How to Maintain Your Gas HVAC System

How to Maintain Your Gas HVAC System

If you have a gas HVAC system, you know that it has many benefits, such as energy efficiency and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. You might even think that your gas heating system is maintenance free. While it does typically require less maintenance than oil burning furnaces, your gas HVAC system should be serviced annually. Follow these tips for handling problems that may arise. Weak or Poorly Functioning Pilot Light If the pilot light on your gas heater is weak, flickering, or goes out entirely, your heater needs immediate attention. Here are the most common reasons for pilot light problems. Improper Air Mixture: Healthy pilot lights have a steady blue flame. Natural gas flames may have a slight yellow tip to the flame. If your flame is yellow, flickers or makes excessive noise, there is likely too much or too little air in the gas mixture. Shut off the gas supply and call your HVAC contractor at Metro Comfort Systems to adjust the air flow in the gas line. Clogged Lines: If the flame on your pilot light is small or goes out completely, you may have a clogged line or clogged connections in your gas heater. That means it is time to call in the professionals to give your system a proper cleaning. Do not try to rectify clogged lines yourself. Your HVAC contractor has the tools and expertise to do this safely. Out of Gas: Before you assume there is a problem with your gas heater, always check that you have gas in the tank. Calling the HVAC contractor in the middle of the night to repair a system...
Common Myths about Your HVAC System Debunked

Common Myths about Your HVAC System Debunked

Under ideal conditions, your HVAC system keeps you warm and toasty in the winter. But sometimes things go awry and your system doesn’t function as well as it should. You may be surprised to learn that your false beliefs about your HVAC system may be keeping it from performing at its peak. Check out these common myths and get the facts about how your HVAC system works. Myth: You Can Clean Your Air Filters Instead of Replacing Them If you are only concerned with how clean your air filters look, vacuuming them will do the trick, but when it comes to the efficiency of your heating system, looks aren’t important. Vacuuming removes surface dirt, but it doesn’t remove the fine particles trapped in the filter. Your furnace will still have a difficult time forcing air through the filter. To keep your furnace running smoothly, replace the air filter at least once per year or as recommended by your HVAC technician. Myth: You Should Close the Vents to Unused Rooms It seems logical to close the vents to rooms you are not using to avoid wasting heated air. But the truth is that closing off vents in rooms disrupts the air pressure in the duct work and causes your system to work harder to do its job. Adjust the dampers in the duct work to each branch instead. These dampers are typically located at the beginning of each branch of duct work and can be adjusted by a simple turn of the handle. Typically a handle that is parallel to the duct work is fully open and a perpendicular handle indicates the...