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DIY Heater Maintenance Tips

October 27, 2023 | Blog

When the temperatures in Mississippi drop, homeowners will want their heating system ready to step into action! However, if your heater has gone too long without service, you may find it struggling to warm your home. This makes learning some DIY maintenance tips an essential skill.

Here at Natchez Heating & Cooling, we understand the allure of DIY fixes when furnace issues pop up out of nowhere. The convenience of quick and simple repairs can make heater problems less stressful in the moment. However, it’s important to make sure you know what to look for and where to start.

That’s why our team is here to provide some DIY maintenance tips you can use to help get your furnace in working order. Learn more with our Mississippi team!

Maintenance Tips That Will Help Your Heater Last

Our maintenance tips center around quick and easy fixes that won’t endanger your health or safety. Some of the simplest ones are listed below.

Inspect Your Burner Flames

If you have a gas furnace, its burner flames should burn with a blue color when the system is working properly. If the flames are burning with a yellow or orange color, this means something is wrong.

The problem could simply mean that the burners have become dirty. However, it could also indicate a gas leak, which is highly dangerous. By inspecting your furnace, you’re able to evaluate any problems and take the proper steps to repair the issue before it gets worse.

If your burners look like they could benefit from a cleaning, try using a brush to sweep out any debris. However, if you suspect a gas leak, leave your home and call 911 before scheduling immediate service!

Switch Out Old Furnace Filters

On average, your furnace filter should be changed every one to three months. If your system has gone too long without a filter replacement, you may see consequences in how the system works.

This is because a clogged filter will cause your heater to work harder to keep your home warm. As a result, you may notice inefficient heating that doesn’t reach every room as well as increased energy bills.

Lubricate Any Bearings That Are Suffering From Wear And Tear

Bearings are integral components within your home’s furnace, and they play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operation. Over time, these bearings can become worn or dry, leading to increased friction and potential system damage.

If you hear any squeaks or unusual noises, they often signal bearing issues. Applying the appropriate lubricant to these bearings can significantly reduce friction, extend the life of the components and lead to a quieter, more efficient heating system.

By performing this simple maintenance task, homeowners can ensure their heating systems run smoothly and economically, all while avoiding costly repairs down the road.

Checking Your Drive Belt And Vacuum Burners For Issues

The drive belt and vacuum burners are two more vital elements in your home’s furnace. Regularly inspecting these components is key to ensuring your system’s reliability.

Begin by examining the drive belt for signs of wear or damage, as it’s responsible for transmitting power between the motor and the blower. A worn-out or frayed drive belt can lead to a decrease in heating efficiency.

Vacuum burners, on the other hand, are responsible for fuel combustion. They should be kept clean and free of any debris, as blockages can hinder the combustion process. By including these checks in your DIY maintenance routine, you’ll help guarantee that your heating system operates at its best.

Each of these maintenance tricks requires a small amount of knowledge about the operation of your furnace and its pieces and parts. If you have additional questions or concerns about your unit — don’t hesitate to reach out to our furnace experts at Natchez!

Trust The Pros For Complex Furnace Repairs

Sometimes DIY maintenance is just not an option once you realize the complexity of the repairs that need to be performed. In this scenario, it’s always smart to contact a furnace professional for additional assistance. Hiring an expert can save you lots of time, energy and money in the long run.

Our team can ensure the quality of their work thanks to the training they undergo and the knowledge they need to handle heaters safely. Though DIY fixes may be less costly in the moment, they don’t compare to the level of expertise that a furnace technician has in troubleshooting and identifying underlying issues with your appliance.

Schedule Your Tune-Up With Natchez Heating & Cooling

Heater tune-ups with our Natchez team are a great way to ensure the longevity of your system and protect your bank account from pricey DIY mistakes. Maintenance appointments with our trustworthy technicians involve in-depth inspections of the different components of your unit and top-tier cleaning services. We strive to boost the performance of your appliance every time you hire us!

For High-quality Heater Maintenance, Connect With Our Technicians In Natchez!

Though DIY maintenance may save you some money at first, the risk of malfunctioning parts or incorrectly installing your unit are very real threat that can strain your bank account later on down the road.

Here at Natchez Heating & Cooling, we’re dedicated to preserving your comfort and peace of mind year-round when it comes to the functionality of your furnace system. Winter weather can strain your unit if it hasn’t been taken care of properly in the past.

Our team offers stellar heating, cooling and plumbing services for whenever disaster strikes. Don’t wait to contact us if you have DIY heater maintenance questions or are looking to schedule a tune-up.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

Professional and Knowledgeable

The tech was so professional and knowledgeable. He was able to answer every question I asked thoroughly and even gave me valuable information about the particular brand of water heater he repaired for me that would help me in the future if I needed it. If you want it done right, call these guys!

Michelle W.

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Installed new units inside and out. Men were very professional and worked entire time and cleaned up everything inside and outside my house. Explained how everything worked and demonstrated how to work thermostat. Very pleased with their work!

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I would definitely recommend this company. Very professional, prompt service, and nice. The part I love most is that you receive a text message with the picture of your service person so you’ll know who’s entering your home. Great job Natchez Heating & Cooling! I look forward to my twice a year service!

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