Like all appliances and home machinery, you want to keep your furnace clean. A build up of dirt and dust can mean a breakdown in the efficiency of your heating system. Nowadays, who can afford to waste anything, let alone fuel? These steps apply whether you are doing electric, gas, or oil furnace maintenance.

There are three areas you want to pay attention to when it comes to furnace maintenance – the blower, furnace filters, and motor. These areas should apply if you have a Bryant, Rheem, Goodman, or any other brand.

Furnace Maintenance - Filters:

This is a critical step in furnace maintenance, but how often you clean or replace the furnace filters depends on a few factors. If it doesn't need to be changed yet, why do so? Hold a dirty filter up to a burning light bulb. If you can see a clear outline of the bulb, your filter is good. When it gets to the point you can't see the bulb, it's time for a new one. If you have pets or are a smoker, you'll need to change the furnace filter more often.

You may think changing the filter isn't that big of a deal. But when your furnace's blower motor burns out because a clogged filter restricted too much air flow, you will. A new motor is going to cost a lot more than a filter.

Furnace Maintenance - Blower & Motor:

Clean the blower assembly and check to make sure the belt isn't loose or damaged. Assuming your furnace doesn't have a sealed blower motor, put a few drops of oil in the motor. This helps the blower motor run smoothly and efficiently, allowing your heating system to keep you warm this winter.

A few furnace tips worth noting. Your heating and air conditioning vents are there for a reason. Neither your return air vents nor supply registers should be obstructed by furniture or anything else. Air needs to freely circulate through them, including filters that are used at the vent. Are they trapping lots of junk? They're likely trapping lots of air too. Don't be surprised if a new blower motor is in your future! If you absolutely must use thick filters of any sort, have the static pressure tested at both the return and supply vents to make sure you're getting the required minimum airflow for your furnace. According to HVAC pros, if a better, thicker filter is added anywhere, they generally have to rework existing return vents or add new ones.

Does your furnace room double as a storage closet? Bad idea. No kind of flammable material should be stored anywhere near your furnace or water heater. And speaking of your furnace room — did you know that your furnace and water heater need a lot of combustion air? Unless your furnace has a fresh air vent installed and piped to the exterior of your house — no, that does not mean your chimney — you need to have a vented furnace room. Here's the calculation: If the volume of space in your furnace room is smaller than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU/h, including both your furnace and water heater, you need to vent the room.

"I Need A Pro!"
So, have you decided you'd rather go with an HVAC (Heating Ventilating Air Conditioning) pro? Prices for a furnace tune-up vary by area. Of course, the services offered with your furnace tune-up may vary too, but here are some of the things you can expect done to keep your heating system in good shape:

• Check the operation of burner;
• Inspect the heat exchanger;
• Check the blower operation and clean if needed;
• Check the amperage and oil if needed; 
• Check the fan belt;
• Check the condensate drain;
• Check the condensate drain wiring;
• Inspect the wiring for cracks or loose connections and visually inspect the heat exchanger for cracks; 
• Check the calibration and operation of limit controls, such as the limit switch, pressure switch and roll out switch;
• Check the fan limit, including the high limits;
• Check the thermostat calibration and anticipator;
• Check the operation of the ventor; and
• Check for carbon monoxide near the furnace and throughout the house.

A typical maintenance check-up should include the following:

• Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
• Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
• Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.
• Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump when in cooling mode. A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.
• Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.

Cooling Specific

• Clean evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce the system's ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
• Check your central air conditioner's refrigerant level and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
• Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow for greater comfort levels. Airflow problems can reduce your system's efficiency by up to 15 percent.

Heating Specific

• Check all gas or oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion, and heat exchanger. Improperly operating gas or oil connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can cause the equipment to operate less efficiently and create a safety risk.

Actions To Do Yourself

• Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early system failure.

A typical maintenance check-up should include the following.

• Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
• Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
• Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity used.
• Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump when in cooling mode. A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.
• Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.

Here is what services we offer:

• Furnace Repair
• Heater Repair
• Heat Pumps
• Electric Water Heater Repair
• Thermostats
• Baseboard Heating
• Electronic Air Cleaners
• Filter Replacement
• System Tune Ups and Maintenance
• Emergency Services

Small Town Quality with the Latest Technology

We know the value of being more than just a number! We are based out of our hometown of Meadow Vista, CA. We treat you and your home with respect and learn how to best meet your heating and air conditioning needs. When you work with Spoor's Heating and Air Conditioning, you get all the technological capabilities that big name companies have but we treat you like the high valued client you truly are — not just a customer number.

• Furnace Repair
• Heater Repair
• Heat Pumps
• Electric Water Heater Repair
• Thermostats
• Baseboard Heating
• Electronic Air Cleaners
• Filter Replacement
• System Tune Ups and Maintenance
• Emergency Service

Examine Your HVAC Unit

Many HVAC systems can last as long as 20 years before they need to be replaced. Examine your unit to see if it's still functioning properly. If not, contact a professional HVAC contractor to replace it with an HVAC system fit for your home’s needs. While this may be a large initial cost, it will save money in the long run and make your house warmer and safer. Be sure to check your HVAC system long before the onset of winter. If you only discover that you need to install a new unit during the winter, you may be stuck for a number of days in freezing weather, especially if you live in an area like Minneapolis.

Change Your Filter

Sometime the only repair that needs to be done is to replace an old filter. When purchasing a new one, consider a reusable filter. These can be rinsed and reused like new. Be sure to replace or clean your filter every month for optimal efficiency.

Tips

One of the easiest ways to cut electricity costs is to make sure your home has proper insulation and ventilation. Moisture can build up during the winter if your home isn't properly ventilated. Roof rot may begin if the moisture doesn’t have a way to escape and you’ll need to hire a roofing contractor to repair the damage. Proper maintenance and inspection is the best way to keep your HVAC system operating as its best. If you think you may have a problem, contact Spoors Heating and Air Conditioning for an expert.

Services:

• Furnace Repair
• Heater Repair
• Heat Pumps
• Electric Water Heater Repair
• Thermostats
• Baseboard Heating
• Electronic Air Cleaners
• Filter Replacement
• System Tune Ups and Maintenance
• Emergency Service

Small Town Quality with the Latest Technology

We know the value of being more than just a number! We're based in our hometown of Meadow Vista, CA. We treat you and your home with respect and learn how to best meet your heating and air conditioning needs. When you work with Spoor's Heating and Air Conditioning, you get all the technology capabilities that the big names have but treated like the high valued client you truly are — not just a customer number.

Satisfaction Guarantee

We are here to make your repair or new installation a smooth process. Our assessment and consultation process will give you the valuable information needed to best meet your heating and air conditioning needs. We stand behind our work and want you as a client for life.

We know the value of being more than just a number! We are based out of our hometown of Meadow Vista, CA. 

You and your home are treated with respect as we learn how to best meet your heating and air conditioning needs.

When you work with Spoor's Heating and Air Conditioning, you receive all the technological capabilities the big name companies use but with the treatment of the high valued client you truly are, not just a customer number.

Why You Should Schedule An Indoor Air Quality Inspection

Smoke from a wildfire carries particulate matter of every item and structure burned, creating a complex mixture of toxic fumes. Many people who are in the vicinity of the smoke as it travels turn on or increase the use of their air conditioner to combat the unpleasant smells. While this appears to provide refuge, the ultra-fine particles in the smoke still bypass closed doors and windows in a building or home.

Spoor’s Heating & Air Conditioning provides a range of IAQ equipment and services to help business and homeowners amplify the indoor air they and others breathe. Common examples of IAQ equipment our technicians install include:

• Air Purifiers: These appliances can be whole-house or portable and block and trap allergens, bacteria, and unpleasant odors from entering the indoor air.
• Media Filters: Larger and thicker than a regular air filter, a media filter filters a greater volume of air.
• UV Bulbs: Also called UV lights, these bulbs emit ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria, mold, and other organic growths in a specific area. They’re commonly installed near the evaporator coils of an HVAC system.

Does My HVAC System Need Service?

If your home or business has been directly or indirectly affected by a wildfire, such as in the jetstream flow many miles away, the HVAC system most likely needs to be inspected. Smoke particles can linger in ductwork for years after a fire and without thorough cleaning will continue to lower the IAQ. The technicians with Spoor’s Heating & Air Conditioning will inspect your system from top to bottom and make any necessary heating and air repairs.

How Can I Prepare My HVAC System For Wildfire Season?

As you make plans for either this wildfire season or in the future, remember to prepare the HVAC system by scheduling HVAC maintenance and repairs with Spoor’s Heating & Air Conditioning. If your area isn’t asked to evacuate, many people essentially shelter in place which means they spend more time indoors until the outdoor air clears. During a maintenance check-up, our technicians will make sure the system is operating at top efficiency and any potential issue that could cause a breakdown is resolved before hand. We can also evaluate the indoor air quality and install equipment to ensure everyone breathes easier. Contact Spoor’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule AC repair in Sacramento, CA.

What Is The Air Quality Index (AQI)?

The federal government uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to communicate the levels of air pollution and associated health effects with the public. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the AQI focuses on health effects that individuals may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. The AQI is calculated based on five environmental air pollutants — ground-level ozone, particle pollution or particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide — and divides each level of pollution into six levels. Of these pollutants, the EPA regards ground-level ozone and airborne particulates as the two most hazardous types of contamination.

How Is The AQI Measured?

AQI measurements range from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of environmental pollution and concern for public health. For example, while an AQI value of 50 projects satisfactory air with little to no health risks, AQI values hovering between 150 to 200 — as recently reported in Northern California —- can cause adverse health effects in healthy individuals. The EPA divides each classification of AQI into the following six categories.

Good (0–50)

An AQI range of 0 to 50 indicated satisfactory air quality. At this level, the amount of air pollution poses little to no risk to health, for both individuals in good health and for those more sensitive to environmental pollutants. There are no precautions recommended for this AQI level. Northern California regions typically fall within this range of AQI during wildfire inactivity.

Moderate (51–100)

Moderate AQI measurements range from 51 to 100. At this level, air quality is acceptable, but certain types of pollutants may pose a moderate health concern to a small portion of individuals. Those who are extremely sensitive to highly hazardous pollutants, such as ground-level ozone, may experience respiratory problems with moderate AQI.

Individuals who are unusually sensitive to pollutants should consider reducing the amount of time spent outdoors to prevent worsening health issues or ailments from pollutant-exposure.

Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups (101–150)

AQI that is unhealthy for individuals who are sensitive to pollutants range from 110 to 150. The general public may not experience adverse health effects by this index rating. However, older adults, those with heart and/or lung disease, and children are at greater risk for adverse health effects from ozone exposure and airborne particulates.

Recommended actions to protect against adverse health effects warn that individuals with health disease or lung disease as well as children should avoid all outdoor physical activity.

Unhealthy (151–200)

An “unhealthy” index measurement ranges between 151 and 200. At this AQI level, the general public and sensitive groups may begin to experience severe health effects. In addition, individuals who are highly sensitive to pollutants may experience worsened health effects. As the most current AQI rating in Northern California, it’s important that those with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged exposure to or heavy exertion while outdoors.

To protect your indoor air from exposure to pollutants, contact us to schedule ac repair and indoor air quality service.

Very Unhealthy (201–300)

“Very unhealthy” AQI has a numerical value ranging from 201 to 300 and constitutes a health warning of emergency conditions. At this level, the entire population is likely to be affected by the severe degree of environmental pollution. At this level, there is an increasing aggravation of preexisting conditions as well as risk of premature death to those with heart or lung disease and the elderly. The general population may experience increased respiratory effects. The overall population, as well as those who are affected by these conditions, should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure as well as any heavy exertion while outdoors.

Hazardous (301–500)

An AQI measurement between 301 to 500 constitutes the most hazardous degree of pollution. Every person may experience the development of severe adverse health effects, including respiratory effects and even premature mortality. Individuals who are unusually sensitive to pollutants and those with preexisting conditions may experience rapid worsening or declination of health. At this level, it’s recommended that every person avoid outdoor exposure. To prevent contamination to indoor air, it’s imperative that North California home and business owners maintain high indoor air quality — contact us today to schedule an inspection for determining the quality of your indoor air.

How Does Poor Air Quality Affect Your Health?

How To Protect Yourself From Wildfire Pollution While Outdoors

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Season