With winter weather right around the corner, the last thing you want to do is put off any repairs that your furnace needs to function efficiently. If you invest in repairs before winter temperatures arrive, you can avoid being left without heating services when you need them most.
Here are three important furnace repairs that should always be completed before winter to prepare your heating system for the demands of the cold season.
1. Replace the Blower Belt
A damaged blower belt is one type of furnace issue that should be addressed before you fire up your heating system for the first time. A blower fan helps to push the air heated in your furnace through the air ducts and into your home.
The blower belt plays a critical role in supporting the function of the blower fan's motor. These belts are made from a rubber compound that can become stiff or start to deteriorate over time. You run the risk of having the whole blower fan motor overheat and give out when you don't replace a damaged blower belt before winter.
2. Repair a Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is one of the most important components in your heating system. Without a functional heat exchanger, your furnace would be unable to safely produce the heat your home needs.
Cracks can begin to form in the heat exchanger over time. These cracks pose a serious safety risk to your family. Carbon monoxide and other toxic gases can leak out of your furnace through a cracked heat exchanger.
If you see signs of excessive corrosion or soot in your furnace, a cracked heat exchanger could be to blame. Have your heat exchanger repaired before winter to ensure the safety of your heating system.
3. Replace Worn Bearings
A set of bearings can be found inside your furnace's blower motor. These bearings are responsible for allowing the fan blades to spin inside the motor housing.
If the blower motor overheats for any reason, the grease on the bearings can deteriorate. This leads to bearing wear. Worn bearings will cause your furnace to produce a low hum or grinding noise while in operation. Eventually, worn bearings will stop the fan blades from rotating entirely. This will leave your home without heat.
Worn bearings should always be replaced before you start to rely heavily on your heating system during the cool winter months.
Contact a local HVAC technician to learn more about furnace repairs.
Share28 September 2021
Working with HVAC contractors is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only do your contractors ensure that a new system you buy is properly installed, but they also ensure optimal performance throughout the years through a series of regular inspections, maintenance services, and repairs. But there are lots of things you can do in between your contractor's visits to ensure that your HVAC investment is always in tip top condition, aside from cleaning out the air filters. After working with my dad for more than a decade in the HVAC business, I've put together a few methods homeowners can use to maintain a well working system, and I have published those tips and tricks right here on this blog. I hope some of the information you find here helps you on your journey as a homeowner!
