It may not get extremely cold in Texas, but we all know not to underestimate the winter season! Every Texas homeowner wants to be ready for whatever comes our way, and that includes preparing our heating systems for high usage.
At Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing, we want to be your top source for heating information and services. That includes covering the unique differences between caring for your heater and your furnace. Keep reading for more information on heater maintenance!
Are Heaters And Furnaces The Same Thing?
“Heater” is the umbrella term covering all residential heating systems, but “heater” can also be used to refer to central heating systems commonly found in Texas. A heater as part of an HVAC or heat pump system is usually combined with the cooling system into one air conditioning unit. On the other hand, a furnace is a stand-alone heating unit that uses some kind of fuel to produce heat (gas or electricity are the most common).
This means that typical heating maintenance for air handlers and outdoor units isn’t the same thing as maintenance to a furnace! The first step to your heating maintenance is to find out which kind of system you have installed in your home.
Central Heating Maintenance
To complete central heating maintenance, both the indoor and outdoor units need to be evaluated for function. The compressor, refrigerant levels, blowers and motor are all essential components to the heating system. The air handler inside is also important, and your air ducts should be checked as well.
During professional heater maintenance, a seasoned expert will use their knowledge to look for any premature wear and tear as well as any looming repairs that can be addressed ahead of time. They know how to evaluate and test the inner workings of your outdoor unit, clean away any grime or debris and even change your air filter if you need assistance with that.
Furnace Maintenance
Technicians approach furnaces with the same rigor, but they pay attention to some additional components. Since your furnace heats the air using the combustion process or heating elements instead of refrigerant, it needs a careful eye to assess it. It’s important that natural gas is not allowed to escape the furnace due to deterioration or damage because it can form a major leak in your home and pose serious health risks.
Technicians can also use special equipment to vacuum and clean out all the delicate inner workings inside your furnace. They’ll also check the pilot light and the flue for proper ignition and ventilation.
Professional Services Are Safest
There are several things you can do to keep the area around any heating unit neat and clean, but a professional tune-up appointment is always recommended to keep your home safest and most efficient. When winter comes, don’t be stressing about the performance of your heater! Invest in a maintenance appointment to make sure your heater of furnace is working properly.
In the event that heater repairs or a furnace replacement are necessary to support your home during the colder months, the valuable data collected from your maintenance appointment can guide the way. Depending on how your current heating system meets the demands of your home, you may decide to upgrade your heating unit to a higher-efficienct unit or a system that matches your needs more accurately.
Keep Cozy With Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing
Heater maintenance is proven again and again to be extremely beneficial for your heater and your home. No matter what kind of heating system you have at home, trust the experts at Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing to take your tune-up seriously. For heater maintenance that makes a difference, call on our team today!
