RSES Journal Winter 2025, RETA-RSES

Next-level Maintenance Drives Winter Residential Heating Success

Proactive maintenance is essential to avoid breakdowns in the coldest months.

BY CASEY MCCONNAUGHY

W inter conditions can be taxing on furnaces and heat pumps. Proactive maintenance can help to ensure these preferences are met while also confirming equip ment is operating within the manufacturer’s intended performance and efficiency range. The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) has devel oped an extensive collection of training and certification programs for HVACR professions. This training features detailed train ing programs, including Technical Institute manuals and focused course units, industry-specific certification and reference materials, and online, self-paced training courses and DVD resources. Each contractor must also develop and apply their own level of expertise, to help drive successful furnace and heat pump maintenance this season. Preparing for Service Proactive maintenance provides an opportunity to catch minor issues before they escalate. Winter service can look different based on client expectations, regional climates and weather conditions. Whether a seasonal tune-up is being conducted as part of an annual service contract, or a customer has requested an inspec tion, every site visit should begin by having a conversation with the homeowner, to learn of any home comfort issues. Before arriving on-site, confirm the make, model and age of the system to ensure the appropriate supplies, like filters, are stocked. Taking an inventory of tools before service can also help to ensure efficiency on the job. In addition to common hand tools, a small vacuum with attachments, a wire brush, extra-fine steel wool, an ohmmeter and an inspection camera are helpful devices. Inspect Key Components for Peak Performance The heat exchanger is central to safe and efficient furnace perfor mance. Visually inspect the unit looking for signs of cracks, corro sion and contaminants. Gas burners should be taken out, wire brushed and vacuumed to remove debris. Flame sensors and spark ignitors should be carefully cleaned using extra-fine steel wool— more abrasive materials, like sand cloth or emery cloth, will cause damage, as they can leave silica imbedded in the flame sensing rod, which acts as an insulator. They can also damage the rod by leaving scratches in it, causing it to get dirty faster. Once the components are clean and reinstalled, an ohmmeter can be used to measure the electrical continuity within the hot surface ignitor and safety switches. Safety switches should regis ter as closed, showing very low resistance when tested, while hot surface ignitors have specific resistance ranges that vary depending

on their type. By measuring each component’s electrical resistance, the reading can be compared to the manufacturer’s specs to deter mine if it is close to failure or in working condition. In an electric heat pump or dual fuel systems , inspect the outdoor coil for signs of corrosion and debris. If debris is present, clean the coil, as proper heat transfer is key to equipment operation. Check ing the static pressure across the indoor coil can also provide an indication of equipment health. By comparing the pressure drop against the manufacturer's installation manual, it is an option to determine if the coil is restricted and needs to be cleaned. In both furnaces and air handling units, it is crucial to inspect the blower wheel. Debris that passes beyond the filter can build up on the blower, limiting airflow and requiring more electricity to move the motor. A malfunctioning or dirty blower wheel can result in temperature loss or cold spots within the home as well as lost efficiency, which can lead to increased heating bills. Air leakage is another area that can negatively impact heating efficiency and lead to premature wear on both furnaces and heat pumps, as well as higher utility bills and occupant discomfort. Inspecting the complete ductwork system manually or by using an inspection camera provides a clear picture of the ductwork design to determine where there may be inefficiencies or signs of damage. Airflow will always take the path of least resistance. It is also important to inspect the system itself for additional areas of air leakage. This can occur between equipment components such as the furnace and indoor coil or filter rack. These areas can be easily sealed using foil tape to enhance airflow and efficiency. Additionally, inspect where the thermostat meets the wall for potential air leaks, which can cause inaccurate temperature readings. Deliver Lasting Benefits Through Proactive Seasonal Maintenance Seasonal inspections provide an important opportunity to ensure equipment remains reliable, efficient and safe. For homeowners, this can translate to measurable cost-savings over the lifespan of the system. Routine maintenance is also often necessary to main tain manufacturers’ warranties. While the winter season often prompts homeowners to think about their home comfort system, bi-annual inspections are often ideal for year round performance. During each check, documentation of all inspected areas and recommendations help to build trust during all seasons. Casey McConnaughy is regional technical service manager for Bosch Home Comfort Group and currently serves on the RETA-RSES Board of Directors.

WINTER 2025 RSES Journal 13

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