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Furnace Maintenance Explained

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 19:43:28 GMT

With the first hard freeze out of the way, it's safe to say that all of our heating systems are in full swing this season. Unfortunately, we are far from the end of the cold weather. Is your furnace ready to get you through the cold days ahead? Too often, homeowners wait until something goes wrong with their system to call an HVAC service technician out. However, every HVAC system requires regular maintenance to ensure it is performing properly and will continue to. This means you should not only call your technician when something goes wrong; If you are still playing defense with your maintenance instead of making offensive moves, it's time for a change.

Basics of Preventive Maintenance

Regular furnace maintenance is what is referred to as preventive maintenance by service professionals, but what exactly is preventive maintenance? Preventive maintenance is any kind of scheduled maintenance that can help you prevent damage to your system. Preventive maintenance might be checking for early signs of damage or malfunction to treat a problem before it shuts down your system, or it may simply be an in-depth cleaning and tune-up that your system needs to operate at its peak performance.

Too many times homeowners question the importance of annual equipment checks, without realizing that this could save the life of their heating system-and save them a ton of money in emergency repairs.

Oftentimes, even seemingly small issues can become huge problems if left unchecked. This is why preventive maintenance and inspections are crucial, especially in your home's HVAC systems. Certain problems are often not noticeable by an untrained eye, but might be caught early if checked by a professional.

Preventive maintenance may wear many hats and play many different roles. Regardless of what part this maintenance is playing for each individual system, experts agree that preventive maintenance is the key to keeping your equipment in tip-top condition.

How Can Furnace Maintenance Help You?

We all know how important it is to get annual checkups with our physicians and have the oil changed and tires rotated on our cars every few months - Your HVAC systems are no different. In many ways, furnace maintenance is the most effective way to keep your furnace running properly and your family warm during these cold New Jersey winters. From changing air filters to cleaning burners, your system cannot run efficiently without annual tune-ups and maintenance. Here are just a few ways that proper furnace maintenance can help you and your household this winter.

Efficiency

Furnace maintenance makes sure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. There are many small issues that your furnace may be experiencing like a loose element, a clogged drain line, or even something as simple as a dirty filter, that can seriously hinder your unit's performance and efficiency. While your furnace may still function in some capacity with these problems, it will take much longer to heat your home. Not only is this inconvenient and uncomfortable for you and your family, but it can also drive up your utility bills. Keeping on top of your furnace maintenance can save you a ton of money in energy bills alone.

Extended Service Life

Whether your furnace seems to be experiencing any issues or not, having it checked every year can extend the service life of your furnace by many years. Regular cleaning and tune-ups can help keep your furnace from experiencing any issues related to debris build-up, rust, or clogs. When your furnace does not have to run harder to make up for these kinds of problems, there is less strain on the mechanical elements of the system and they may last longer.

Maintenance is also important to the lifespan of your unit because your technician may find any number of problems early on before they can cause any major damage to the system as a whole. Addressing these issues before they turn into expensive repairs or replacements is not only going to save you money, but it is also going to keep further strain off of your system. Like you and your car, the better shape your furnace is in, the longer it will last. A properly-maintained furnace can last up to 15-20 years.

Air Quality

One of the primary jobs of your HVAC system is to circulate air throughout your entire home. This air reaches every room-common spaces, bedrooms, bathrooms, even your kitchen. When all this air is doing is keeping you warm, this whole-house coverage is a benefit. Unfortunately, your furnace system might not be sending out pure, warm air. The last thing you want your furnace to be pushing through your home is dust and other airborne pollutants that have taken up residence in your furnace and air ducts.

Having your entire system cleaned every 6-12 months is essential in maintaining that great, healthy air quality that your family needs. A dirty furnace could be as simple as a filter that needs to be replaced, or there might even be built-up debris inside the unit itself. Regardless of where the air quality issue came from, it is important that it is remedied quickly to avoid prolonged exposure to pollutants. During your furnace maintenance appointment, your technician will be sure your unit is clean of mildew, mold, dust, and other contaminants that can negatively affect your air quality and otherwise jeopardize your family's health.

When it comes to furnace maintenance, it is a bit more of an involved process than maintenance on some other systems. During your technician's visit, they are inspecting and clean the internal and external components of your HVAC system. When the parts of the furnace are properly inspected and cleaned, they help your furnace run more efficiently and safely.

Furnace tune-ups involve checking all of the system's essential components and adjusting, cleaning, testing, and/or lubricating them, as needed. While every system and HVAC company may do things a little bit differently, some of the specific tasks involved in your furnace maintenance checklist may include:

Adjust burners
Adjust pilot
Check amperage draw
Check and secure all panels
Check blower motor and lubricate it
Check blower wheel
Check electrical connections
Check fan belts
Check for combustion air
Check furnace filters
Check furnace wiring
Check gas valve operation
Check heat anticipators
Check hot water tank
Check humidifier
Check limit control
Check motors and oil if necessary
Check thermocouple
Check the thermostat and calibrate if necessary
Check thermostat contacts
Clean and check pilot
Clean burners
Clean furnace or boiler
Inspect combustion chamber
And more!

When you work with trusted companies like Midstate HVAC, your technician will help walk you through the many parts of your furnace maintenance so that you understand what is going on and feel confident in your ability to keep your system running properly after the work is done. After all, one of the most important aspects of furnace maintenance is day-to-day care.

What Does It Involve?

How Often Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?

Maintenance Plans

Most experts agree that your furnace should undergo routine cleaning and tune-up at least once every year for its entire service life. This is a base-level maintenance recommendation and If you're serious about keeping a high-level indoor air quality, you may consider getting furnace tune-ups more frequently. If you or anyone in your home has respiratory issues or a compromised immune system, for example, your physician may recommend that you have your system professionally cleaned 2-4 times per year.

The ideal time for furnace maintenance service is before you'll be running your system on a daily basis when the temperatures drop. It is safe to say that the best time for a furnace tune-up is usually during the end of summer and the beginning of fall. By getting a furnace tune-up before winter sets in, you can ensure your system is ready to support your comfort needs during the cold season!

One of the biggest questions customers have about scheduling regular maintenance is, how much is this going to cost me? While every company is different and maintenance costs can differ greatly from one place to another, the most cost-effective way to keep up with ongoing preventive maintenance costs is to look into maintenance plans with your preferred service company. While not all HVAC companies offer maintenance plans, looking into these kinds of plans with your preferred provider is a great way to save you valuable time and money. Comparing different maintenance plans offered by businesses in your area is the best way to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck.

But what is a maintenance plan, exactly? To put it simply, an HVAC maintenance plan is an agreement you enter into with your service provider to receive annual services for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, such as tune-ups, cleaning, and evaluations. You may agree to pay either a monthly or annual fee, depending on the company. Typically the company will also send you reminders of when it is time to schedule your annual maintenance for the different systems that need to be serviced around your home.

Midstate HVAC

Wondering who you can trust with your furnace maintenance? Look no further than Midstate HVAC! We are New Jersey's most reliable and friendly HVAC service providers and we are committed to helping you keep up with your furnace maintenance needs.

To speak to one of our in-house experts, or to make your maintenance appointment, give us a call at (609) 431-5890 or visit our website!

How To Save On Your Electric Bill This Winter?

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:52:35 GMT

Winters in New Jersey can mean expensive electric bills, but there are many ways you can save on your energy costs this winter.

One way to cut down on your electricity bill is to make sure your home is properly insulated. Check for cracks and leaks around doors and windows, and caulk or seal them up. You can also add insulation to your attic, walls, and floors.

Today, we'll discuss the best and most efficient ways to stay warm and save on your electric bill.

1. Get a Programmable Thermostat:

You can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10° for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to set back your temperature since it can be programmed to do it automatically at times that would work best, for example, if nobody is home throughout the day.

Some of our favorite programmable thermostats include:

Nest Thermostat E
Honeywell Lyric T5+ Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
ecobee4 Smart Thermostat with Built-In Amazon Alexa

Our experts can help you install these thermostats quickly so you can start using these right away!

2. Let the Sunshine In:

During the daytime, open up your curtains and blinds to let in the sunshine. The sun will help warm up your home naturally. And in the winter, the sun is lower in the sky, so it can help heat up your home even when it's not that sunny outside. Just be sure to close your curtains at night to keep the heat in.

3. Use Space Heaters Safely:

Space heaters can be a great way to heat up a small space quickly. But it's important to use them safely. First, make sure the space heater is on a level surface and away from any flammable materials, like curtains or furniture. Second, don't leave the space heater on when you leave the room or go to bed. And third, always unplug the space heater when you're done using it.

4. Wear Layers:

Instead of cranking up the heat, put on a sweater or blanket. Wearing layers is a great way to stay warm without using too much energy. And when you're not home, simply turn down the thermostat so you're not heating an empty house.

5. Use a Humidifier:

Adding moisture to the air can make you feel warmer without raising the temperature. And it's good for your skin and respiratory system. Just be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to change the direction of the blades. In the winter, you want the blades to rotate clockwise. This will push the warm air that's risen to the ceiling back down into the room.

6. Reverse Your Ceiling Fan:

7. Seal Air Leaks:

8. Use Appliances Wisely:

One way to keep the heat in and the cold out is to seal up any air leaks around your doors and windows. You can do this yourself with weather-stripping or caulk. But if you have a lot of leaks, it might be worth calling in a professional to help you out.

Appliances like your oven, dishwasher, and clothes dryer give off heat as they work. So, if you're trying to stay warm, make use of them. But be careful not to overdo it. Running your oven for long periods of time can increase your risk of a house fire. And running your dishwasher or clothes dryer when they're not full can waste a lot of energy.

9. Insulate Your Home:

Adding insulation to your attic, walls, and floors is one of the best ways to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It's also a great way to reduce noise pollution. And it can even help improve your home's resale value.

10. Get a Home Energy Audit:

11. Educate Yourself On Zone Heating:

12. Consider A Smart Thermostat:

13. Schedule a Heating Tune Up:

Pro Tip: Call Mid-State for Help!

A home energy audit is an assessment of your home to identify ways to improve your energy efficiency. The auditor will look at your insulation, windows, doors, heating and cooling systems, and more. They'll also take into account your home's size, age, and climate. After the audit, you'll receive a report with recommendations on how to improve your home's energy efficiency. And in some cases, you may be eligible for rebates or tax credits.

You can further increase your savings by using a technique called zone heating. This involves heating only the rooms that are being used and keeping the doors to unoccupied rooms closed. You can do this by using a space heater in the room you're in and turning down the thermostat in the rest of the house. Or, you can install a zone heating system, which is a series of connected thermostats that allow you to control the temperature in each room individually.

A smart thermostat is a thermostat that can be controlled remotely, typically via a smartphone app. They can also learn your heating and cooling habits and adjust the temperature accordingly. Some smart thermostats will even take into account the weather forecast when making adjustments. Many offer features like energy usage reports and vacation mode, which can save you even more money.

Before the cold weather hits, it's a good idea to have your heating system checked by a professional. They can clean and tune up your furnace or heat pump to make sure it's running efficiently. And they can also identify any potential problems so they can be fixed before they cause major issues.

If you need help making sure everything is working efficiently, call Mid-State. We are able to assess all of your equipment and make sure everything is working together to keep you warm and cozy while also saving you money!

5 Tips To Minimize The Strain On Your HVAC System Throughout The Summer

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 19:56:27 GMT

Do You Have Hard Water In Your Home?

Check Your System

Your system may seem to be running perfectly fine, but many AC systems have internal problems that the average homeowner would never notice. If you haven't had your AC unit serviced yet this season, it's not too late and it will certainly benefit you to have it done soon. You'll have peace of mind knowing that the unit isn't running up the energy bill by working overtime, and even better, you'll know it isn't about to give out at any moment leaving you with no air in the middle of a heat wave. Our technicians at Guaranteed Service can perform a full tune-up to ensure all parts of your AC unit are working at maximum efficiency, and if anything in your unit needs to be repaired, they'll let you know right then and there!

Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed

If you find yourself constantly messing with the thermostat and changing the temperature to make sure everyone's comfortable, you should definitely have a smart thermostat installed. There are smart thermostat options that learn the exact temperature you prefer at any given time in the day and automatically adjust to it. This is extremely useful when looking to save money because you can program it for your specific needs. For example, if you're not home during the day, there's no need to be blasting the AC - but you don't want it to be too warm when you get home, so the thermostat will get it back to the perfect temperature just before you pull in every day.

Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed

Summer is in full swing and most of us are so happy to be relaxing and making unforgettable memories with our loved ones. Unfortunately for many people, it's hard to fully enjoy themselves through these hot months with the instantaneous knot in their stomach every time they pass by the thermostat. The thought of how high the electricity bill is going to be at the end of the month can certainly be a downer when trying to cool off after a long hot day in the sun, but luckily, we have a few tips that will help to keep your home cool, your pockets full, and your mind at ease!

mid-state-heating-c20260202134906

Furnace Maintenance Explained

Basics of Preventive Maintenance

How Can Furnace Maintenance Help You?

Efficiency

Extended Service Life

Air Quality

What Does It Involve?

How Often Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?

Maintenance Plans

Midstate HVAC

How To Save On Your Electric Bill This Winter?

1. Get a Programmable Thermostat:

2. Let the Sunshine In:

3. Use Space Heaters Safely:

4. Wear Layers:

5. Use a Humidifier:

6. Reverse Your Ceiling Fan:

7. Seal Air Leaks:

8. Use Appliances Wisely:

9. Insulate Your Home:

10. Get a Home Energy Audit:

11. Educate Yourself On Zone Heating:

12. Consider A Smart Thermostat:

13. Schedule a Heating Tune Up:

Pro Tip: Call Mid-State for Help!

5 Tips To Minimize The Strain On Your HVAC System Throughout The Summer

Do You Have Hard Water In Your Home? ﻿

Check Your System

Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed

Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed

WATER SOFTENER, WATER FILTER, GUARANTEED SERVICE

Do You Have Hard Water In Your Home?