across the majority of Canada and in a sizeable chunk of the United States.

The majority of us don't switch on our furnaces until at least October, which means that they've been turned off for nearly half a year (assuming you're fortunate enough to live in an area where the weather is mild).

It is imperative to do routine maintenance on the furnace prior to the arrival of the chilly air by going through some essential maintenance guidelines.

By performing these chores, you can ensure that not only is your furnace operating at its optimum level but that it is operating at all.

The following is a list of the top nine most important actions that everyone should complete as part of their normal furnace maintenance at least once a year, preferably before the heating season begins.

1. Ensure that all of Your Filters, Ducts and Vents Are Cleaned

When it comes to the transfer of heat, having adequate ventilation is really necessary.

You should clean your vents and replace your air filter at least twice a year, but this task takes on an even greater degree of importance during the winter when you are likely to use your HVAC system more frequently.

Now, if you want pristine air, you have a huge selection of air filters and air cleaning systems from which to pick and choose.

But that is the subject of a completely different piece, and if you are interested in reading more about the quality of the air inside your home and the filter that you use, you can do so here.

The procedure of cleaning your ducts and vents is a time-consuming one.

In order to remove the vents, you are going to need your vacuum cleaner and its hose (preferably, a shop vac), in addition to a brush, some microfiber cloths, and a screwdriver.

Before you begin, you will need to protect your registers by covering them with paper towels or cleaning cloths.

Dust is blown out of your registers, and if it is not removed, it will eventually find its way into your home.

The next step is to turn off the heat supply but leave the power on. This is because you will be using the fan to blow dust out of the furnace and vents and into your supply register after the heat supply has been turned off.

After turning off the fan, clean the supply registers by using a vacuum or a brush to remove the debris that has accumulated there.

If you do not have access to a long hose attachment, you can reach into the pipe system using a long broomstick instead.

After that, you may take out the air registers and clean the dust that has accumulated in those as well.

You can now make your way into your primary ducts if you start here.

Stop the fan and the flow of power to your entire system by turning them off. To accomplish this task, you won't be able to use a standard household vacuum cleaner because it lacks the suction power of a commercial shop vacuum.

Because this is likely the phase of the process that will be the most difficult and messy for you, you may discover that hiring a professional is advantageous. While you're about it, make sure the exhaust flue is checked up as well.

When you are through cleaning up, you may then switch out the dirty air filter for a clean one. You can now move on to the next step of cleaning the other parts of your heating system.

2. Is it just me, or does this room have a chilly breeze?

Not all houses are made the same, and older ones, especially, can sometimes have a number of spots that are drafty. You should look around your house for places that let drafts in and then do all you can to fix the problem...

Each and every small bit of heat that you let out is the same as throwing cash away. If you have ancient doors or windows that aren't working properly, now might be the time to get them fixed.

3. Give Your Heat Exchanger a Good Cleaning

Your furnace's heat exchanger is an essential component since it warms the air that is then utilized in the process of producing heat for your home.

In addition, it should be cleaned at least once a year to get rid of dirt and grime and ensure that it continues to perform correctly.

In order to clean your heat exchanger, you must first turn off your system and make sure that the gas is also turned off, if necessary.

Then, get a brush and clean the exchanger block of any dirt or debris that you find there.

In the event that it is essential, use a cloth that is moist to remove any hardened accumulation. To finish, a narrow vacuum attachment should be utilized to thoroughly clean each chamber included within the block assembly.

If your system is more than a few years old, you should probably have it cleaned by a professional. A specialist in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) will be able to access all of the relevant parts and check for a cracked heat exchanger.

Leaks of carbon monoxide are extremely hazardous, and they can be caused by damage to the heat exchanger in your furnace.

4. Conduct a Safety Inspection of Your Blower Motor and Fan

Dust can prevent your blower motor from operating properly, which is a problem because it is responsible for circulating the air into the vents.

At the same time that you clean the heat exchanger, you should also clean the inside of the blower motor (while the system is completely off).

To clean the blower, you must first remove the door to the blower.

However, safety should always come first, so before you perform any DIY maintenance on your furnace, make sure that it is turned off by cutting off the fuel supply and the electrical power to it. At the main gas valve, you should turn off the supply of gas.

It's possible that you'll also need to take off the switch that controls the fan. After that, remove the fan from the cabinet by using a screwdriver; however, be careful not to damage either your fingers or the wire.

It is important not to damage the wire that is located along the cabinet borders.

First, clean the cabinet with the vacuum hose, and then clean the blower wheel and motor using either a toothbrush or a paintbrush.

After giving the blower motor a good cleaning, you might find that it needs to be lubricated. Check the owner's manual for your furnace to determine whether or not this step is required.

After that, you should clean the caps that are affixed to the blower bearings before removing the bearings in order to lubricate them.

5. Perform a thorough inspection of your thermostat.

Imagine having to call in a heating contractor and paying them $150 just to switch your thermostat from cooling to heating...

It occurs more frequently than you might imagine, so verify your t-stat and ensure that it is set correctly.

Is there even any heat coming from your thermostat? Right now is the moment to discover the answer.

After you have cleaned your furnace with a vacuum and replaced all of the components, you can turn it back on (and restore the gas if necessary). Increase the temperature by going to the thermostat in your home and turning it up.

If the thermostat is working properly, the heat will begin to circulate in approximately a minute. If you don't hear the furnace turning on, there's a good chance there's an issue with the thermostat itself.

To begin, take off the cover, and then verify all of your connections. It is expected that all of the wire connections will be in place.

If you don't already know how to do this, you should look up instructions on Google or YouTube. (If you don't feel up to the task, you can always hire a specialist or an electrician to take care of it for you.)

After cleaning, if the cables appear to be in good shape, check again to ensure that you turned on the power supply.

If it continues to be inoperable, you will require the assistance of a qualified HVAC technician.

The offending component might be any one of a number of others as well, such as your blower, heat pump, or furnace fan. It's also possible that the thermostat is broken.

A trained expert may examine each component and determine which one is at fault.

6. Batteries!

Even while carbon monoxide and smoke detectors can be very unpleasant with their nonstop beeping, there is a good reason for them to behave in this manner: their batteries are running low, and they want you to change them.

Consequently, you should put away your money and replace the batteries in order to safeguard not only yourself but also your family and your property.

7. Why does my heating system have a musty odor?

If you switch on your heating system for the very first time, you can get a whiff of something burning...

In all likelihood, the scent is caused by the dust that has been burned off by your heat exchanger; but, if it continues, you should be sure to take the appropriate preventative measures.

Paints and chemicals should not be kept in the same room as your furnace if at all possible. Even though you might not be able to smell the fumes, the heat exchanger in your furnace could still be damaged if they were there.

Not only can this result in pricey repairs, but it can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Maintain a tidy and clear space in your furnace room.

It's possible that smells coming from your furnace are the same as those emanating from your air conditioner when they malfunction.

Check out this page for more information on the scents that are most likely to emanate from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

If something doesn't smell quite right, this may give you some clues as to what might be the problem.

8. Pre-Season Audits and Checkups

Even the most experienced do-it-yourselfers might benefit from having their projects professionally maintained at least once a year. Why?

Because virtually all HVAC equipment manufacturers include this requirement as a component of their warranty.

If your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter because you skipped its annual check-up, you could be in for some major trouble.

You should contact local heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) service provider to complete a pre-season inspection and maintenance check on your furnace if you want to make absolutely certain that it will operate securely and dependably all through the winter.

Therefore, take precautions and schedule a checkup before the temperature drops too low.

A helpful hint is that if you engage them under an annual furnace maintenance agreement, you will get a better bargain on the pre-season inspections. Additionally, the majority of firms offer premium service at a discounted fee in the event that there is an unscheduled breakdown.

A Handy Hint: Make Sure Your HVAC Technician Is Always Informed
Be sure to keep a record of any problems that you may experience with your heating system, whether it be your furnace or your air conditioning unit.

Hold on to all of the receipts from the trips that your HVAC expert has made in the past, and put all of this paperwork close to your heater...

Assisting in providing the current service specialist with information regarding previous issues, it could help you save hundreds of dollars on future repairs.

9. Would you say that my Furnace appears to be older than I am?

If after taking a look at your heating system you think it would be worth a nice fortune on Antique Roadshow, then it is probably time to start shopping around for a new furnace and compare prices.

Make it a point to get at least three estimates; even if they will all be comparable, this will provide you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're receiving a good price.

Final Furnace Maintenance Tips

Are you prepared for the chilly months that are to come? Before the first chilly front hits, there are a few things that every homeowner should take care of.

At the very least, you need to make sure that your thermostat is working properly, run the heating system at least once, and change the filter before each new season. If your furnace won't turn on, you may have a more serious issue on your hands.

However, these maintenance responsibilities are the minimal minimum that must be completed.

When winter arrives for good, failing to do routine maintenance on your furnace, such as cleaning the blower, ducts, and burners can lead to catastrophic failures that put your family's well-being and financial security at risk.

Additionally, if your HVAC system is still very new, this will keep the warranty intact.

Make advantage of these pointers as soon as possible. It won't be long until the weather changes, and when it does, all of the people who have been putting off calling the local HVAC service company will gather together and make the decision to do so at the same time.

Are you prepared to schedule a tune-up for your furnace before the winter season?

When you are in need of assistance from a qualified HVAC technician for your house, CBJ Plumbing Union City NJ is the company to call.

Check out the information and resources available on our page devoted to Furnace Services to obtain a cost estimate free of charge in your service region.

Spend your money wisely and seek the assistance of a qualified specialist the very first time you need it.

If you thought this post was helpful, please let us know by spreading the word about it. Check read our article on when you ought to get in touch with a service specialist as well.

I hope you have a wonderful winter and that you stay warm and cozy!

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Radiator Placement: The Ultimate Guide For Where To Put A Radiator

11/11/2022

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Are you in the process of shopping for a new radiator right now? The location in which you set up your new radiator is of the utmost importance. If you put it in the wrong location, you will end up with a heating system that is not efficient, which will result in significant additional expenses in the long run.

You are interested in learning the ins and outs of radiator installation, aren't you? To ensure that you get the most out of your radiator, we will discuss the proper and improper ways to install it in this post.

What You Need to Know About the Positioning of Radiators

You aren't certain which room your radiator should go in, are you? In order to assist you in making the best-educated choice possible, we have compiled a list of helpful hints and warnings pertaining to radiators.

Put your radiator in a spot close to a window

Is it easy for chilly air to get into your home? In that case, you might want to consider positioning your radiator so that it faces your window. This will help prevent any chilly drafts from entering the room through the window and will ensure that the heat is distributed evenly throughout the space.

If you live in a home with single-glazed windows, which are more likely to be affected by chilly drafts, you will find that this arrangement is particularly beneficial. It's possible that you won't need this placement at all if your house has better insulation and windows that are double-glazed.

Install your radiator so that it faces north on the wall

Did you know that walls that face north receive less sunlight and, as a result, tend to be colder than other walls? Because of this, it is recommended that you install your radiator on the inside side of this kind of wall. This will prevent chilly air from radiating across the room, and it will be more effective than placing a heater on a wall that faces east, where the sun's rays are already warm.

Keep your radiator at a safe distance from any nearby furniture

Radiators tend to have an unattractive appearance, so if you don't like the way they seem, you might be tempted to try to conceal them behind a piece of furniture like a sofa. This will simply inhibit your radiator from dispersing heat and operating at its maximum capacity. If you do this, there is a possibility that you will fool the thermostat in your room into believing that the room is already at the ideal temperature, which will result in the thermostat turning off, which is ultimately ineffective.

You ought to stay away from the practice of putting your radiator behind a radiator cabinet, too. This may appear to be efficient, but in the end it will block out a significant amount of heat, which will result in you having to pay more money for a lower level of heating.

If you are not satisfied with the option that you are looking at, continue exploring until you find a design that is appropriate for the area that you want to heat. Today, there are numerous radiator options that are contemporary and sleek.

Maintain a Safe Distance Between Your Radiator and the Curtains

A radiator should not be placed close to drapes because this is another crucial thing to avoid doing. If you continue to do this, you will eventually push air out the window rather than into the room, which will cause the radiator's power to be depleted.

In the event that the radiator ever experiences a short circuit adjacent to the curtains, you run the possibility of having safety difficulties.

Conclusions Regarding the Position of the Radiator

When it comes to effectively heating your home and conserving both heat and energy, the location of your radiators is of the utmost importance. You will be able to identify the ideal location for your radiator if you read this article and apply the advice and suggestions contained within it.

It is essential to do routine maintenance on your radiator in order to ensure that everything is operating as it should be. This is the case regardless of where you choose to install your radiator. The following are some maintenance and care suggestions for radiators.

Do you require a radiator at this time? You don't seem to know where to begin, do you? Check out our selection of traditional column radiators to locate a model that meets your requirements.

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5 Essential Radiator Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

11/4/2022

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Do you hear unusual noises coming from your radiator, or is it leaking? Maybe you've seen some of the telltale indications of rust. In this particular circumstance, it is best to get a professional opinion as soon as possible.

These days, radiator heaters may be found in the majority of modern homes. However, the vast majority of homeowners do very little in the way of maintenance. Some people don't check their radiators for years, and some can go for decades without doing so.
These commonplace things can become dangerous if they are utilized improperly or if they are not properly maintained. It is possible that your house could catch fire, that your children or pets will suffer serious burns or both.

The good news is that the majority of accidents may be avoided with reasonable care. In order to ensure the safety of your radiator, all you need to do is comply with a few simple regulations. Consider the following five important pieces of advice:

5. Make that the radiator's air vent and bleeding valve are working properly.
Check the bleed valve and the air vent in your radiators before you start on the heating system. It needs to be pulled in all the way.
It is not possible to control the temperature with this component in any way. Utilize the radiator's thermostatic valve in the event that you need to make adjustments to the temperature directly on the radiator.

4. Stay away from coming into direct contact with the furniture.
It is not a good idea to position the sofa, armchair, or any other pieces of furniture in front of the radiator. If you do that, the heat won't be able to circulate as it should. In addition, your furniture may overheat, which increases the risk of personal injury as well as the risk of a fire breaking out.
Instead, you might want to think about employing radiator covers made of wood or metal. These accessories are chic and may be used in a variety of settings. In addition, you have a choice from literally hundreds of different styles and sizes.

3. Let it Bleed
It's possible that you won't need to use the radiator heater all year round if you don't live in a particularly cold climate. The majority of individuals only use it when the weather becomes chilly during the winter months.
After an extended period of non-use, you should bleed the radiators before beginning normal operation. This is the procedure for doing it.

2. Exercise Caution When Working with Freestanding Electric Radiators That Use Plug-Ins
When compared to radiators included in central heating systems, electric models pose a greater risk. If they are not properly managed, they can become warm to the touch and quickly become a potential source of ignition for a fire.
Put them down on a flat surface that won't catch fire to keep yourself safe. Always remember to switch them off before you leave the house. Do not use an extension cord or hang clothing or shoes over the heating unit. Also, do not use the clothes hanger.

1. It is required that you perform routine maintenance.
When you have your boiler serviced once a year, you should also inspect your radiators. This should be done regardless of the type of radiators you have installed.
Even though your radiators appear to be in excellent condition, you should nonetheless give them some care. It is best to have a trained expert examine it for any indications of damage and make repairs before it is too late.

Make the protection of radiators your first priority.

These heating technologies have made a positive impact on the way we live our lives. After all, they make it possible for us to maintain our coziness and warmth despite the chilly weather outside. Due to the fact that they are vulnerable to wear and tear, it is necessary that they be properly maintained.
In your home, making sure the radiators are safe should be a top priority. Teach your kids how to use them in a responsible manner.
Check out our blog for more helpful safety advice pertaining to radiators. We've got you covered with everything from how-to instructions to actionable suggestions!

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Blogs

Furnace Maintenance: Top 9 Tips in 2022 to Keep You Warm This Winter

1. Ensure that all of Your Filters, Ducts and Vents Are Cleaned

2. Is it just me, or does this room have a chilly breeze?

3. Give Your Heat Exchanger a Good Cleaning

4. Conduct a Safety Inspection of Your Blower Motor and Fan

5. Perform a thorough inspection of your thermostat.

6. Batteries!

7. Why does my heating system have a musty odor?

8. Pre-Season Audits and Checkups

9. Would you say that my Furnace appears to be older than I am?

Final Furnace Maintenance Tips

Radiator Placement: The Ultimate Guide For Where To Put A Radiator

What You Need to Know About the Positioning of Radiators

Put your radiator in a spot close to a window

Install your radiator so that it faces north on the wall

Keep your radiator at a safe distance from any nearby furniture

Maintain a Safe Distance Between Your Radiator and the Curtains

Conclusions Regarding the Position of the Radiator

5 Essential Radiator Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Make the protection of radiators your first priority.

Author

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Categories

Blogs

Furnace Maintenance: Top 9 Tips in 2022 to Keep You Warm This Winter

1. Ensure that all of Your Filters, Ducts and Vents Are Cleaned

2. Is it just me, or does this room have a chilly breeze?

3. Give Your Heat Exchanger a Good Cleaning

4. Conduct a Safety Inspection of Your Blower Motor and Fan

5. Perform a thorough inspection of your thermostat.

6. Batteries!

7. Why does my heating system have a musty odor?

8. Pre-Season Audits and Checkups

9. Would you say that my Furnace appears to be older than I am?

Final Furnace Maintenance Tips

Radiator Placement: The Ultimate Guide For Where To Put A Radiator

What You Need to Know About the Positioning of Radiators

Put your radiator in a spot close to a window

Install your radiator so that it faces north on the wall

Keep your radiator at a safe distance from any nearby furniture ​

Maintain a Safe Distance Between Your Radiator and the Curtains

Conclusions Regarding the Position of the Radiator

5 Essential Radiator Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

​Make the protection of radiators your first priority.

Author

Archives

Categories

Keep your radiator at a safe distance from any nearby furniture

Make the protection of radiators your first priority.