Furnaces

Is your furnace gas or electric? Who is the manufacturer? How old is it? Do you know when was it last serviced? The answers to these questions allow you to better understand your heater’s needs. Maintenance requirements differ between gas and electric, and even from unit to unit. If possible, find the manufacturer’s manual. It will give you all the information you need. If you’re unable to locate the manual, check the furnace for a manufacturer name and serial number to help identify your unit. If you’re still not sure, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. One of our technicians will help you identify and maintain your system.

The air filter is responsible for keeping dust, debris, dust mites and even bacteria from circulating around your home when the heater or air conditioner is running. But if you don’t change out the filter, it becomes clogged and now all those dirty particles are riding the air currents throughout your house. This can lead to impaired air quality in your home, which can make people with allergies or asthma very uncomfortable. Aim to change your air filter once each month. If you live in an area with bad air quality, have pets who shed a lot, own an older, less efficient, furnace or are experiencing dense seasonal pollens, consider changing your filter every 2-3 weeks. Newer furnaces feature more efficient filters that can last up to three months without being changed, but to be on the safe side, check your manufacturer’s recommendations to see how often you should be replacing your air filter.

The outside of your unit should be free from dirt, grime and debris. Don’t allow anything to lean against the system and don’t pack things in its vicinity, as it can pose a fire hazard. If you find that your unit is dirty, vacuum and sweep the exterior and its surrounding area. While you’re at it, check the air vents around your home. Are they all free of dust and debris? If not, vacuum what you can and wipe away excess grime with a damp cloth.

When components start to break down, your furnace becomes less efficient. That means your system has to work harder to produce the same temperatures you’re used to. Sometimes, it means your unit is working harder and is still unable to reach the set temperature, which can be felt when some rooms are warmer than others. Evidence something is wrong will be reflected in both the way your home feels and your utility bill.

Is your HVAC system producing loud banging, rattling or squealing sounds? This can be a sign of a worn or torn hose, belt or other internal component. When loud sounds start coming from your furnace, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. at (605) 277-7336 to avoid a costly or dangerous situation.

The pilot light for a gas furnace should have a blue flame. The color of the flame is an indication of its efficiency. When the flame turns yellow, it often means it isn’t burning out all the carbon monoxide. The leaking gas combined with the carbon monoxide can be deadly. This is why regular inspections of your system are so important. Another sign of a gas or carbon monoxide leak is rust or corrosion on the flue lines. If you see the pilot light is no longer blue, or you see evidence of rust and corrosion, leave your home, shut off the gas at your house and call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. immediately for an inspection and service.

When the furnace stops working, or if there’s a problem with your air vents, excess moisture or stagnant air collect in your home. You’ll notice moisture droplets on walls, windows or even the ceiling, and you can feel the still, stagnant air when you enter a room. When this happens, make sure the vents are clean. If they are clean and open, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We’ll take care of the rest!

Air filters help keep tiny particles of dust, debris and bacteria from circulating through your home, which is why you should replace them regularly. If you fail to change out the air filters, people with weakened immune systems or those who suffer from asthma and other lung illnesses will feel worse symptoms than usual. To take it a step further, you and your family may start to experience headaches, weakness, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision or even confusion and hallucinations. These are all signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector and you start exhibiting these symptoms, leave your home immediately and turn off the gas, then call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc.. After setting up an appointment, make it a point to purchase and install a carbon monoxide detector in your hallway near each bedroom in your home and check the batteries at least twice a year.